This is one of the most common questions lawyers ask when considering an in-house move. Everyone seems to want a magic number: a particular amount of post-qualification experience (PQE) after which the transition becomes possible.
The honest answer is that there isn’t one. And that is actually good news. In-house roles differ considerably, which means your experience, skills and suitability for a particular position matter more than a universal year-count.
Quick answer
There is no fixed amount of PQE required to move in-house. The experience expected varies by role, company, seniority and the specific needs of the legal team.
A few things matter:
- Different roles expect different experience: Some in-house positions are aimed at experienced lawyers, while others are suitable for junior or entry-level candidates.
- Fit matters more than a magic number: Companies look for the skills, experience and judgment required for the particular role.
- Relevant experience matters: Work involving contracts, commercial law, regulatory matters or the company’s industry may be more useful than raw years of experience alone.
- There are different routes in: Lawyers move in-house at different stages of their careers, including through routes that do not necessarily involve extensive law firm experience.
Instead of asking, “How many years of PQE do I need?”, ask: “What does this particular role require, and do I have, or can I build, the relevant experience and skills?”
The requirements vary, so check the actual job descriptions and expectations of the organisations you are targeting. Do not assume that one firm’s experience requirements apply everywhere.
Why there’s no magic number
Let’s clear this up first: there is no universal amount of PQE required to go in-house.
The experience expected depends on the position, the company and the responsibilities involved. Some roles require lawyers who can independently handle complex matters and advise business teams. Others involve more focused responsibilities and may be suitable for lawyers at an earlier stage of their careers.
The needs of a company’s legal department also matter. A business looking for someone to manage commercial contracts may prioritise a different kind of experience from one seeking support with litigation, compliance or regulatory matters.
That is why a fixed PQE threshold can be misleading. The right question is not whether you have reached a particular number of years, but whether your experience matches the work you will be expected to handle.
What actually matters: fit and relevant experience
Instead of focusing only on a year-count, look at fit for the role.
Companies generally want to understand whether you have the legal knowledge, practical judgment and experience needed to perform the responsibilities involved.
And relevant experience often matters more than raw years. Experience in contract drafting and negotiation, commercial law, regulatory work or the company’s particular industry may be especially useful, depending on the position.
For example, a lawyer with relevant experience handling commercial agreements may be well suited to a contracts-focused in-house role, even if another candidate has more overall PQE but less experience in that area.
Commercial awareness, communication and the ability to understand business requirements also matter. In-house lawyers need to apply legal knowledge to practical business situations, not simply demonstrate technical familiarity with the law.
Focus on building skills and experience that genuinely match the roles you want.
Ask the right question, and check the actual role
Reframe the question.
Instead of asking, “How many years of PQE do I need?”, ask: “What does this particular role require, and do I have, or can I build, the relevant experience and skills?”
Then examine the job descriptions and responsibilities of the positions you are targeting. Look at the practice areas involved, the level of independence expected and the kind of business support the company needs.
Remember, there are routes into in-house work at different stages of a legal career. Some lawyers move after working at a law firm or in litigation, while others enter earlier, depending on the opportunities available.
Do not be discouraged because your career path looks different from someone else’s. Focus on understanding the role, identifying your skill gaps and building relevant experience.
YLCC ACTION STEP: There is no single PQE requirement for moving in-house. Expectations vary by role, company and seniority. Focus on the experience and skills that match the position, including relevant legal knowledge, commercial awareness, practical judgment and communication. Examine current job requirements instead of assuming a fixed threshold, and identify what you can build to become a stronger candidate.
If this is you
If you’re waiting to hit a “magic number”: Stop waiting for an arbitrary threshold. Start looking at actual in-house roles and the experience they require.
If your PQE feels low: Do not assume that the door is closed. Relevant experience and skills can matter more than raw years, and some routes do not require extensive law firm experience.
If you’re planning ahead: Identify the kind of in-house work you want to pursue and deliberately build experience in relevant areas.
FAQs
- How much PQE do I need to go in-house? There is no single fixed amount. It varies by role, company and seniority. What matters is whether your experience and skills match the requirements of the position.
- Is there a minimum experience requirement? It depends on the particular role. Some positions are intended for experienced lawyers, while others may be suitable for junior or entry-level candidates. Check the requirements of the specific opportunities you are targeting.
- Does relevant experience matter more than raw years? Often, yes. Experience in areas such as contracts, commercial law, regulatory work or a company’s industry may be more relevant than the total number of years you have worked. It depends on the role.
- Can I go in-house with little experience? There are routes into in-house work at different career stages, including opportunities that may not require extensive law firm experience. The available options depend on the organisation and the responsibilities involved.
- How do I know if I’m ready to move in-house? Examine the roles you are interested in and compare their requirements with your experience, legal knowledge and practical skills. Readiness is about your suitability for the particular role, not reaching a universal PQE number.
