What is your current role and how did you find it?
I am a Senior Associate within the commercial legal department at Liverpool Football Club (the “Club”). This role involves being part of a small team that is responsible for: (i) commercial contracts, sponsorship, digital media, technology, licensing and retail; (ii) ensuring compliance with data protection laws and regulations; (iii) advising on broadcasting rights; (iv) advising on intellectual property matters; and (v) managing contentious matters. I am also the supervisor for the Club’s first ever trainee. This spread of work relates to Liverpool Football Club and Liverpool Women’s Football Club, meaning no two days are the same!
I was approached for this specific role by a specialist recruitment agency that focuses on placing lawyers in-house within the sports sector.
What is your favourite part of the role?
The challenge! Working for a world-renowned football club within a fast-paced and dynamic industry, across a breadth of legal work, keeps me on my toes. This constantly pushes me outside of my comfort zone and to develop. As my work actively helps to shape the day-to-day operations and activities of the Club, so that it continues to serve its worldwide fans and be one of the world’s best football clubs, this naturally means that my role brings with it a great sense of fulfilment and accomplishment.
How does this role differ from private practice?
Having been on both sides of the pitch, my view is that the role of an in-house lawyer and private practice lawyer are different. Both environments require you to have the technical capability of being able to provide commercially sound legal advice. However, the role of an in-house lawyer is to bring more than legal acumen to the table. In fact, an in-house lawyer has a key seat at the table. You are relied on by colleagues to help get things done and to get things done quickly. You are viewed as a strategic business partner, which requires you to have a unique mindset that allows you to be decisive and exercise creativity to help the business achieve its ambitions while keeping within the parameters of the law. This is different to working in private practice. Your role as an in-house lawyer also requires you to see the results of an initial legal query through to implementation and beyond. This full circle piece and responsibility of ongoing support is not something you usually experience or are expected to assume as a private practice lawyer.
Why do you think more lawyers are looking at in-house as a career option?
In recent times, due to social, political and financial influences, a once very traditional profession has been forced to adapt and evolve. However, the sentiment seems to be that this evolution has not happened quickly enough and has caused aspiring and existing lawyers to re-evaluate their career trajectory and whether they have work-life balance and job satisfaction. A career in-house offers an alternative to the traditional ‘climb up a law firm ladder’ to reach the peak of partnership (or similar) as the doors that an in-house role opens and the opportunities it presents are endless. It goes without saying that many lawyers are also drawn to the allure of working in an atmosphere that is driven by business goals that extend beyond chargeable hours and fees. It also presents an opportunity to work within an industry that aligns with personal interests and/or values.
Has your role changed your perception of the industry you are in?
In short, yes. Sport has always been a big part of my life. However, my perception of the sports industry was driven by my experience as a supporter and/or participant. This has changed now due to my role in-house. I now have a deeper understanding of how the sports industry and, in particular, football operates from a legal and business perspective, which allows me to enjoy and experience football differently. To date, it really has been as rewarding and exhilarating as people think. However, the learning curve has been steep, and it has not always been fun and football games. There is so much more added time (both on and off the pitch) that goes into bringing the game for everyone to enjoy.
Do you have any advice for any current or aspiring lawyers wanting to move in-house?
Here’s a hat-trick of top tips for anyone seeking a career in-house:
- Research– No one business or in-house role is the same and the old saying of “that sounds too good to be true” really is applicable to a career in-house. You need to do your research to fully understand what you are letting yourself in for and whether a specific business and in-house role aligns with your personal and career ambitions. Remember, a career in-house is no longer an “easy” legal career option. It does not mean working less hours – it could mean the same, or more, without the same level of resources that are readily available in private practice. You are also responsible for your own technical and professional development. This is why research is key and why it should be focused on the kind of work you want to do and the environment you want to do it in.
- Network– Given the above, it is important to speak to those who work within the industry and/or business that you are interested in to see if it would be right for you.
- Patience – The in-house market is buoyant at the moment, but the roles that are live at the moment may not be suitable for you. Show strength of character and be patient – the role that ticks all of your boxes will come up. Rather than solely focusing on securing a role, take the time to perfect your technical and interpersonal skills as these will be key when it comes to interviewing for the in-house role that is perfect for you.
By Pardeep Lagha, Senior Associate at Liverpool Football Club and Committee Member of Birmingham Law Society In-House Committee