Law professionals have a complex career landscape to navigate. Good opportunities are hard to find because the competition is daunting. At times, you may fail to search in the right places or be too rigid with your approach. Career growth is not always up the ladder, but it may happen laterally too. With lateral opportunities, you may not secure much growth in position or salary. But it can boost job satisfaction and satisfy personal considerations, making it a good decision. Here are some circumstances that make a lateral move a sensible decision for law professionals.
You are not happy with the learning at your current firm
If working with a firm does not give you the right learning, switching makes sense. You may even consider a lateral option if it promises to make you more marketable with trending skills. Pick a firm that allows you to explore diverse domains and build direct connections with clients. Many newbies fall for positions with prestigious firms that offer lucrative salaries. But sooner or later, they realize that moving to a relatively new player that offers immediate hands-on experience is a better decision. Factors like scarcity of partner contact, minimal client interactions, and high turnover rates in the current firm indicate that you should switch immediately.
You are worried about a stagnating practice
Law practices cannot thrive on their own. They cannot expect clients and cases to flow organically. Growth depends on the presence of key partners and robust processes within the organization. Your employer must have proper business development initiatives and seamless workflows to stay competitive in the industry. They must also invest in employee training as it is an incentive for modern professionals. Firms that fail on these fronts end up with stagnating practice, with lawyers making a lateral move to explore better opportunities. If you see stagnation in your organization over the years, making a move is the best decision.
Your financial growth seems too slow
Lawyers spend years of hard work to get their degrees. The expense of law school is daunting as well. The last thing you will want to encounter is to be stuck with a firm that does not offer viable financial growth over time. Even if you begin with a good starting salary, track your trajectory down the line. Staying with an organization where your salary and bonuses do not seem to grow significantly over time does not make sense. You will need money as you plan to marry, buy a home, and prepare for other life events. It is better to switch laterally if you see better growth prospects with the new employer in the future. You may start at the same level, but there are better chances to grow faster than with your current employer.
A lateral move can be a good decision for lawyers, provided it is well-planned. Everything boils down to finding the right opportunity that serves benefits beyond money. You can collaborate with a seasoned recruitment partner to help you find a perfect one.