By Chantelle McHugh | August 05, 2024
It is no secret that being an attorney is not a 9-to-5 job, so finding the next career move involves more than just securing a position at a firm. It is also a time to evaluate what one is looking for in day-to-day life and whether the firms being considered can provide that.
Few people are lucky enough to start their careers in their dream positions. Progression often involves changing law firms or exploring different areas of law, and for young attorneys, building a career in today’s legal profession makes navigating career changes almost inevitable. While changing firms and practice areas may seem daunting, it is also an incredible opportunity. Switching employers can serve as a natural checkpoint to reassess your strengths and interests, allowing you to identify firms and opportunities that align with your goals. It is no secret that being an attorney is not a 9- to-5 job, so finding the next career move involves more than just securing a position at a firm. It is also a time to evaluate what one is looking for in day-to-day life and whether the firms being considered can provide that.
What someone seeks in a career may vary depending on their stage in their professional journey. For example, an individual graduating from law school may want to prioritize building the foundational skills needed to excel in a legal career on a broader scale. Law school provides an excellent overview of how the law works and how it has developed over time, but unless they were involved in journals or extracurriculars, it may not have entirely taught them how to advocate for a client. The first employer may be a great place to hone the skills that will be significant throughout their career and to work closely with attorneys who not only have decades of experience in the field but also take the time to provide mentorship. For attorneys seeking trial experience, working as a prosecutor or public defender may be a great option early on, as those positions often require going to trial and allow for the practice of trial advocacy skills.
As a young attorney, one may find that other factors become more significant while navigating different stages of life. These factors may include a higher income, a more flexible work schedule, the sophistication of the clients, the billable requirement, the culture of the firm, community involvement, workplace diversity, or even the personalities of colleagues. During interviews, it is essential to take note of these factors to evaluate whether the firm is a good fit.
After graduation, I viewed my first job as a launching point and prioritized educational opportunities. During interviews, I questioned prospective employers about writing, research, and advocacy skills, which I felt would best serve the foundation for the rest of my career. I also sought opportunities that emphasized mentorship and a close working relationship with the more seasoned attorneys. This led me to work as a judicial law clerk at the Fourth District Court of Appeal, where I was exposed to different areas of law, honed my research and writing skills, and worked closely with Judge Alan Forst and the panel of district court judges.
After the clerkship expired, gaining practical experience and working my own cases from start to finish became important to me, and I joined an insurance defense law firm. Unlike other practice areas, due to the sheer volume of insurance defense work, young attorneys can often gain hands-on experience in all aspects of each case, including drafting pleadings and motions, advocating in hearings, deposing witnesses, attending mediations and preparing for trial. After four years of experience in insurance defense, I felt it was time to reevaluate my priorities and left the insurance defense practice entirely to join Pardo Jackson Gainsburg & Shelowitz. When interviewing, the firm’s overlap between the sophistication of the cases, the skill of the attorneys, and a lifestyle that seemingly balanced life in and outside of the office matched my personal goals.
The career of each young attorney can vary as prioritization ebbs and flows. However, if these lawyers use the right metrics to make sure that each change moves them closer to not only their career goals but also to the type of lifestyle they desire and the work balance that they are comfortable with, then perhaps the field may take a significant step toward decreasing burnout and mental health challenges.
Chantelle McHugh is an associate with Pardo Jackson Gainsburg & Shelowitz in Miami.