Working as an in-house lawyer offers a unique opportunity to combine legal expertise with commercial insight, allowing lawyers to become deeply integrated within a business. In this Q&A, Patrick Tapper, Senior Legal Counsel at New Zealand Rugby shares his experiences, highlighting the day-to-day realities, challenges, and rewards of the role. From balancing legal and business responsibilities to navigating the evolving legal landscape in New Zealand, his insights provide a valuable look into what it takes to succeed in-house. Whether it’s adapting to new technologies or managing diverse tasks, this role offers dynamic and impactful work that directly shapes business outcomes.
What motivated you to transition from private practice to an in-house legal role?
I spent several years in private practice and wanted to explore something different while still utilising my qualifications. I knew that ultimately, I wanted to get involved in an industry/business that I was passionate about. I first transitioned to in-house when I moved to London and joined a healthcare company to gain some experience before moving into TV production and then sports media and events. Sports (and rugby specifically) are a passion for me so my role now as Senior Legal Counsel at New Zealand Rugby provides a great opportunity to contribute to something I love.
How does the day-to-day work of an in-house lawyer differ from working in a law firm?
In-house lawyers wear multiple hats, balancing legal and commercial responsibilities. Understanding the business is even more crucial as an in-house lawyer; if you don’t grasp the commercial aspects, your advice won’t be effective and you will need to check the implications of your advice with multiple departments to understand its effect to business. The main difference is thatAlso, because in-house lawyers work for internal clients without concern for incurring legal fees, you can field a lot of different questions/requests, some not necessarily even legal questions – something that keeps the job really interesting and dynamic.
What are the biggest rewards and challenges of being an in-house lawyer in New Zealand?
Rewards: Being integrated into the business and having your advice valued is incredibly really fulfilling. I think in-house lLawyers are recognised for their critical thinking and ability to add value beyond strict legal advice. You also get to see the tangible results of your advice in real time – seeing a programme or match on the TV that you worked on is pretty rewarding.
Challenges: Juggling multiple responsibilities can be challenging. Unlike a law firm, where you may focus on practice area, in-house roles often require you to manage many tasks simultaneously in different areas of law. You need to empower others to find solutions, serve as a sounding board, and answer various non-legal questions. The dynamic keeps the role interesting, though it can be demanding.
How does the role of an in-house lawyer evolve as you progress in your career?
Initially, getting a handle on all the different workstreams is priority while you get familiar with business needs. As you get more senior, more strategic and commercial advice is expected.
While career progression may not strictly follow the traditional vertical path of private practice, the role offers vertical and lateral opportunities across different industries. In-house work is often generalist, allowing for greater mobility.
What skills or traits are essential for success in an in-house legal role?
For my role at least, a strong commercial contracts background is crucial. You need effective time management skills and a willingness to learn. Establishing trust and good relationships internally is vital. An in-house lawyer must consider how their advice impacts the company's strategy; lacking a commercial perspective can hinder effectiveness.
How would you describe the current legal market for in-house lawyers in New Zealand?
Although the New Zealand in-house market is smaller than overseas, there are still great opportunities here. Companies are increasingly recognizing the cost-effectiveness of hiring in-house lawyers
As businesses increasingly build out their in-house legal teams, I think there will be more opportunities for junior and mid-level lawyers to gain valuable experience within an in-house environment.
How do you see the legal industry evolving in New Zealand over the next 5-10 years, particularly for in-house roles?
AI tools will significantly change the landscape for in-house lawyers, particularly in contract management and business processes. This technology can streamline workflows, allowing in-house teams to focus more on strategic thinking.
How has the growing focus on technology and data protection impacted the role of in-house lawyers?
Data protection is a pressing concern and in-house lawyers need to have a solid understanding of its implications. As new technologies emerge, staying informed about how to leverage them—like AI—will be critical for enhancing efficiency in legal processes.
How do you balance legal and commercial advice?
It’s important for in-house lawyers to outline the legal implications of different options rather than simply saying no (although sometimes you do have to say no). I think of my role as to advise on risk while acknowledging that commercial decisions ultimately a commercial decision will need to be made. We serve as a sense check, ensuring that all angles are considered.
What advice would you give to a lawyer considering an in-house career path?
I highly recommend making the transition. It’s a fulfilling experience where you can engage with various departments and be a vital conduit within the company. Focus on an industry that genuinely interests you; it makes the work more meaningful.
