So, you’ve decided to move – what should you be thinking about?
As you come to the end of your training, you’ll probably have lots of questions and concerns about the choices available to you. Questions like -
- Can I specialise in an area that I haven’t worked in during my training contract?
- What are firms looking for? How can I best sell myself when considering the type and breadth of my training?
- Should I go in-house? (To learn more about what it’s like to work in-house, why not read our ‘Looking for opportunities... in-house’ article)
- Do I settle for the firm where I’ve been offered a position, or do I hold out for the job I want?
Can I specialise in an area I didn’t work in during my training contract?
THINK ABOUT
- This can be a little difficult as, upon qualification, you are expected to have a basic understanding of your chosen area. However, do bear in mind that some solicitors change specialisation a few years after qualification. So, it is certainly not impossible when you have only just finished your training contract.
- If you don’t have any experience in the area you want to work in, the learning curve is going to be steeper. Remember, becoming a qualified solicitor means you’ll already have stepped up your responsibility.
- You will need a very clear explanation of why you want to move areas and will need to be comfortable explaining this in an interview.
- If you do want to move firms, you might find that some employers will be willing to retrain you (usually in areas where there is a skills shortage - which may or may not be in your chosen area).
- One tip – if you are desperate to change your area of specialisation, then think about moving into a smaller firm where the law practised is usually less specific and more general. You could then push for a specific element to be included in your workload and build up your experience in this way.
- Applying for a change of position within the firm you trained with may be slightly different. If your firm likes you and perhaps, more importantly, knows your capabilities but have no vacancies in the areas you trained in, you may be offered a position in a different area of law.
- If you apply for a position where you have no experience, your firm may be quite cautious. Bear in mind they could take on someone who already has knowledge of that area – so, it will be up to you to convince them they’d be better off employing you.
I want to change my area of specialisation
THINK ABOUT
- If you know your training specialisations aren’t right for you, it’s certainly much better to try to move now rather than leave it until later.
- The wrong choice of specialisation may severely limit the options available to you in the future.
- A change in specialisation is not impossible up to the 4 year post qualification level but it can be hard and it certainly becomes more difficult the more senior you become.
- As you become more senior, the more likely a change of direction will result in a lower position and a drop in salary. You will have to convince a potential employer that you would be willing to make these sacrifices to fill your new role.
So, how best to sell yourself?
You’ve decided on what type of law you want to practice. Now you’ll need to think about applying for a position.
One of the major worries here can be how to sell yourself. You’ll need to have a strong CV (why not read our guide on preparing a great CV?) and to be aware of the impressions a firm will form about where you trained.
You’ll need to think about what firms are looking for. Clearly, being able to say that you’ve worked for one of the ‘big name’ firms can be helpful. But, people do move from smaller firms to larger firms as well as vice versa – both types of firm have their own benefits.
THINK ABOUT
- Future employers will acknowledge that a 6 month seat, regardless of the firm, is a narrow basis on which to judge you.
- As important as where you trained are a good academic record and a strong CV demonstrating areas in which you were given a lot of responsibility and gained lots of experience.
- If you think your training hasn’t been as extensive as you would have liked, you can always do extra study. Read up on your selected area and make sure you know about any new developments. Having a good knowledge of recent developments and case law will demonstrate your eagerness for the area.
- Finally, remember interest and enthusiasm go a long way - they can make or break an application or interview and differentiate you from the competition.
Do I want to work in-house?
In-house positions are becoming more popular so it might be a good time to consider whether or not moving in-house is right for you.
THINK ABOUT
- There are relatively few in-house positions at a newly qualified level.
- The majority of in-house roles usually require a minimum of 1 year’s post qualification experience.
- Increasing numbers of companies are employing in-house solicitors. There are certainly more in-house positions for newly qualified solicitors now than in the past.
- Explore opportunities in the technology sector with New Media companies. New Media companies are often looking for young, self-motivated newly qualified solicitors with an interest in the Internet and media-related law.
For a more comprehensive idea of what it’s like to work in-house – the working culture, the pros and cons, where to find in-house roles and how to best secure a position - you might like to read our article ‘Looking for opportunities... in-house’.
Do I settle for the job I’ve been offered or do I hold out for the one I really want?
Having considered all the options, you may well have already begun to apply for positions. Maybe you’ve already had an offer. But, what if it’s not the one you wanted?
As some areas and teams are more oversubscribed than others, you may have been offered a position in an area or team which wasn’t exactly your first choice. No doubt others have been left in this position too so don’t feel alone.
If the job that you’ve been offered really isn’t for you, then you should think hard before accepting.
THINK ABOUT
- Be completely aware of your long term plans. How will taking this position affect them?
- Be careful. Are you about to be trapped in an area you don’t have any interest in?
- Think ahead. If you take the position you don’t want, and later decide to chase the career you really want, will you have gained from this position? Could this be a good stepping-stone to other things?
- Find out if you can develop the role you have been offered to include areas which are closer to the work you really want.
You should never feel you have to take a job that’s wrong for you but, if your options are limited and you are running short of time, there are certainly some solid arguments for taking what you’ve already been offered.
THINK ABOUT
- You wouldn’t want to find yourself out of work. This may sound harsh but, sometimes, second choice is better than no choice at all.
- It is harder to find a job from a position of no job. Employers will be more impressed with a CV showing long-term professional progression than one full of temporary jobs. Further, if you have a steady income you will be able to apply for other positions with a clear head and a healthier bank balance.
- Remember, it’s not impossible to move later! If you’ve been offered a job outside the area you wanted to specialise in, bear in mind that other opportunities in your chosen area will come up later. Keep your eye on the market and start sending out your CV when you see a position which looks right for you.
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