It’s time to make a lateral move when you experience dissatisfaction in your current legal position. Signs you’re ready for a new legal role include feeling unengaged, needing a better work-life balance, and limited professional development opportunities. The ability to discern these signs can help you tell whether you need a move or you’re just experiencing the occasional tough times at work.
Advancing in the legal field requires careful evaluation of career goals. You must also develop an effective career plan. Moving to a new legal firm is not an easy task. Fortunately, you can make the transition less daunting by implementing the right tips and working closely with professional legal recruiters.
At Astor Professional Search, we take the time to understand your career goals. Our legal recruiters then match you with a firm that can help you grow. Call us at (312) 781-9000 to find out how we can help you secure a new legal role.
A growth-oriented legal professional endures experiences that trigger the desire to make a lateral move. These experiences include poor work-life balance and limited career development opportunities. Those are the factors contributing to the rebound in the lateral hiring market. In fact, the national lateral hiring increased by almost 25% in 2024.
“Is it time to start looking for a new law firm position?” That’s a question legal recruiters often get from many attorneys. Here are the top signs you’re ready for a new legal role:
A change in your firm’s working culture may make you consider a new legal position. The company’s goals evolve, new leadership emerges, and team dynamics change. But not all change aligns with our values and goals.
The firm that used to value you as an important team member now treats you as a mere fee earner. It overloads you with case files. Perhaps your firm has shifted from upholding a collaborative ethos to a competitive work culture. If you feel like your firm’s culture doesn’t align with your values, it’s time for a legal career change.
Your advancement in the legal sector depends on your firm’s steady growth. So, your firm must adapt to the ever-changing market demands. Your learning opportunities tend to become limited when there’s a downtrend in your firm’s client base or new cases. As a forward-thinking attorney, you need a progressive work environment. If you’re itching for growth, but your current firm doesn’t offer the opportunities, consider moving to another law firm.
Your firm may still not see your potential to make a mark in your field, even after achieving high-level professionalism and technological proficiency. Instead of tasking you with high-profile cases, it leaves you to handle mundane tasks. That can leave you feeling dissatisfied with your job. It robs you of the opportunity to make a real impact.
Many firms out there would welcome associates with new ideas and high expertise in their practice areas. If you’re struggling to establish a niche in your current position, a career move would be timely.
In 2021, surveyed lawyers reported that they struggle with burnout in their work 52% of the time. Many lawyers feel like their current positions don’t afford them time to focus on their personal lives. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many firms to invest in technologies that enable flexible working arrangements. Most firms have maintained the flexible work arrangement post-pandemic. So, consider moving to a new firm if you’re facing a mounting workload with no time to cater to your personal projects.
Evaluating your career goals helps you plan how to advance your legal practice. You must know why it’s important for lawyers to create a career plan. A career plan allows you to set a clear milestone to work toward. As a result, you strive to upgrade your legal skills and maintain a high focus. Consider the following tips when evaluating career goals:
Short-term goals are those goals you plan to reach within a year. They require no extensive planning. An example of a short-term goal is completing an advanced legal course to enhance your knowledge in your practice area.
Long-term goals are those milestones that take years to achieve. They require proper planning and sustained effort. You may have a long-term goal to become a legal partner. Short-term goals often allow you to achieve your long-term goals.
To attain a professional goal as a lawyer, you must know the skills and proficiency level required for each specific goal. For example, advanced legal research skills are instrumental in achieving thought leadership and legal innovation. You must also author authoritative legal articles and network with other thought leaders. Achieving excellence in client advocacy, on the other hand, requires knowledge of diverse legal frameworks and strong pro bono influence.
Transitioning into a new legal role involves assuming a new position with unique duties. You become a new employee in a new legal firm. Such a shift can be difficult. The following tips can help streamline your transition:
You must know “why” you’re making the move. Is it to have a better work-life balance or to have more learning opportunities? Knowing the reason for moving helps you make informed decisions. It also keeps you motivated.
A new legal role will often demand new legal know-how and skills. It’s best to enroll in a legal course and certifications tailored to your target legal position. That could help you easily settle into the new role.
It’s advisable to expand your network in your legal area. You can do that by finding other associates who can introduce you to resourceful insiders in your field. You can also network by attending legal conferences, actively participating in online forums, and engaging in social media groups.
Update your resume so that it focuses on highlighting the skills and experience aligned to your new career path. Focus on the achievements and abilities that indicate your competency and qualification for the new job. Additionally, create a solid online presence to connect with legal recruiters for help with career transitions.
Are you ready for a new legal role? Astor Professional Search can help you make the switch. We take a personalized approach with each candidate to understand his or her unique career goals. Our legal recruiters track the transition progress, providing a memorable experience for the recruiting firm and the candidate. Contact us to speak with one of our representatives.
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