by Daya Naef
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18 Jul, 2023
Throughout their careers, the majority of lawyers experience significant job transitions. These could include a shift in practice area, moving from a law firm to an in-house role, or transitioning between the private and public sectors. At The Success Partner, we frequently assist lawyers returning to the legal field after a hiatus. They may have taken time off to focus on family, transitioned to business management, moved into government or non-profit positions, or pursued entrepreneurial endeavors. Regardless of the reasons, these attorneys are now seeking to reenter the legal profession, which presents its own unique challenges. The Challenges: Regardless of why a lawyer has spent time away from the profession, transitioning back into practice has its hurdles. The main challenges often revolve around finding suitable job opportunities and positioning oneself as a strong candidate. Initially, there's the challenge of discovering job openings. While job boards and professional networks can be valuable resources, what happens when you've been out of the legal loop for a while? Moreover, those who have taken an extended break may need more confidence in their legal skills' relevance and currency. They may also need help with how to refresh these skills. Additionally, positioning oneself against other candidates who have followed a more conventional career path can be tricky. Then come the practical tasks of updating resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bar association memberships, etc. How do attorneys who have diverged from traditional career paths stand out in a crowded applicant pool? Additional challenges lawyers may face when returning to legal practice after the pandemic. These could include adjusting to new health and safety protocols, dealing with a backlog of cases, adapting to ongoing remote or hybrid work arrangements, and managing increased stress and burnout among legal professionals. Furthermore, the pandemic has accelerated technology adoption in legal practice, so lawyers must be comfortable using digital tools and platforms for virtual court appearances, client meetings, and document sharing. Resuming normal operations while maintaining the flexibility and efficiency gained during remote work can also be challenging. Strategies for Success: Despite these challenges, multiple strategies exist for successfully reentering the legal profession. Firstly, defining your goals is critical, considering not just compensation or title but also personal factors. Understand your definition of success and let it guide your objectives. Many practicing and returning attorneys must be aware of the expanding variety of practice modes available today. Law firms, legal departments, and legal service companies are creating roles that offer flexibility and lifestyle benefits to experienced attorneys, including part-time and remote positions. Reaching out to friends and former colleagues for advice can be helpful. Let them know you're looking to return to legal practice and would appreciate any insight into the current market. Don't hesitate to ask for introductions to potential connections. Joining and participating in bar or industry organizations can also be invaluable for gathering information and discovering job opportunities. Consider engaging the services of a career coach, resume consultant, or legal recruiter. They can help optimize your resume, position your career break positively, and highlight your strengths, new skills, and relevant work experience. Starting with a contract or engagement position can be an excellent way to reenter the job market quickly, update your skills, and even try out a long-term opportunity. After all, it's not just about landing a job but finding the right job for you.