In-house solicitors are one of the fastest growing sectors in the profession and across a wide range of organisations. These range from multi-national corporations and government departments to high-street businesses, charities, educational establishments and local health authorities.

This important, influential, and diverse part of the profession plays a key role in helping organisations to behave legally, fairly and ethically.

General Counsel, in particular, is an important leadership role in organisations. The role often combines both trusted adviser and business partner and helps to drive the strategic direction of organisations. This provides in-house solicitors with even greater opportunities for influence but also presents more challenges.

Our review showed that most in-house solicitors felt positive about their role in organisations and also felt that their legal function was valued. However, solicitors also highlighted significant political and economic pressures, increasing workloads and challenges in retaining and recruiting talent.

For these reasons, without adequate safeguards and systems, in-house teams may struggle to manage conflicting duties and ethical and regulatory risks. They must, therefore, carefully consider how they can deliver organisational objectives while maintaining independence.