Be Objective About Why You Are Unhappy
First, be as objective as possible in identifying what it is about the job that you don’t like. Is it the long hours, the boredom of constant research as a first-year associate at a large firm, or the rapid pace at which you must process cases as a prosecutor, public defender, or other agency position? Maybe you have come to realize the unrealistic expectations and constant handholding that are indicative of personal injury clients, or the constant drama of family law clients is just more than you care to allow your psyche to be bogged down with, leading you to spend a great deal of your free time in therapy. You may even find yourself in a truly ethical dilemma as not all of our colleagues practice within the rules of professionalism.
Even if one of these, or some other reason, is draining your inner super lawyer self, be honest with yourself about what you really thought lawyering was all about. This may mean coming to grips with the fact that you only went to law school because Harvey Spector and Jessica Pearson were your idols.
Reflect About What You Want to Find in Your Ideal Position
Once you can pinpoint the problem with your job, you need to reflect and consider what type of job you want. This may involve taking advantage of all the creative ways lawyers are used in society outside those traditional high-profile positions. Many lawyers find success and fulfillment in administrative or nontraditional positions like risk management, human resources, or consulting. Honestly, the field is endless. Sports enthusiasts and athletes have utilized their legal education to become agents or broadcasters. Art enthusiasts and performers become agents, curators, and managers.
The unique nature of a legal education that fosters the ability to think critically and formulate opinions based on fact patterns is invaluable in many different career paths. There is no reason to be pigeonholed into a position that is not producing those warm and fuzzy feelings you long for.
Considerations for Your Departure
With your eyes on the prize in a new practice area, you can take inventory of what similarities to your dream job your current job has and what policies, procedures, and processes can enhance your marketability in the new position. This sets you up to be considerate in your departure and keeps you organized and focused on what is important to you.
Transition to a New Role in the Same Firm
Armed with a clear path for the type of position you desire, take a moment to consider if there is a way to transition within the organization you are already a part of to move into the position you desire. A great time to have this conversation is during your performance review. You will be assessed by your strengths and weaknesses, but it’s the open door to inquiring as to whether there is any opportunity you can set your sights on and avoid having to jump into the job market. Avoid constant rants about how displeased you are with your position to other employees. You could find yourself departing earlier than planned and not necessarily on your terms.
Adhere to the Model Rules When Leaving Your Firm
When there is no reasonable path to success where you are, then the next step is to plan your exit. As with any employment, proper notice is important. You do not want to leave the day before the firm’s biggest trial. It is also helpful to offer to be a resource for your replacement, although this is not necessary.
However, as lawyers, we have an additional ethical responsibility to our clients, and rules of professional conduct are essential in that process. Being certain that your new employer does not conflict with your current position is imperative. ABA Model Rules set some specific guidelines for conflicts related to former employment. Your state bar association may also have codified versions that should be reviewed and meticulously followed. Most law firms and agencies also have a written procedure that must be followed. Additionally, private law firms have a requirement that notices to current clients must be drafted. All are necessary steps to make your transition smooth and keep you out of trouble with the regulating bar association.
Approach Your Exit Interview with Care
You will most likely have an exit interview to discuss why the position no longer fits you. This is an opportunity to be honest, but perhaps being overly critical is not the best approach. Find ways to address areas that made employment difficult without pointing fingers, naming specific individuals, or appearing faultless. Just because the firm is not a perfect fit for you, the people who work there may also move on, and leaving a bad reputation as a whiner will carry with you. Also, people talk. The person giving your exit interview most likely has colleagues in the local legal community, and you do not want a negative reputation to precede you. Yet, never place the firm, agency, or yourself in ethical jeopardy because you fail or refuse to speak up when you see malfeasance occurring. Your ethical obligation to report such activity far outweighs any immediate prejudice.
Consult a Recruiter
Another option is to secure the services of a recruiter. A career recruiter will tailor your job search based on your specific parameters. These parameters can be as simple as job type, responsibilities, and salary or an extensive personality and skills assessment reflecting your knowledge, skills, and abilities. The services of a recruiter may also vary depending on whether you are required to pay for their services upfront, as a percentage of the salary negotiated for the position, or some hybrid of the two.
Remember to Reach Out to Your Network
Don’t neglect the power of networking and involvement in the local bar association, especially in the practice where you seek employment. It is so important to form relationships that can be beneficial not only to your employment search but also to your overall development as a lawyer. Many experienced lawyers are ready, willing, and able to assist or mentor young lawyers, as we have all been in their shoes. Never underestimate how much people respect sincere inquiry about the job and profession.
You don’t have to do it alone, and there are always individuals and resources available to assist in a job search. So, there is no reason to face a dichotomy like Quinn Perkins’s, where after seven seasons of working for Olivia Pope and Associates, she was a stone-cold killer.
