Building Recognised Standards for In-House Counsel Excellence
In-house practice runs differently from private practice, and it is time accreditation reflected that. The In-House Counsel Professional Standards Framework (ICPS) recognises what in-house counsel actually do: managing risk, advising the business and leading under pressure. It puts that on paper, recognised across the region.
Why In-House Counsel Professional Standards Matters
As in-house counsel take on increasingly strategic responsibilities, there is a growing need for professional recognition tailored to in-house practice. Accreditation recognises practical expertise, leadership capability, ethical judgment and business-oriented legal skills, the parts of the job a traditional qualification doesn't capture.
No regional benchmark currently exists to recognise these capabilities. The gap is especially pronounced for senior legal leaders at listed or listing-ready companies, where existing programmes tend to focus on directors and company secretaries rather than the in-house legal leadership role itself. ICPS was built to close that gap.
- For counsel: Structured recognition, a validated skill set, and a clear path to progress
- For employers: A reliable way to assess capability and plan succession
- For the profession: Greater standing and mobility for in-house legal practice regionally
What the Framework Does
The framework and its structured pathway help in-house counsel demonstrate professional credibility, identify areas for development, and progress through recognised stages of capability.
- Accredit: Recognise professional competence in in-house practice through a clear, tiered structure
- Support: The growth of in-house counsel who are commercially and strategically capable, not just legally proficient
- Enhance: Mobility and mutual recognition for counsel across participating jurisdictions
- Establish: Specialist pathways for senior roles with governance, disclosure or market-facing responsibilities
Who Should Apply
From newly appointed counsel building their foundation to senior legal leaders formalising years of experience, there's a level built for where you are now.
Learn about accreditation. Explore how the In-House Counsel Professional Standards Framework can support your professional journey.
Governance
The framework is jointly governed by its Participating Partners, and administered day-to-day through IHCHub.