Simple Guide to Work-Life Balance: Tips from an In-House Lawyer

Let's face it – being an in-house lawyer is tough. Your inbox is always full. Everyone needs something "urgently." And somehow, you're supposed to have a life too! Here's how I make it work.

The Real Challenge

Being an in-house lawyer means wearing many hats. One minute you are reviewing contracts. The next, you are in a crisis meeting. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. But there is a better way.

Simple Tips That Actually Work:

1. Track Your Time (Even When Nobody's Billing)

Yes, we are not billing clients anymore. But tracking time still helps:

• We use an app to record our to-do task everyday
• Analyse how long tasks actually take
• Prioritize the tasks
• Look for tasks that eat up too much time

Real Example: I block 1-2 PM as "lunch hour". No meetings, no calls. Just time to eat and reset. It works wonders.

2. Set Clear Deadlines

Tell people exactly when you will get things done for eg:

• Standard contracts = 2 business days
• Quick document reviews = 24 hours
• Complex agreements = 3-5 business days

Real Example: I put expected completion times in my email replies. Like this: "I will review this contract by Wednesday at 2 PM." It keeps everyone on the same page.

3. Handle Urgent Requests Like a Pro

Some things really can't wait. Here's what I do:

• Ask "When do you actually need this?"
• Keep a few hours free each day for surprises
• Learn to say "no" to fake emergencies

Real Example: When my marketing team needs "urgent" review of contract, I ask when it's scheduled to be executed. Often, "urgent" means "next week."

Daily Habits That Help

1. Do not check emails every 2 minutes, it distracts the flow of work
2. Take a real lunch break
3. Don’t use laptop while on lunch or tea break

Make Your Calendar Work for You

• Block time for focused work
• Schedule personal commitments first
• Keep last day of the week light for planning and reviewing performance, whenever possible

Why This Matters

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It makes you:

• More focused at work
• Less likely to make mistakes
• Actually, happy to show up each day
• A better friend and family member

Bottom Line

You don't need to choose between being a good lawyer and having a life. Small changes make a big difference. Start with one tip from this list. Add others when you are ready.

Remember: The legal department needs to be at its best. Not burnt out. Not stressed. Just balanced and effective.

Quick Wins to Try Tomorrow

1. Book your lunch hour as "busy"
2. Tell one person a realistic deadline
3. Take a real break in-between, when feeling burnt out
4. Go home on time

Your work matters. But so does your life outside work. Balance isn't about perfect equilibrium – it's about building a sustainable rhythm that lets you excel both in your career and in your personal life.