The Law Society's Commerce & Industry Group launched best practice guidelines this week to help in-house lawyers navigate their way through the maze of corporate governance.

The guidelines, put together by the group's corporate governance committee and Birmingham firm Wragge & Co, are intended to clear up the uncertainty over in-house lawyers' responsibilities.


They address five areas: how well an organisation is configured to meet the governance challenge; the role of the in-house lawyer, including an analysis of the advantages of being on the board and the dual role as company secretary; the adequacy of the in-house legal function, including internal and external reporting lines; the delivery of advice; and personal considerations affecting the lawyer as an employee.


Ann Page, the committee's joint chair, said: 'In-house lawyers have a unique role with many hats - it's important to know which hat you are wearing. We recognise that one size does not fit all; the guidelines need to be applied flexibly. It's a living document and feedback is critical.'