Legal careers have evolved from the traditional linear trajectory of trainees qualifying into specialisms and staying in those until partnership. Nowadays, lawyers are reassessing their career goals and making significant changes, including pivoting into brand new practices and sectors. In this article, we spoke with Aditi Misra, Senior Consultant Development Manager, and Lucy Hamblin, Senior Resourcing Manager who share practical advice and insights based on their experiences of working with lawyers who have made such transitions.
Challenges to changing sectors
There are various reasons why lawyers may consider changing their practice area or sector. Some seek new challenges, while others look for better alignment with their interests and values. Whether you are a lawyer looking to use your legal skills in a different practice area (for example, moving from derivatives law to a commercial contracts role) or changing the type of organization you work at, you may face some common challenges:
- Recruiter or hiring manager bias: if you do not have a track record in the sector or practice area you want to move into, you may face bias. “Recruiters are often given very specific criteria by hiring managers,” says Lucy, who was a former agency recruiter. “As they are the ones that pay the recruitment fees, recruitment consultants can struggle to open the hiring manager’s minds to people that may fall outside of that scope.”
- Imposter syndrome or self-doubt: this can be a major barrier to making a move to something new or making the move a success. You may feel like you are not qualified or competent enough for the new area. Aditi, a career coach, sees many lawyers who feel trapped in their work but lack the confidence to make the shift.
- Upskilling in an unfamiliar sector: this can be daunting and time-consuming. Every sector has its own jargon – specific language, terminology, and acronyms. You may feel lost or confused when communicating with others in the field.
Create and own your story
"In my 15-year career as a recruiter, I have spoken to many lawyers who want to take a seismic shift in what they do but can't articulate why in a way that would grab a hiring manager's attention," says Lucy. She recalls a banking lawyer wanting to move into sports law, whose reason was simply being a football fan. It is crucial to develop a clear and compelling narrative that explains your decision to change sectors and how your background makes you a strong candidate.
"If you are looking to make a change, you need to be clear about what you can bring to the table that may make you more successful in the role than someone with the prerequisite skill set," she explains. "What technical knowledge have you acquired that has shaped your commercial and strategic nous? What soft skills have you developed that will benefit the organization?"
Aditi adds, "to create and articulate your value proposition, it is important to reflect on your career to date and identify your skills, particularly those that are transferable: strengths, weaknesses, interests, values, and passion. To gain a deeper understanding, consider working with a career coach and/or completing career and value questionnaires." Aditi recalls working with a banking lawyer who moved to a commercial role at a tech company and several transactional lawyers who now specialize in regulatory projects. "A common thread has been that the lawyers were able to draw out transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, project management, negotiation, research, and analysis. They could give specific examples and articulate how they could adapt and apply those skills to different situations and contexts."
Invest in your career transition
“The first stage of any recruitment process is submitting your CV, so this should demonstrate your passion and investment in making a move into that specific organization or industry,” says Lucy. “If you are enthusiastic about AI, for example, what courses and qualifications can you obtain to show your commitment to upskilling in this area? If you are unsure where to start, begin by researching relevant material online and joining professional associations, networking groups, or industry bodies.”
Aditi advises leveraging your professional network and asking for introductions to others. “If you don’t know anyone, don’t hesitate to proactively reach out to new contacts via LinkedIn or industry body networking pages.” Aditi, who shifted from corporate law to career coaching with Peerpoint found that “many people are happy to talk about their job and willing to help others.”
Many use legal consultancy or interim roles to gain experience and exposure to new areas, which can also provide insight into the culture, expectations, and norms of a new area. “When exploring consultancy, it is important to find a provider that understands your skills, drivers, and career goals, and who can advocate for you and present you in the best light to potential employers,” says Aditi. “At Peerpoint, for example, we understand that being able to articulate your transferable skills, achievements, and potential to our clients is vital in helping you make a change, and we work closely with you on this.”
“The advantage of working with a professional legal consulting platform such as Peerpoint is that we can also offer a view of what the competition is like in your chosen field,” says Lucy. “We can advise on how to make you as attractive in the market as possible – this could mean emphasizing particular experience or even showing willingness to invest in this new career path and accept a lower level of pay than you have had previously.”
Patience is a virtue
Changing sectors can take time and may involve setbacks. Stay persistent and patient throughout the process. Continue to build your skills, expand your network, and refine your job search strategy. "We always say to consultants looking to make these transitions that this change may not be instant. You may take incremental steps to broaden or gain expertise in areas that will help you towards your end goal," says Lucy. "Jumping straight from one area to another may happen, but we have seen consultants wait months for the right role, one that has a hiring manager willing to be flexible and the right support in place for the consultant to upskill and be successful."
Persistence and resilience are key to successfully navigating a career transition.
Changing practice areas or sectors is certainly not impossible. However, it is a significant career move that requires thorough self-assessment, strategic planning, and a willingness to invest in research and skill development. By leveraging your network, building new connections, growing your knowledge, and crafting a compelling and persuasive narrative around your move, you can successfully transition to an area that better aligns with your professional and personal goals. It is also important to be patient and resilient as there will be challenges along the way. Having an open mind and demonstrating enthusiasm, adaptability, and willingness to learn will serve you well as you change career paths.