Summary: The transition from one law firm to another may not always be the best choice. Make sure your current employment has nothing to offer you before moving on.
Read the full article here for more information: The Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Law Firm Job Search
Attorneys work hard to get where they are at. You start in high school to make sure you are getting top grades and experiences to apply to prestigious undergrad programs. Then you work even harder to get into a great law school so that you can earn a spot with an even better law firm. By the time your reach the point where you are accepting a job offer and starting a real job, young attorneys often find themselves overwhelmed by their disappointment. Before immediately jumping ship, answer these five questions to understand better why you are unsatisfied.
- What are the concerns?
Consider the work you are currently getting at the firm and what is wrong or right about it. Is the work varied enough or do you desire working in just one specific field? Perhaps your concern at work is about the environment of the firm. You may need more hands on work with clients or just the opposite. Determine what you value out of being an attorney to figure out what change, if any, needs to be made.
- Will the concerns be addressed as I move up in the firm?
Observe your senior colleagues to figure out if what you seek from your employment at the firm may be possible later. If they are doing the kind of work you want to do, then you know you can stick it out and work extra harder do that you can move up in the firm.
- Is the experience I am gaining at the firm helping me reach my goals?
Evaluate if the firm is able to offer you something else that will help you reach your long-term goals such as the client base or reputation. If you still feel that you are not gaining enough valuable experience and that what the firm offers you is not enough, then a change should be made.
- How do I learn about my other legal options?
Start working on your network, focusing on those that you perceive as having a job you want. Conduct “courtesy” interviews to gain information for alternatives. Use a legal recruiter to help you navigate the industry ins and outs.
- What if I start to look around?
Once you put yourself “on the market” you will know what your options are. If you have the experience desired by other firms, your goals to move up can happen but if not, you will get a reality check of what your future opportunities may be at the time. Remember it is important to keep your job search discreet.
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