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NELC Member Spotlight
From Private Practice to In-House — and Back Again
Janea Hawkins and Pablo Orozco share candid reflections on their career journeys from private practice to in-house roles—and ultimately back again.
In this NELC Member Spotlight conversation, they discuss what drew them in-house, what surprised them about the experience, how their time inside organizations changed the way they approach client service, and what ultimately led them back to private practice. Along the way, they reflect on career fit, professional growth, the value of strong relationships, and the support they have found through the NELC community.
Watch the full conversation in two parts.
Part 1
What makes an attorney leave a successful private-practice career for an in-house role?
Janea and Pablo discuss what drew them in-house, how the reality compared with their expectations, and the differences they experienced in structure, responsibilities and day-to-day work. They also reflect on career growth, specialization, and understanding what kind of professional environment is the right fit.
Part 2
After experiencing life in-house, both Janea and Pablo ultimately chose to return to private practice.
They discuss what brought them back, how working in-house made them more effective outside counsel, and the lessons they carried forward about client service and managing risk. They also share reflections on career transitions, the importance of professional relationships, the support they have found through NELC, and advice for attorneys considering their own next move.
Hear directly from NELC members as they share their experiences, perspectives and lessons from across the legal profession.
