As the landscape of work is changing in the legal world and beyond, in many cases for good, the dividing line between working in-house and joining private practice is wearing thin. In recent weeks, an increasing number of lawyers have moved out of in-house roles to become partners, counsel or associates at law firms.

“In years past, lawyers who were interested in a more regular schedule or sought to avoid billable hours might pursue an in-house role where the primary responsibility was managing outside counsel,” said legal recruiter Maura McAnney of McAnney Esposito. “In recent years, however, lawyers in corporations are stepping up and often taking lead roles in deals; and the difference between the hours and responsibilities of law firm work and in-house work has diminished.”