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From time to time, I will get asked about what I love about being in-house counsel or how it is different from private practice. One of those things that instantly rises to the top is the sense of community and camaraderie.
I was reminded of this sense of community just last week after some colleagues and I messaged back and forth about a couple of recent Supreme Court rulings that affect or have the potential to affect employment law, and thus … potentially all employers, like the companies for which we work. Besides the fun in geeking out, there was a true sense of connection from exchanging ideas and brainstorming solutions and sharing practical takeaways.
One reason for the sense of community that feels distinct from private practice may lie in the fact that as in-house counsel, we are no longer directly or indirectly “competing” for work. So instead of guarding strategies, we are open to sharing them.
Of course, I have no idea if this sense of community is something that all in-house counsel experience. In case you don’t have it yet and are seeking it, here are a few places to get you started.
- Association of Corporate Counsel (“ACC”)
Before you give me the side-eye for trying to market the ACC, I promise you that I am not getting any proceeds or perks. I was given the advice to join the ACC when I first came in-house, and it has helped me immensely. Yes, they have excellent substantive programming and professional development opportunities — but I especially love the networking opportunities that make it easy for anyone, especially a newbie, to join. Whether you get involved nationally or at the local level, the community feel is real.
Besides the ACC, I recently got involved in the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee of the Labor and Employment Section of the American Bar Association and the community was also so welcoming. When this introvert attended my first conference earlier this year, I felt like the leadership intentionally made me and other newbies feel welcome.
Another organization I have to mention is the National Employment Law Council. This community has been the most enriching to me personally and professionally.
Of course, these are a few groups that I’m a part of. Consider exploring what may work best for you because there are national, state, and local bar associations, as well as associations that are based on affinity and practice areas.
If bar associations and similar organizations are too “formal” for you, consider reaching out to your outside counsel and asking them to connect you to other in-house counsel or, better yet, plan an event just for clients (in-house counsel like you) to connect. I also love the power of LinkedIn and the in-house community there.
At the end of the day, the practice of law and the pressures of working in a company can be overwhelming at times. Why go through it alone when you can have a community?
Meyling “Mey” Ly Ortiz is in-house at Toyota Motor North America. Her passions include mentoring, championing belonging, and a personal blog: TheMeybe.com. At home, you can find her doing her best to be a “fun” mom to a toddler and preschooler and chasing her best self on her Peloton. You can follow her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meybe/). And you knew this was coming: her opinions are hers alone.
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