In-House Lawyers Career Resilience: How to Thrive in Uncertainty

What if the legal career you spent years building suddenly disappeared overnight? That’s exactly what happened to Julie Honor, General Counsel at 3Q Digital. Just hours after being sworn into the Illinois Bar, she was laid off. The 2008 financial crisis had upended the legal industry, and suddenly, the traditional career roadmap was worthless. For many in-house lawyers, career resilience becomes the key to overcoming setbacks

For many lawyers, setbacks like this can feel devastating. But for those who embrace resilience, adaptability, and reinvention, they become turning points. Julie didn’t just survive—she pivoted, redefined her career path, and ultimately built a legal career stronger than before.

For in-house lawyers, career resilience isn’t optional—it’s essential. Legal teams are lean, business needs evolve rapidly, and uncertainty is a constant. The most successful lawyers aren’t the ones who avoid change; they’re the ones who embrace it, pivot strategically, and create opportunities where others see obstacles.

Watch the full conversation with Julie Honor here:

When Julie lost her first legal job, she didn’t wait for another law firm to hire her. Instead, she pivoted—selling diamonds on Chicago’s Jeweler’s Row. At first glance, this had nothing to do with law, but in hindsight, it built skills that later made her an exceptional in-house lawyer.

Helping clients navigate high-stakes decisions mirrored how in-house lawyers advise executives. Learning a new industry quickly became essential when supporting different business units. Managing relationships and influencing deals turned out to be just as important in contract negotiations as it was in luxury sales.

Legal expertise matters, but business fluency makes you indispensable. The best in-house lawyers don’t just interpret contracts—they understand revenue models, risk appetite, and company strategy. To future-proof your career, get involved beyond legal. Sit in on finance meetings, learn how marketing strategies impact sales, and engage with operations teams. The more you understand the business, the more valuable you become.

Lawyers are trained to mitigate risk and project confidence, but career growth often requires the opposite—embracing vulnerability and asking for help.

Julie didn’t pretend she had everything figured out. She told everyone she was looking for a job. Instead of hiding her lack of transactional experience when transitioning to in-house, she reframed her skills. Rather than saying, “I don’t have transactional experience,” she said, “I know exactly how contracts fail in litigation, which makes me a stronger negotiator.” Instead of avoiding her knowledge gaps, she acknowledged them and had a plan to close them quickly.

The lesson? Own your strengths, but don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. People are more likely to help—and opportunities often arise in unexpected places—when you’re open about your journey.

In-house legal teams rarely have unlimited budgets, endless resources, or large support staffs. Efficiency and adaptability aren’t optional—they’re essential.

Julie’s career reinforced that creativity in problem-solving is just as important as legal knowledge. When faced with a small legal budget, she learned how to automate repetitive tasks and optimize workflows. Budget constraints forced her to think beyond traditional solutions, leading her to collaborate with business teams for cost-effective legal strategies. Questioning outdated processes led to efficiency gains—just because something had always been done a certain way didn’t mean it was the best way.

The most successful in-house lawyers embrace technology, rethink outdated workflows, and challenge inefficiencies. Scrappiness isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about finding smarter ways to deliver high-impact legal support that aligns with business goals.

Resilience isn’t just about finding the next job—it’s about managing the emotional toll of career uncertainty. Lawyers often tie their identity to their job titles, making layoffs or setbacks feel deeply personal. But resilience means separating professional setbacks from personal worth.

Julie focused on what she could control: setting weekly goals for networking and skill development, seeking professional support when needed, and reminding herself that a job is not an identity. Careers evolve, and no single setback defines the future.

The legal profession is demanding. Prioritizing mental well-being, maintaining perspective, and investing in long-term career resilience is just as important as staying legally sharp.

Julie’s journey—from layoffs to diamonds to consulting to in-house leadership—proves that success isn’t about following a rigid career path. It’s about being strategic, adaptable, and willing to pivot when necessary.

For in-house lawyers, career resilience means developing business fluency, embracing vulnerability as a tool for growth, leveraging scrappiness to innovate, and prioritizing mental health to sustain long-term success.

The traditional legal career roadmap is outdated. The best in-house lawyers aren’t waiting for opportunities—they’re creating them.

Your legal career isn’t defined by where you start—it’s shaped by how you adapt, grow, and reinvent yourself along the way.

How are you building resilience in your legal career?

Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 1, Episode 18 (ft. Julie Honor)

At Notes to My (Legal) Self®, we’re dedicated to helping in-house legal professionals develop the skills, insights, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. From leadership development to legal operations optimization and emerging technology, we provide the tools to help you stay ahead.

What’s been your biggest breakthrough moment in your legal career? Let’s talk about it—share your story.