In an unexpected turn, some lawyers who previously chose to leave private practice to work as in-house counsel within major companies are now returning to business law in legal professional firms. This trend is generating an interesting debate within the legal sector, as it raises questions about the motivations and expectations of lawyers at different stages of their careers.

Our founding partner, Marc Gericó, shares his perspective on this phenomenon with Cinco Días and analyses the reasons behind this shift. Discover why this movement is taking place and what it means for the future of the legal sector, for lawyers, law firms and the companies that employ them.

Do law firms welcome the arrival of an in-house lawyer?

Absolutely. The integration of an in-house lawyer is often highly valued by law firms, particularly because of what they bring in terms of strategic vision and deep client knowledge. These profiles hold a direct understanding of the business’s real needs, of internal timelines, of how decisions are made and of the internal language used within companies.

In many cases, their experience enables them to better anticipate client expectations, adapt more swiftly to the business context and contribute a more solutions-oriented approach. Moreover, they usually possess a solid network of contacts and a more cross-functional perspective, which can enhance both the firm’s value proposition and its ability to engage effectively with the legal departments of large corporations.

Ultimately, what is valued goes beyond their technical expertise: it is their ability to build bridges between the firm and the company.

In your opinion, what might be going wrong in the in-house model for lawyers to want to return to a law firm?

It is not so much a structural flaw in the in-house model as it is about differing motivations and professional stages. Some profiles place a premium on flexibility, a lighter workload or a stronger connection with the business. For these professioanals, the corporate world is more appealing and more sustainable in the long term.

However, other lawyers prioritise accelerated growth, a more clearly defined career path and more competitive remuneration packages, particularly at senior levels. For these profiles, the environment of major law firms -whether national or international- may be more stimulating. It offers complex legal challenges, international exposure and a structured professional development pathway.

Fundamentally, it is not that one model is failing: rather, they respond to different needs and priorities. What is interesting today is seeing how some firms are beggining to adopt practices more typical of the in-house world (such as flexibility or business orientation), while some companies are further professionalising their legal departments in line with law firms standards. The boundary is no longer as rigid as it was a decade ago.

What motivates or attracts lawyers to want to return to law firms?

In The Legal Podcast, after speaking with numerous General Counsel, they identify this very clearly (as seen, for example, in the episode with Teresa Mínguez -Porsche-): primarily, three factors: intellectual challenge, professional progression and financial incentives.

Many lawyers who have worked in-house miss the technical complexity and variety of matters offered by private practice. Whereas in a company one tends to specialise in a specific area of the business, in a firm one deals with multiple sectors, clients and jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of professional stimulation.

On the other hand, career structures tend to be more clearly defined in law firms, particularly the larger ones. This is attractive to ambitious profiles seeking to progress towards legal leadership roles, such as partnership. Additionally, variable remuneration, performance bonuses or even access to profit-sharing can be more competitive in some firms than in internal legal departments.

Finally, there is a vocational element: practising law within a firm often allows one to develop a personal brand and position oneself as a leading expert in a particular area, something not always possible from a more discreet in-house role.

Do you think the move from in-house roles back to law firms is related to the limited career progression offered by companies?

In many cases, yes. One of the main reasons some lawyers decide to leave the in-house world is the lack of a clear, structured career path. In many companies, especially outside the financial sector or large multinationals—the legal department is not always conceived as a strategic area for internal growth. This limits opportunities for promotion, visibility and leadership for legal professionals.

By contrast, law firms -particularly large national and international ones- tend to have a much more defined structure, with clear stages of progression: associate, senior associate, counsel, partner… This roadmap is highly valued by those with an ambitious or vocational approach to professional development.

Furthermore, returning to a firm can also stem from the desire to return to an environment where legal work is the core of the business, rather than a support function. For many lawyers, this represents more direct professional recognition and a greater sense of impact.

You can read the full article in Cinco Días.