How to Climb the Legal Career Ladder
Question:
More often than not, the firm where I work brings in new hires for managerial and senior positions rather than promoting from within. How can I maximize my chances of being considered for such jobs in the future?
Answer:
The market for legal jobs can be fierce, but that
doesn’t mean you can’t compete with external candidates and get ahead. One
reason current employees may not be advancing within your firm could be that
partners want new blood for senior roles. There’s nothing wrong with that,
yet it’s demoralizing to be passed over for jobs you feel
you can do.
To be considered
for a future promotion, start by conducting a personal career
audit. Here are some questions to ask as you go
through this getting-to-know-yourself process.
What have I achieved so far?
Write down your
proudest professional accomplishments to date, such
as consistently crafting flawless briefs or cultivating
solid relationships with clients. This is an excellent way to
understand your strong points, which you should make the most of as you
map your career trajectory. For example, if you excel at customer service
and are energized by working with people, you may not want to aim for
a legal job that deals mainly with data, even if it pays more.
What are my shortcomings?
When creating a career plan, it’s probably more important to take stock of your weaknesses than your strengths. After all, holes in your resume are likely what’s holding you back from landing that coveted promotion. Let’s say you come to the realization that your legal research skills are not as sharp as those of a newly hired paralegal. After completing your career audit, your next step should be to sign up for relevant continuing legal education (CLE) courses and training.
Where do I want to be in X years?
You need to have a better idea of where you want
to take your legal career besides just some kind of promotion.
Identify the positions you’d like to see yourself working
at in five, 10 and 15 years. Although hierarchies and job titles
change with time, it helps to have your firm’s organizational chart in
front of you for this exercise. Then find out the qualifications for
those roles, such as technical skills, practice area expertise, advanced
degrees or certifications, and work toward them. If you need help
with your career development plan, seek out a mentor. You could also talk to a professor, trusted colleague or
your supervisor.
Don’t get stuck in a dead-end job. When you’re unhappy, do something about it. The first step to a more satisfying legal career is to make a plan — then start moving down that path and up the ladder.