In-House Legal Career Fulfillment: Finding Your Own Version of Success

Is there a secret to true in-house legal career fulfillment—or is it something you have to define for yourself? For many legal professionals, the pressure to follow a traditional path can overshadow a deeper, more personal question: What kind of career will actually make you feel successful and fulfilled?

That’s the question Chad Aboud, General Counsel at Audience View, a company that provides technology solutions for the live events industry, has explored and answered through his own professional journey. Chad’s path proves that in-house legal career fulfillment isn’t about checking off external milestones—it’s about aligning your work with your values, passions, and how you want to live your life.

Watch the full conversation with Chad Aboud here:

Chad began his legal career in big law, specializing in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. While the work was prestigious and intellectually stimulating, it lacked the variety and personal connection he was seeking. So he made a bold decision: to take a six-month career break to travel and reflect. That break, far from being a detour, gave him clarity and the courage to transition with intention into fulfilling in-house legal work.

This wasn’t just a job change—it was a mindset shift. It was about choosing work that felt more human, more connected, and more aligned with the impact he wanted to make in his legal career.

Chad credits much of his in-house success to two underrated soft skills: curiosity and empathy. These have helped him build trust, navigate stakeholder relationships, and lead complex negotiations with nuance, adding to his sense of career fulfillment.

One of his standout approaches is what he calls “operational truth”—the idea that successful negotiations aren’t won through abstract legalese, but through grounding discussions in the realities of the business. It’s this practical, collaborative mindset that allows him to meet business goals while protecting legal interests and fulfilling career aspirations.

Chad is a strong advocate for abandoning the narrow, one-size-fits-all definition of success. He encourages lawyers to look inward and ask: What energizes me? What kind of work feels meaningful?

For him, fulfillment didn’t come from climbing the ladder for its own sake. It came from creating impact, learning new things, and staying rooted in purpose. In-house legal career achievements have been successful on paper—but truly rewarding on a personal level.

One of the most powerful parts of Chad’s journey has been his commitment to celebrating others. He actively highlights peers and colleagues on LinkedIn—not for self-promotion, but to recognize talent and share inspiration. Ironically, that generosity has opened doors, expanded his network, and deepened his relationships in the legal community.

His advice to others? Speak up. Celebrate others. Share what lights you up. Not for the likes, but because it makes the profession stronger—and brings others along with you.

Chad’s story is a refreshing reminder that in-house legal career fulfillment is deeply personal. It’s not about chasing someone else’s dream. It’s about knowing yourself, making intentional choices, and being brave enough to define success on your own terms. Whether you’re just starting out or reevaluating your career midstream, fulfillment is always within reach—especially when you lead with purpose and authenticity.

Watch the full conversation here:  Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 4, Episode 19 (ft.Chad Aboud)

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.