From in-house trainee to counsel

As an advocate of training in-house, now some six months post-qualifying, it is important to reflect on all that I have learned during my training.

Following an initial degree in international politics, I started studying Scots and English Law (Accelerated) in 2014. On completion of my law degree, I spent a year working in London at the Department of Health. I returned to Scotland and completed an honours year, followed by the diploma. In 2021 I began a role as a contract adviser at Insights. Seven months later, I was delighted when I was given the opportunity to complete my traineeship with Insights, where I have been able to develop skills in commercial contracting, intellectual property, data protection and risk management.

Starting as a new trainee is daunting, and arguably more so in an in-house role. It can often seem that the business expects you to be the legal equivalent of Google. Initially such expectations can feel like a challenge, but over time it equips you with the ability to navigate issues effectively and results in building credibility as a trusted legal adviser. I learned very quickly the importance of fostering cross-functional relationships. In a busy legal team, it is crucial for your development that you seek out opportunities to observe more experienced lawyers. I have benefited from working with a range of lawyers and experience levels in Scotland, Singapore and Canada. This has provided a forum for learning from different perspectives on alternative approaches so that both the internal client and the external customer are satisfied with the solution provided.

There are distinct benefits to training in-house, such as having an individual caseload from day one. Shortly after I started, I requested that I support the management of intellectual property around the business. Mastering how the law fits the product in a commercial business is imperative and a thorough knowledge of intellectual property is one way to add value as a support function. This is increasingly important with the development of AI tools and technological advances. Personally, I am very excited about what AI could achieve, although I am equally concerned that it be used appropriately and with adequate restrictions to ensure that intellectual property and confidential business information remain protected. I think it could be a valuable addition for private practice and in-house businesses provided there are appropriate safeguards in place and appropriate licensing terms are set out prior to the use of any such tools.  

Like many in the profession at the moment, I am concerned at the perceived challenge to the independence of the legal profession that may come with increasing regulation. However, the focus on both consumer and legal protection to legal services could be of substantial advantage to the preservation of the rule of law in Scotland.

With the growth of opportunities to train in-house, the perception of such training is changing. Perhaps contrary to the experience of in-house lawyers in the past, my experience working with private practice lawyers and external counsel has been entirely positive. Training in-house has given me confidence in project management and building relationships, as well as commercial awareness and the ability to make sound judgment decisions that support the business goals. All of these skills, I believe, are essential in forging a successful career in private practice or in-house.

Effie-Jean's 3 tips 

1. Find a mentor who can provide advice on communication, project management and risk management that’s appropriate to the risk appetite of the business.
2. Seek feedback at every opportunity and constantly ask yourself, ‘how could this have gone better?’
3. Get involved in as many practice areas as you can. 

Written by Effie-Jean Mackenzie - Legal Counsel at Insights Learning & Development Limited.