Transitioning from a non-legal role to an in-house attorney role

Meta
DMvN60

Go to company page Meta

DMvN60
Jan 9 5 Comments

Attorney licensed to practice law in New York with 4 years of data privacy experience (as a consultant with a big four company and a privacy program manager).

Am interested in privacy and product counsel roles but do not have experience practicing law. I have had a couple of interviews but the lack of law firm practice or counseling experience is such a thorn in the flesh - I can't proceed to the last stage.

Would appreciate advice/guidance from anyone who has been able to transition from a non-legal role to an in-house privacy or product role (without law firm experience).

Thanks!

#legal #inhousecounsel #interview #counsel

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 5 Comments
  • Not the exact same but I worked at an accounting firm right out of law school. I now work as an in-house counsel, which I never thought was possible since I never summered at a large law firm when I was in law school.

    I applied to tons of jobs, interviewed a lot, got good at speaking about the experience I did have, and let interviewers know I’d do whatever it took to learn the things I didn’t yet know.

    It’s a hustle and you have to get used to the rejection but don’t let it faze you. Learn from each one and keep going. You got this!!!
    Jan 10 0
  • Meta
    Dajal99

    Go to company page Meta

    Dajal99
    Yes, you certainly can. By no means an easy path but I know a few folks who were able to even at FB/Meta.
    Jan 10 0
  • Meta
    Dhdidbgs

    Go to company page Meta

    Dhdidbgs
    The attorneys who support the pxfn process are always looking for more people. You should leverage a contact within your pxfn to do an internal transfer to being product counsel or privacy counsel. They might give you a trial run for one half, then the job is yours to lose. You just have to ask
    Jan 11 0
  • Samsung
    fRFh70

    Go to company page Samsung

    fRFh70
    Honestly, if you're set on being in-house with an attorney role rather than a PM-type role (which I think would be easier to get with your experience), I'd recommend spending like 1-2 years getting some law firm experience, even if it's at a mid-level firm. Even that short amount of time would plug a real limiting hole in the resume, and you would actually use the experience you gain in your day-to-day work in-house, so I don't think it would be time wasted.
    Jan 11 0
  • EY
    Qqip60

    Go to company page EY

    Qqip60
    I'm in the same position. I don't know if you can PM on here, but if you can shoot me one!
    Jan 31 0