In-House Legal Career Development: Finding Your North Star

Have you ever wondered if you’re really the one steering your career, or if the profession is steering you? It’s a question that hits home for so many in-house counsel I know. We enter the legal world with a plan (or at least a hope), only to discover that the road twists in ways we never expected. That’s why in-house legal career development isn’t about a straight line. It’s about knowing how to set your North Star and keep moving toward it, even when the path zigzags.

In a recent conversation with Flavia Naves, a seasoned in-house leader and former general counsel, she reminded me that the journey rarely looks the way you imagine it will. Her story—filled with setbacks, pivots, and ultimately success—captures the reality of what it takes to build an in-house career. And it starts with one simple but powerful truth: you’re the only one who truly owns your path.

Watch the full conversation with Flavia Naves here:  

What struck me most in speaking with Flavia was her perspective that no one else controls your career. Not the law firms that say “you’ll never make it,” not the bar prep instructor who warns that passing is too hard for someone like you, and not even the colleagues who quietly doubt you. The only person with the power to decide how far you’ll go is you. That mindset changes everything.

The lawyers who thrive in-house rarely follow a predictable path. Flavia herself started out aiming to help companies navigate cross-border transactions between the U.S. and Brazil. Along the way, she clerked for a judge, took roles in technology and entertainment, and eventually became a general counsel in the fast-moving world of digital assets. Each pivot taught her something new and built credibility for the next step. Flexibility, not rigidity, is what carried her forward in her in-house legal career development.

Too often, in-house lawyers try to compete in the same generic pool as everyone else. But what actually opens doors is leaning into your unique strengths—whether that’s language skills, international experience, or a background in cybersecurity or finance. Early on, those differentiators can set you apart and create opportunities that others simply can’t access. Over time, your identity as “the foreign-trained lawyer” or “the lawyer who pivoted industries” fades into something bigger: trusted legal leader.

Networking is another essential part of in-house legal career development. And I don’t mean stiff business-card exchanges. The best in-house lawyers connect with CFOs, product managers, engineers, even sales leaders. When opportunities surface, it’s often the business side that puts your name forward. Your reputation as a problem-solver who “speaks business” matters as much as your legal acumen.

Being in-house isn’t about waiting for someone to hand you the perfect opportunity. It’s about setting your sights on where you want to go—whether that’s leading a department, shaping strategy as general counsel, or simply becoming a more effective legal business partner—and then staying open to the different roads that can get you there. Your in-house legal career development will never be linear, and that’s okay. Flexibility, perseverance, and a clear North Star will do more for your future than trying to force a straight path. The only person truly in charge of your career is you—and that’s the best news of all.

What about you—what’s the North Star guiding your next move?

Watch the full conversation here:  Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 8, Episode 2 (ft.Flavia Naves)

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.

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