It's better being an inhouser for being talked down to by London lawyers*. I bought it was bad being a non-London hick doing international m&a. Actually, none of the overseas people (lawyers, clients, Corp fin guys) gave one. Only the London lawyers. Oh and the bankers (but they - rightly - hate all private practice lawyers).
I could give you a load of tips that would massively help your career and make you a far better lawyer than any of your peers,, but I'm not your supervisor and I have to go to bed now. Having slacked off with only 10 hours work today.... 
Just remember - you might believe all the recruitment hype about your firm only recruiting the brightest and the best, but you are there to do two things: (1) not think for yourself and do as you're told and (2) record every minute of time. 2000 chargeable hours minimum should do it....
