Tips for Managing Changes in Your Legal Career

At some bar associations and other organizations, there are advisers on law practice management and well-being who work with lawyers every day. These individuals see lawyers in all their glory and dishevelment. Because of their experience and vantage point, they have learned pertinent lessons about what is to come for many. We thought we'd ask them to tell us some of the key things to watch out for and know in some common transitions a lawyer’s career may face. Here is what they said.

Opening a Law Office When Your Experience Was At

A Nonprofit

Practice the money talk with clients. Many lawyers who leave the nonprofit world and start their own firm express that one of the biggest challenges for them is learning to value their work in dollars and cents, to select clients who are able to pay, to then ask them for money, and to collect payment efficiently. — Charity Anastasio, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Learn the basics of accounting and tax accounting. If you’ve never had to deal with profit and loss statements or balance sheets, you’ll need some coaching. And make sure that you talk to a tax professional, and maybe a business formation lawyer, before deciding on the entity you select for your new practice or firm. The choices you make have tax implications and may dictate how you maintain your financial records. — Roberta Tepper, State Bar of Arizona

BigLaw

Lawyers coming out of BigLaw to open their own practice can find themselves happy to be free of certain constraints and requirements, such as tracking time and meeting a billable hour requirement. This is often followed by surprise at how little support there is getting the work done in their little solo practice. Now they are doing everything, and many of those things are not particularly hard, but they can be the things that drag us down — the minutia of practice that makes us frustrated and holds up the bigger work. The answer is often to hire staff or outsourced support to fill the void. But if they want to stay true solo, learning all the aspects of the work and figuring out ways to streamline processes and client selection that match their goals is another approach.

There is also a loneliness to solo practice that many from BigLaw did not predict. Some lean into that and adore it, while others need to find a way to build their network and companionship around work. You don’t need to go it alone. Many lawyers thrive by getting advice from a practice management adviser, coach, counselor, consultant, financial planner, and/or CPA, to name a few. When you don’t know, ask for help. — Charity Anastasio, American Immigration Lawyers Association

A Different Jurisdiction or Practice Area

Moving between jurisdictions, from state to state or even county to county, can really impact your practice. There are the “this is how we do things here” rules that aren’t necessarily written down anywhere; knowing them can help you fit in more quickly. Conversely, not knowing them can make your practice harder. Try to find a mentor, either through a formal program or by making contacts in your practice area or new locale. Take folks to lunch or coffee and ask questions. — Roberta Tepper, State Bar of Arizona

I agree with Roberta a hundred percent. Even if you are practicing a federal practice area exclusively and able to work in any state if you are barred in one state (avoiding all state law issues and disclosing where you are barred to all), there are culture norms to geographical locations that you want to be tuned in to. Joining a local chapter of your practice area or business association can be an answer. Plug in and get to know people. — Charity Anastasio, American Immigration Lawyers Association

A Toxic Work Environment

Sometimes we come from a job that was a very poor fit for us, and we can almost (or literally) have PTSD from the experience. There is a silver lining: If you came from a tough environment, the next one is often a relief, if you allow yourself to trust. But it will also have its own dysfunctions and idiosyncrasies. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Give it a shot.

You may need to unlearn some bad habits you picked up to cope in a dysfunctional setting. Be open to this. Don’t be afraid to find a therapist and talk about your experiences at work. I think some lawyers feel guilty about seeking therapy for a position our culture often perceives as privileged. That perception is uninformed, and we deserve to give full voice to our mental health issues and address them. — Charity Anastasio, American Immigration Lawyers Association

A Nonlegal Environment

Starting a law office with no experience can be both exciting and challenging. Consider the following for a successful launch.

First, develop a clear business plan that outlines your goals, target clients, practice areas, and marketing strategies. Consider your unique selling proposition (USP) to differentiate yourself from other law firms. Understand your startup costs, ongoing expenses, and projected revenue. Secure funding through personal savings, loans, or lines of credit.

Second, address legal considerations. Choose a legal structure for your firm (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation), contacting your state bar association for requirements and guidance. Obtain necessary licenses, permits, and tax identification numbers. Don’t forget to explore malpractice insurance options to protect yourself against professional liability claims.

Third, invest in technology and infrastructure. Use practice management and billing and accounting software, document management systems, and secure communication tools. Create an efficient workspace with essential equipment and supplies.

Fourth, focus on marketing and branding. Build an online presence by creating a professional website, optimizing it for search engines, and engaging in social media. Attend legal events; join state, local, and specialty bar associations; and connect with potential clients and other attorneys.

Fifth, regarding client management, develop a systematic approach to client onboarding. Conduct conflict checks and use matter-specific engagement letters and retainer agreements.

Last, prioritize time management and self-care. Create a daily schedule and allocate time for administrative tasks, client work, and business development. Avoid burnout by scheduling downtime and self-care activities. Remember that starting a law office is a journey, and learning from experience is essential. Seek advice from experienced attorneys, consult professionals (such as your practice management adviser at your bar association), and stay adaptable as you build your practice. — JoAnn Hathaway, State Bar of Michigan

What to Do if You Are Finding Yourself

Bored With the Work

Being bored with the work may mean a number of things. It could be that you are not delving deeply enough into the practice area. It could be that the practice area you’ve chosen isn’t the right one for you. Sure, you likely can’t readily walk away — We all have to pay bills, right? — but you could start exploring new practice areas, or a new focus for your practice. State and local bar sections and CLE offerings are a great way to explore new options in a low-risk way. At worst, you’ll learn something. At best, you’ll find a new field, a mentor, and new colleagues. — Roberta Tepper, State Bar of Arizona

Burnt Out on the Work

Burnout can happen at any point in your career. We talk to new lawyers who, after only a year or two, say that they are burnt out. Burnout as a general term can mean a lot of things. We tend to think of it as mental exhaustion, but it can also be that the work isn’t exciting anymore. We’ve addressed that above, so let’s talk about mental (or even physical) exhaustion. We’ve been talking about work-life balance for years, and that mythical beast, like the unicorn, is hard to find. Lawyer wellness and well-being have been at the forefront for several years now, so why are we still suffering? There are a lot of resources available to us: through the ABA, through state and local bars, and through affinity bars. If we are taking good care of ourselves personally, perhaps we’ll be less inclined to let work imbalance the equation. — Roberta Tepper, State Bar of Arizona

Pivoting to a New Practice Area

Transitioning to a new practice area as a lawyer can be an exciting journey filled with new opportunities and challenges. Here’s how to make the shift both smooth and rewarding: Start by connecting with mentors who have experience in your new field; they can guide you through its unique nuances and best practices. You can find these valuable connections through professional organizations, regional bar associations, and local law groups. Simultaneously, immerse yourself in studying relevant laws, regulations, and case precedents to build a solid foundation. Utilize legal databases, textbooks, and online resources to deepen your understanding. Shadowing experienced colleagues is a fantastic way to see the practical side of things and learn workflows. Don’t forget to participate in continuing legal education courses to stay updated on the latest developments. Building a robust network of lawyers in your new practice area is crucial for ongoing support and guidance. Attending conferences, joining relevant legal groups, and participating in online forums are excellent ways to stay current, make connections, and integrate into your new field. While transitioning can be challenging, it is also a rewarding endeavor that opens doors to fresh possibilities and professional growth. Embrace the journey, stay proactive in your learning, and engage with your new community to make the most of your career pivot! — Safiyya Vankalwala, Communications Counsel at LAWPRO

Pivoting to a New Field

I’ve met lawyers who have become beer brewers, technology entrepreneurs, and teachers. I know one who runs a successful yarn company and is an expert knitter nowadays. They have become full-time musicians, politicians, and writers; or sometimes they do it as a side hustle or awhile or for always. If you have a passion calling you, don’t think you have to turn away to make money or keep up in your legal job. That’s an internal voice rooted in fear. Figure out how to structure your work-life to make something happen for you, because those passions fill our well and make us better at all things personal and professional. — Charity Anastasio, American Immigration Lawyers Association

How to End Your Career When

You Don’t Want to Leave Your Clients

Many of us lawyers are more concerned with the well-being and dreams of our clients than our own needs and wishes. We don’t want to see them jeopardized, penalized, or alone. We feel like they had enough of that before we came along. But sometimes we have to go, whether it’s because of age, life demands, energy levels, or something else. Try to find a home for your clients elsewhere — giving them options of a few other lawyers to contact — or sell your firm so the phone will be answered (even if it’s for a nominal amount) and someone who cares will catch those clients. Keep good records and make them accessible to successor counsel so they can step in. Do all you can to make the transition smooth. If you think you are the only one who can do what you do, put your energy into making more of you who can answer the call. — Charity Anastasio, American Immigration Lawyers Association

You Don’t Have Enough Funds

In the wake of the economic upheaval of 2008, many lawyers intending to retire found they could not afford that option. Today, much the same difficulty presents itself to far too many of us. If you are ready to stop, or slow down, but you can’t afford the retirement you want, it’s time to consider options. This is where your network, built over the course of your career, may be helpful. Think about bringing on one or more newer or younger lawyers and serving as the rainmaker but not the litigator. Think about the skill set you’ve built and whether you could leverage it to offer consulting services. Think about teaching, maybe in the law, or maybe in a related area. There are a lot of options for your skill set and experience that do not include the day-to-day practice of law. Talk to a career counselor — it’s never too late. Spread the word that you are looking for something different. You never know where life will take you. — Roberta Tepper, State Bar of Arizona

Your Succession Plan Fell Through

This is more common than you think. Just like any estate planning attorney would tell you, have plans A, B, and C, and if the people you are choosing for roles have complicated lives, don’t be afraid to think about plan D. To improve the possibility of the plan working, start working on it 10 years before you want to stop work. Talk about it often with the parties who matter. Be transparent, be detailed, and put things in writing. But also look at other options.

For example, if you always thought your associate would take over the firm, have those conversations, but also look around at firms that may be interested in acquiring your practice to build their book of business. If you were sure your son would take over the family firm when he finished law school, be prepared for him to want to do a completely different practice area and talk with him about what that may look like, but also have a plan in place for if you had an emergency and he had to wrap up the office quick. Consult with a practice management adviser (often at bar associations) or experts in the field of valuation and brokering sales of law offices to get more information on your options today. — Charity Anastasio, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Pursue Happiness in Your Transitions

We hope this tour of transitions lawyers can go through and the advice advisers give lawyers they talk to daily has been helpful to you. Contact your bar association, lawyer assistance program, law society, or malpractice carrier for more information on who can assist you in your transitions, and continue to strive toward your happiest career and life, whatever phase you are in.