In-House Legal Transition: How to Shift from Litigation with Purpose

Thinking about making the leap from litigation to an in-house counsel role? The path is increasingly common—but not without its challenges. Making a successful in-house legal transition requires more than legal experience. It takes clarity, adaptability, and an intentional approach to career change.

Christi Disparte made the transition from a successful litigation practice to an in-house position at NG Impact, a sustainability management company. Her experience shows that shifting from litigation into in-house work is not just possible. It can be a deeply fulfilling career evolution involving the in-house legal transition.

Watch the full conversation with Christi Disparte here:

Like many litigators, Christi once believed the prevailing advice that in-house roles required a long tenure in litigation first. She spent several years in civil litigation, gaining deep legal experience. Yet, she eventually came to question whether that advice aligned with her long-term goals. Her experience debunks the myth that significant litigation experience is a requirement for transitioning. While it may provide valuable perspective, Christi emphasizes the importance of understanding your motivations. It’s also crucial to clearly communicate how your skillset applies to an in-house environment, especially when undergoing a litigator to in-house legal transition.

Christi’s move was deliberate, sparked by a desire for more collaborative, business-integrated work. The rise of the Great Resignation gave her the push she needed to reflect on what she truly wanted from her legal career. She sought impact, balance, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully without the adversarial tone of litigation. She made the move not to escape litigation, but to step into a new way of practicing law. One focused on partnerships, not opposition. That kind of shift begins with asking yourself not just where you want to go—but why, which is crucial for anyone contemplating an in-house legal transition.

Christi approached her job search by translating her litigation experience into in-house value. Instead of focusing on courtroom experience, she highlighted contract analysis, negotiation, policy development, and cross-functional collaboration. She made sure to emphasize her strategic thinking and risk assessment skills—capabilities highly valued by business leaders. This intentional messaging helped hiring managers see beyond her title and understand her practical value. For any litigator eyeing in-house roles, this kind of thoughtful reframing is essential during the transition to in-house legal roles.

Rather than applying broadly, Christi was selective in her search. She used LinkedIn for research but applied to only a few roles. She chose companies whose missions she genuinely admired. This focus on alignment paid off. She also made a point to assess company culture and her potential fit within it. She understood that a positive work environment would be just as important as job responsibilities. For litigators accustomed to high-pressure firms, this cultural recalibration can be transformative. This is especially true during the in-house legal transition as they consider a move from litigation to in-house roles.

Perhaps the biggest shift was mental. Christi had to move from an adversarial posture—where outcomes are often win-lose—to a collaborative mindset where the goal is shared success. She adopted the mantra “assume positive intent” to guide her interactions. That shift helped her foster trust quickly in her new environment and recalibrate how she delivered legal guidance. This made the in-house legal transition smoother. For many transitioning litigators to in-house roles, this mindset evolution is as important as any technical skill.

Christi’s journey into in-house practice shows that making a litigator to in-house legal transition is not just possible—it can be deeply rewarding. But success doesn’t come from simply moving jobs. It comes from self-reflection, skill translation, and a willingness to embrace a new way of working. Whether you’re motivated by lifestyle changes, collaboration, or purpose-driven work, your path is yours to shape. The legal industry is evolving—there’s room for you to evolve with it. This is true especially if you’re considering this specific career change.

Watch the full conversation here:  Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 5, Episode 16 (ft. Christi Disparte)

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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