I realize that career advice columns often boil down to a variation on the phrase, "use common sense." Yet, I was reminded recently that some lawyers can make $800,000 and fail to practice that concept.

The compensation figure comes from an AmLaw 100 partner I met at a recent Duke alum event. As in, "I don't understand people who take less money to go in-house; I would need at least $800,000 to consider it."

Context: I had just finished as a panel member on an entrepreneurs' forum, and several people in the audience wanted to introduce themselves afterwards and exchange contact information with the panelists. I am often in the audience at such events and the one seeking an introduction, so when I am a panelist, I am happy to stick around and meet people. I enjoy it and want to make sure everyone gets time.

Omg! This guy bulldozed to the front and began a monologue about his most important litigation wins. I don't think he took a breath for five minutes. I did not interrupt. I try to never interrupt. I did notice the body language of other people nearby, and let's just say it was sitcom worthy.

When this guy proceeded to ask about my firm's current in-house searches, I used the opportunity to invite him to call me the next day. I would have had a quality follow-up call with him, even though I knew on the spot that I would never send him on an interview. But he could not accept the etiquette hint that others were standing behind him seeking to take their turn. He continued, which led to an exchange that I thankfully managed to expedite, ending in the $800,000 salary comment.

Thank you, readers, for letting me get that one off my chest. It happens, and my advice this month is simple … don't be that guy! Be mindful that you are not the only person in a room, especially at a networking event. Get the introduction, make a positive first impression, and then follow up after the event. Three easy common sense steps.

This experience also points out the culture fit challenge involved in hiring a major law firm partner with no in-house experience. While this guy was on the extreme end of the big ego spectrum, he is an example of what our clients don't want to hire. And that has nothing to do with compensation. In-house counsel are confident and know how to lead a conversation, but they also know when to shut up and listen. Knowing when to speak and when to stop talking is a soft people skill that good in-house counsel master.

Mike Evers recruits attorneys for corporate legal departments throughout the United States. Visit www.everslegal.com. His firm also offers experienced in-house counsel to companies on an adjunct basis.