3 Best In-House Counsel Reads to Remain Relevant
Being in house often means feeling disconnected from the rest of the legal world. When in-house attorneys show up to networking or social events with practicing lawyers, it can often feel like inside counsel are from Earth, while litigators are from Dante's fourth circle.
However, it doesn't have to be that way for in-house counsel. With a little bit of extra reading in their free time (which notably in-house counsel actually have, as opposed to litigators who gave up free time along with family and any sense of ever being able to relax), an in-house attorney can remain relevant, keep up to date, and even find some enjoyment.
Below, you can read about the three best things to read for in-house counsels.
1. Read the News
It's not only good for socializing with normal people, but networking with other attorneys can be made much easier if you keep on top of popular current events. Make it a weekly or daily habit to spend a little bit of time staying informed. Also, keeping your thumb on the pulse of the public can be rather helpful in your in-house position as well. For example, Lululemon's legal team was able to read the room when it comes to the public's thirst for blood when it comes to corporate sexual harassment and were able to keep a big scandal under wraps.
2. Read Your Industry's Publications
If your position involves a specific legal function, like trademarks, copyright, or what-have-you, then you'll want to read your specific industry's updated guides. Luckily, FindLaw's parent company, Thomson Reuters, offers quite a few guides specifically geared toward keeping corporate counsel up to date.
3. Broaden Your Horizons by Reading What You Want/Like
Reading anything is good for you. So read what you want or like. Even if it's comics, but especially fiction and classics and modern best sellers, it'll all help you stay sharp and relevant. If you need suggestions, you can easily find lists of books recommended by lawyers on various publications. And if you don't find books entertaining or horizon-broadening, maybe you should read the books that will make your boss happy.
Related Resources:
- Are New Breastfeeding Accommodation Laws on the Way? (FindLaw's In House)
- Pay Stub Compliance in the Digital Age for California Businesses (FindLaw's In House)
- Red Cross GC Resigns Over Sexual Harassment Report (FindLaw's In House)