1. Best Practices for Getting That Promotion or That Next IP Position
AIPLA Corporate Practice Committee Brown Bag Teleconference
Tuesday, July 20,2017, Noon Eastern
“Building a Best In Class Corporate IP Practice” Series
Open Discussion led by Angie Sebor & Jessica Costa
© AIPLA 2017

2. Trends Best Practices: Promotions & New Positions
The corporate counsel role is increasingly transforming from a legal function to a business strategist, with close ties to C-suite and board
In-house counsel are looking to, and may be expected to, develop non-legal skills (e.g., finance, management, regulatory, trainers for non-legal personnel, establishing performance metrics)
In-house counsel are being asked to do more with less
A sense of mission drives job satisfaction
Many corporate counsel are currently willing to consider new positions – lateral or upward movement into a new company
Diversity: Finding satisfactory in-house positions, with equal pay, is still a challenge for women, minorities, and LGBTQ candidates
© AIPLA 2017

3. Getting That Promotion: Tips from Industry
Best Practices: Promotions & New Positions
Getting That Promotion: Tips from Industry
Know your job, hold up your end
Do more than your job description (“above and beyond”)
Create opportunities – ask how you can help
Acquire new knowledge and skills – business, regulatory, finance
If you identify a problem, have a solution
Build your network, inside the company and outside the company
Always act professionally – be “drama-free”
Be a team player – refine your interpersonal skills
Develop mentoring relationships – find one, be one
Practice self-promotion – be visible
Bond with the boss – challenge with respect
Don’t expect the reward, earn it
© AIPLA 2017

4. Getting a New In-House Position: Tips from Industry
Best Practices: Promotions & New Positions
Getting a New In-House Position: Tips from Industry
Decide what you want to do, where you want to be - make a plan
Update your resume – be concise, be consistent, be organized
Update your professional networks (LinkedIn, professional organizations)
Connect/reconnect with former colleagues, classmates, opposing counsel, other in-house counsel, law firm partners
Attend conferences, author articles, speak on panels
Find appropriate job boards, find a recruiter
Prepare for the interview, know your salary expectations
Be professional
Ask questions
Highlight your strengths, but remember you don’t know everything
© AIPLA 2017

5. Sources Best Practices: Promotions & New Positions
“Moving Up the Ladder: 10 Strategies for Getting Yourself Promoted”, Randall S. Hansen, Quintessential Careers,
“Bosses Tell Us: 11 Things That Will Get You Promoted”, Libby Kane, LearnVest, on Daily Muse, Inc.
“A Top Notch Resume is Your Gateway to the Job Interview”, Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, AIPLA 2017
“Executive Summary, Association of Corporate Counsel In-House Trends Report 2017”
“Minority Corporate Counsel Association 17th Annual GC Survey Nov/Dec 2016”
“How to Get Noticed – and Promoted – In Your Legal Career”, Robert Half Legal, July 29, 2014,
“Tips to Successfully Interview for a Job Promotion”, Alison Doyle, Feb. 20, 2017,
© AIPLA 2017