Is your current law firm aligned with your career goals?

The current climate has brought with it a mixed period of uncertainty, change and indeed opportunity. As a professional, it is essential to ensure that you are in the right firm for both your clients and your career. The legal market has changed significantly in recent years, with a greater focus on sector specialisation, fee rates, and billable hours. The pressure to succeed has increased, and firms are heavily judged on their rankings in league tables and on their financial performance. As a result, there is always a risk in staying put or moving to a new firm.

To help you assess your position and make an informed decision about your career, here are some essential questions to ask yourself:

1. Is your firm financially stable and able to weather potential economic headwinds? Do you feel comfortable with its financial position?
2. What is your firm's sector focus and practice area specialisation? Is the firm well-positioned to succeed in these areas, or are you swimming against the tide? Is the firm overly reliant on a few key clients or sectors, or does it have a broad range of clients and practice areas?
3. Does the size of your firm matter to you? Are you comfortable with the firm's overhead costs and ability to adapt to a rapidly changing legal marketplace?
4. What are your prospects for advancement within the firm in the next 12-24 months? What is you firm's profitability and potential for growth?
5. Do you understand your firm's management structure and strategy? Are you given sufficient information about the firm's goals and direction? Are you in agreement?
6. Do your firm's hourly rates align with your clients' expectations? Are there conflicts between raising charge-out rates and providing value to clients? Could a move to a firm with lower rates benefit your clients and marketing efforts?
7. How much cross-selling and collaboration occurs between partners and departments within your firm? Are you benefiting from these opportunities and vice versa?
8. Are you surrounded by driven and committed partners who share your goals? What has the attrition rate looked like at your firm over the past two years, and what is the firm's recruitment strategy?
9. Where does your firm fit within the marketplace, and how exposed is it to mergers or takeovers? What is the firm's centre of gravity and headquarters location?
10. How has your firm adapted to remote work and hybrid working arrangements? Do you feel that these arrangements work well for you, or have they highlighted potential issues? Is your current firm's culture and work style aligned with your own preferences, or would a move to a different firm that better suits your needs be beneficial for your career?
11. Do you feel valued and supported by your firm? Do you believe the firm is invested in your career growth and success?

If any of these questions resonate with you, it may be time to consider a move. A confidential career discussion with a legal recruiter can help you to assess your options and make an informed decision about your future. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back – take control of your career and move forward with confidence.