Five Ways In-House Counsel Think Differently from You

Jessica Tabibian moderated the in-house counsel panel at DRI's 2026 Drug and Medical Device Seminar. Outside counsel and in-house teams often share the same goals but operate under very different pressures, incentives, and information constraints. In this candid discussion, in-house attorneys from major life sciences companies shared the internal realities, from risk tolerance and product timelines to cross-departmental coordination, that drive their decision-making. Understanding these differences helps outside counsel deliver advice that is strategic, efficient, and aligned with business priorities.