5 things I discovered when I started working in-house

‘Nobody can be told what the matrix is, you have to see it for yourself’ (Morpheus)

‘What even is a matrix organisational structure?’, said Sarah, a few minutes into her first in-house law job.?Luckily, it didn’t involve taking a red or blue pill and going down a rabbit hole (well not so far, anyway). ?

My experience as an in-house lawyer at three life sciences companies has been fantastic, and I’ve enjoyed taking a moment to think back to the early days. ?

Last week Jamie Pearson shared his HIGH FIVE in-house first impressions, and here are mine…

1. There were CLEVER PEOPLE everywhere.?PHDs, MBAs, many people with both. Medical doctors, medical doctors with PHDs or MBAs, tax experts, proper scientists, supply chain wizards – the list goes on.?I immediately encountered highly engaged accomplished professionals, and so many experts in so many areas I’d never even heard of before.?I went from working with other lawyers most of the time, to being one of many experts.?It was different, and interesting, and my brain was full of new information. I was hooked.
2. I came to realise how important COLLABORATION AND CONNECTIONS are in a company environment.?Not only had I never heard of a matrix organisation, I’d never been part of a ‘cross functional team’ either.?It was fascinating to see how different members of the team had such different perspectives; but we all worked towards the same objective.?Over time I learned that building connections and relationships are actually an important part of the job, and I find this part of the job rewarding and fun!
3. I loved the teamwork, and that this was driven by a CLEAR SENSE OF PURPOSE.?Where I’ve worked, this purpose is to improve the lives of patients.?I’m not na?ve, and I know that companies need to make money to fund innovation and create value for their owners, but I’ve experienced collective commitment to patients and seen values-based decision making that is genuine and inspiring.
4. In purpose-driven organisations, CULTURE MATTERS. The concept of company culture rooted in common goals and purpose (such as serving patients, and doing the right thing) was completely new to me, and honestly it took a little time to get my head around.?All around me I saw leaders and others buy into the collective vision and take conscious steps to live company values in their day-to-day roles, and I opened up to it too. ??
5. My CAREER DEVELOPMENT was important!?People wanted to engage me about my goals and aspirations and to help identify opportunities.?This was new!?I had a manager a part of whose actual job it was to develop me.?And there were learning opportunities everywhere – little ones, big ones, some fun and some boring - but new issues, matters and problems crossed my desk every day.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed becoming an in-house lawyer.? What about you??Are you an in-house lawyer with some first, or lasting, impressions to share??Or are you someone thinking about a move in-house and you have some questions?