In-house legal representation
In-house legal representation means an organization using lawyers it employs, rather than an outside firm, to advise it and act for it in legal matters, including negotiations and some court or tribunal proceedings. The organization is the in-house lawyer's client and directs the work.
How BC law treats it
In-house lawyers in BC must be licensed by the Law Society of British Columbia. Because the company is the client, the risk of a lawyer's error falls on the company, and in-house lawyers employed by an organization other than a law firm may apply for an exemption from the Law Society's compulsory indemnity coverage.
What it means for your business
A BC business using in-house counsel for litigation should weigh cost savings against the need for specialist advocacy skills.
Risks and common mistakes
If an in-house lawyer makes a mistake, the company may have no insurance recovery of the kind available against an outside firm.
For the full explanation, see our entry on In-house counsel.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
