Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Key definition
In-house lawyer definition

What does In-house lawyer mean? An in-house lawyer is a lawyer employed by an organisation (company, charity, public authority or group company) to provide legal advice and services to that employer, rather than to the public or external clients. In common UK and Irish usage it is a descriptive term; detailed practising rules are set by the relevant professional regulator rather than by a single statutory definition. In England and Wales, an in-house solicitor practises for a non‑authorised person (not a law firm or ABS regulated by an Approved Regulator). They must hold a practising certificate, may carry on reserved legal activities only for...

Read More Right Arrow

Replacing a previous in-house lawyer: a practical first weeks plan—handover, stakeholder meetings, contracts register, external advisers, auditors, IP, policies and standard documents

Practice notes
imgtext

Congratulations. You’ve landed your first position as an In-house lawyer. It’s day one. Everyone seems warm and welcoming. That’s encouraging. Your organisation has previously had one or more in-house lawyers. The most recent holder of the role may or may not still be in the business. So, where should you begin?

This Practice Note launches a series designed to help you find your feet in the role and quickly become an effective member of your organisation. It outlines practical actions to schedule in your first few weeks, along with longer-term initiatives to keep in mind and start planning for. Each of these actions is explored in greater detail in accompanying Precedents, Practice Notes and Checklists.

This Practice Note is for a new in-house lawyer joining an organisation to replace the organisation’s former in-house lawyer. If you are stepping into your first in-house role in an organisation that has not previously had anyone in an in-house role, see Practice Note: Taking up a new role—new role to you and to the organisation. If you are joining an existing in-house...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.
Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow