In Minecraft, the first 100 days as an in-house lawyer can be likened to starting a new game in survival mode. Here's how the metaphor plays out:  

1. Gathering resources

‍Much like in Minecraft where you start by gathering resources like wood, stone, and food to survive, as an in-house lawyer, your first 100 days involve gathering information, understanding the company's policies, procedures, and culture. You're collecting the foundational knowledge necessary to navigate your role effectively.

2. Building the foundation and relationships:

Just as in Minecraft where you need to establish a sturdy foundation for your structures, your first 100 days involve laying down the foundational elements of your legal practice within the company and on building strong relationships with key stakeholders within the company (executives, department heads, and colleagues across different teams). This includes understanding the company's mission, vision, and values. You will feed this information into developing a clear strategic plan for your legal function within the company. This includes defining key priorities, setting measurable objectives, and outlining the steps needed to achieve your goals, ensuring alignment with the company's overall direction.

3. Exploring and navigating the terrain:

Minecraft allows you to explore the vast terrain to discover resources and potential threats. Your initial days are likely spent navigating the complex legal landscape within the company. You're identifying potential legal risks, understanding the regulatory environment, and strategising on how to mitigate those risks effectively.

4. Encountering and assessing challenges and adapting:

Like encountering hostile mobs in Minecraft, you're likely to face challenges as an in-house lawyer - whether it's navigating complex legal issues, dealing with difficult situations internally, or managing tight deadlines. You will need to reflect upon and evaluate your approach, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments to optimise your legal practice. This iterative process of assessment and adaptation ensures that you remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the organisation.

5. Crafting tools:

In Minecraft, crafting tools is essential for survival and progress. Similarly, during your initial days as an in-house lawyer, you're developing your toolkit - honing your legal skills, refining your communication abilities, and building your understanding of the company's business objectives to provide valuable legal counsel.

6. Establishing a base:

Just as you establish a base in Minecraft to serve as your central hub for operations, your first 100 days involve establishing yourself as a trusted advisor within the company. You're setting the foundation for long-term success by demonstrating your expertise, reliability, and commitment to supporting the organisation's goals. Whether it's resolving a critical legal issue, streamlining a cumbersome process, or providing actionable legal guidance, demonstrating early wins establishes your credibility and sets the stage for long-term success.

Overall, the first 100 days as an in-house lawyer in Minecraft terms are about survival, exploration, and laying the groundwork for future success within the company's unique legal landscape. Be yourself, be friendly and be willing to learn. Good luck!

Need more support with your in-house journey? Download our in-house survival guide here.