Ever walked into a meeting thinking you were fully prepared—only to realize that something small, like a single word choice, completely changed the conversation? Maybe you expected nods of agreement but got puzzled looks instead. For in-house lawyer international skills working across borders, this isn’t just a rare mishap—it’s a daily reality.
Taking on an international in-house lawyer role is more than just a career move—it’s an immersion into different cultures, legal systems, and business expectations. While legal expertise is crucial, success in a cross-border legal role often depends on something less tangible: the ability to adapt, build relationships, and navigate the unspoken rules of business in different regions.
Felipe Jaramillo knows this challenge firsthand. A seasoned in-house lawyer, he moved from Florida to Barcelona to oversee legal matters across Spain, Italy, and Portugal. He quickly realized that being fluent in Spanish wasn’t enough. Each country has distinct legal customs, contract structures, and business terminology that shape how you negotiate deals and apply laws. Even small miscommunications could have a big impact.
Watch the full conversation with Felipe Jaramillo here:
Building Relationships is Key for In-House Lawyer International Skills
If there’s one lesson Felipe emphasizes, it’s this: being an in-house lawyer isn’t just about knowing the law—it’s about knowing the people.
Different cultures view the legal function in different ways. In some companies, legal teams are seen as strategic partners. In others, they’re seen as obstacles. If you want to be a trusted advisor, the best thing you can do is build strong relationships—especially when managing international legal matters.
Felipe’s approach? He takes the time to meet with HR, finance, sales, and operations teams to understand their daily challenges and expectations. When in-house lawyers position themselves as business enablers rather than roadblocks, everything becomes easier. Instead of being brought in at the last minute to “fix” problems, they’re included early—when they can help shape smarter business decisions.
Managing Outside Counsel Across Borders: A Key In-House Lawyer International Skill
Handling cross-border legal matters means working with outside counsel in different jurisdictions. But hiring a law firm isn’t enough—it’s about managing the relationship effectively.
Felipe’s strategy is simple but powerful: start with a real conversation. Whenever possible, he meets outside counsel in person to learn their history with the company and set clear expectations. He makes it clear that he may ask for changes in billing, communication styles, or response times—and invites them to voice concerns early rather than later.
Choosing outside counsel isn’t just about legal expertise. It’s about finding partners who understand the company’s business strategy, risk tolerance, and industry-specific challenges. If there isn’t alignment, it may be time to explore other options.
Thinking About an International Legal Role?
For any in-house lawyer considering an international move, Felipe’s biggest advice is to seek insights from others who have done it. The transition can be overwhelming, but learning from those with experience can provide valuable guidance and highlight opportunities you might not have considered.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 2, Episode 2 (ft. Felipe Jaramillo)
Join the Conversation
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.
