The legal domain in the US is brimming with opportunities, making it one of the most attractive career options for young professionals. You can explore employment or launch a law firm and make big money. But the long years of hard work in law school do not guarantee success because things may change unexpectedly. The best way to deal with such contingencies is by steering your career in the right direction. Whether you join a law firm, to rely on professionals like Alex Gotch to negotiate offers, here is some practical advice from experts that young lawyers can rely on.
Up-skill over the years
Lawyers can pick expertise in various fields, from criminal law to personal injury, corporate, and family law. You can choose an area of specialization according to your aptitude and personality. But future-proofing is about expanding your horizons as a professional. You can consider upskilling in the same niche or adding a new specialization to your resume over the years. Fortunately, you can pursue online programs instead of returning to law school to upgrade your education.
Develop your soft skills
A legal career is about public interactions, so soft skills matter as much as degrees. Communication skills, argumentation, critical thinking, and writing abilities can set you apart as a professional. You can also focus on leadership, teamwork, and empathy to grow your career. These skills make you better at work and with client relationships, whether you work independently or as an employee.
Be flexible
Flexibility is another factor to stand apart in the professional landscape and future-proof your legal career. The industry is in a good place right now, but you should steer clear of overconfidence. Not preparing for a recession is the worst approach, as you never know what lies around the corner. The pandemic proved that adaptability is the only savior during tough times. Savvy lawyers always have a plan B for a crisis, this might include considering another career within the industry, such as becoming a notary public. It might even mean simply being ready to relocate in order to find better job prospects, as the law changes some avenues open for lawyers to make their mark and represent new clients. Having contacts such as Beacon Legal for help with relocation is crucial for your "Plan B." This is because their experts like Alex can help NZ lawyers relocate to Australia for example, so it pays to lay the groundwork for a relocation in the event you need to do so.
Develop relationships
Developing relationships is another way to safeguard your legal career from unexpected pitfalls. Start by building client loyalty because it translates into retention and referrals, which bring more business in the future. Networking within the industry is equally crucial. Young professionals must look for mentors who can guide them in career progression. If you are already established, maintain connections with specialist recruiters because they can help you find better opportunities.
Embrace technology
Like all other industries, technology is emerging as a game-changer in the legal sector. Not embracing technology means staying behind in the race. However, adopting such tools makes you more efficient and productive at work. You can ditch the repetitive tasks and focus your energy and expertise on client satisfaction in the long run. Using technology also puts law firms in a better place, so they look for tech-savvy professionals while building their teams.
A future-proof career sets you up for success in the competitive industry. Moreover, it makes you stress-free about financial stability, professional growth and learning in the long haul.