Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

From ‘cop’ to trusted adviser: understanding organisational expectations and risk management for in-house lawyers

Published by a LexisNexis In-house Advisor expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note outlines the context for the in‑house lawyer’s role and what their organisations expect of them. It sets the scene for understanding shifting responsibilities and perceptions in organisations today.

What are in-house lawyers expected to do?

Not long ago, the prevailing view was that moving in‑house marked a somewhat second‑tier route—the refuge for those who hadn’t fully thrived in private practice. That perception has decisively shifted, and expectations have altered accordingly. Businesses now demand far more of their legal functions and the professionals within them. Standards are, rightly, high—yet what, precisely, is being asked? To answer, it helps to trace where the in‑house community has come from. Consider this extract from an SRA‑commissioned report dated February 2014: it notes that the evolution of in‑house counsel over roughly three decades is rooted in the United States. Yet, during the past 10–15 years, the UK...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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