Top 10 Career Mistakes Lateral Attorneys Make and How to Avoid Them for a Thriving Law Firm Career

 

1. Avoid Being a Generalist: Specialize in a Single Practice Area

Mistake: Presenting yourself as an expert in multiple, unrelated practice areas (e.g., entertainment law and trusts and estates).

Why It’s a Problem: Law firms value specialists over generalists. A specialist's deep knowledge in a single practice area is more beneficial than a broad but shallow understanding of multiple fields. Firms seek attorneys who can provide expert advice, handle complex issues within a specific area, and stay current with developments in that field.


Solution: Focus on specializing in one practice area. Choose a field that aligns with your interests and strengths, and then immerse yourself in it. This might involve taking on specific types of cases, attending relevant conferences, and continuously updating your knowledge. By becoming a specialist, you offer unique value and increase your marketability.
 

• Example: An attorney who had failed the bar exam multiple times and only managed to secure a position at a small firm decided to focus exclusively on privacy law. Over the years, he wrote numerous articles, attended conferences, and became an expert in the field. Eventually, he landed a position at one of the most prestigious law firms in the country, handling high-profile cases featured in the New York Times.
• Example: Another attorney who was a generalist at a small firm struggled to find a job after being let go. He later focused on municipal law transactions and quickly became sought after by law firms due to his specialized knowledge.

 

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See Related Articles:

• How to Select the Right Practice Area and Position Your Resume for Success in Your Legal Job Search
• Likely Ranking Of Attorneys In Different Practice Areas
• 21 Reasons You Will Never Get a Job with a Major Law Firm Now (or Ever Again)

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2. Don’t Go Solo Without a Book of Business

Mistake: Becoming a solo practitioner without a substantial client base.

Why It’s a Problem: Solo practitioners who lack a robust book of business often face significant challenges when trying to transition back into a law firm. Firms may view solos as less stable and question their ability to work within a team-oriented environment. Moreover, solo practitioners might develop habits and workflows that are not aligned with firm standards, making integration difficult.

Solution: If you choose to go solo, ensure you have a strong book of business. This means having a consistent client base that generates reliable revenue. Focus on building and maintaining client relationships, delivering exceptional service, and actively seeking referrals. Having a book of business not only demonstrates your ability to generate revenue but also your capability to manage client relationships effectively.
 

• Example: An attorney who left a large firm to start his own practice without clients struggled to return to a law firm. His lack of a client base made firms wary of his ability to generate business and adapt to a firm environment.
• Example: Conversely, another attorney who went solo but had a substantial client base was able to return to a law firm successfully. His book of business made him an attractive candidate because he could immediately contribute to the firm's revenue.

 

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See Related Articles:

• Why You Should (and Should Not) Open a Solo Law Practice
• 50+ Successful Solo Practitioner Wants to Join Law Firm
• Should You Start Your Own Law Firm? Top 10 Reasons to Start or Not Start Your Own Firm

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3. Gain Law Firm Experience

Mistake: Having little or no law firm experience, or a significant gap in your law firm employment history.

Why It’s a Problem: Law firm experience is crucial for understanding the rigorous demands and expectations of firm life. This includes handling multiple clients, meeting tight deadlines, and working under high pressure. Candidates without law firm experience might struggle to adapt to these demands, resulting in lower productivity and higher turnover.

Solution: Seek opportunities to work in a law firm environment. Even if your initial positions are not ideal, they provide valuable experience that will be beneficial in the long run. Internships, clerkships, and associate positions are excellent ways to gain this experience. If you’ve been away from a firm for a while, consider taking a refresher role to reacquaint yourself with firm dynamics and expectations.

• Example: An attorney who took a non-legal job right after graduation found it challenging to enter a law firm later. His lack of law firm experience made him less attractive to employers who needed someone familiar with firm operations and expectations.

 

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See Related Articles:

• Why is Too Much Experience Held Against an Attorney When they are Looking for a New Job?
• The 7 Steps Attorneys with 5+ Years of Law Firm Experience Must Take to Save Their Legal Careers
• The Degree of Flexibility with Experience Requirements in Law Job Listings

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4. Get Practical Experience Early On

Mistake: Graduating recently without gaining practical experience in a law firm.

Why It’s a Problem: While law school provides theoretical knowledge, practical experience is essential for developing the skills needed to succeed in a law firm. Firms typically seek candidates with 2-6 years of practical experience. Without this experience, recent graduates might struggle to meet the firm’s expectations and require extensive training and supervision.

Solution: Focus on gaining practical, hands-on experience as soon as possible. Internships, summer associate positions, and clerkships are excellent opportunities to gain this experience. Take advantage of every opportunity to work on real cases, interact with clients, and understand the day-to-day operations of a law firm. Early exposure to firm work can significantly enhance your employability.

• Example: An attorney who did not work in a law firm during their summers in law school struggled to find a position post-graduation. They had to accept an unpaid internship at a small firm to gain the necessary experience to become employable.

 

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See Related Articles:

• I Did Not Hold a Summer Position or Other Relevant Internship During My Law School. What Should I Do to Help My Job Search?
• For Legal Internships That Were More Than Five Years Ago, Should They Be Listed (e.g., 2018 to 2023)?
• How to Get an Attorney Position During and After Your Judicial Clerkship

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5. Stay Within the Law Firm Environment

Mistake: Transitioning to roles outside of law firms (e.g., in-house, government, accounting firms).

Why It’s a Problem: Non-firm roles often involve different skill sets and work habits. These positions might not provide the same level of relevant experience needed for a law firm. Law firms require specific skills such as business generation, specialization, and billable hours, which are less emphasized in non-firm environments.

Solution: If your goal is to be a marketable lateral attorney, maintain your career trajectory within law firms. This environment will help you develop the skills and experience valued by law firms. If you do transition to a non-firm role, ensure it’s a strategic move that aligns with your long-term career goals and provides valuable, transferable skills.

• Example: An attorney who moved in-house to avoid long hours found it difficult to transition back to a law firm. The lack of recent, relevant law firm experience and different work habits made her less attractive to potential employers.
• Example: Another attorney who moved to an accounting firm struggled to return to law practice because the skills and work habits developed in the accounting firm were not aligned with those required in a law firm.

 

6. Avoid Long-Term Unemployment

Mistake: Experiencing long-term unemployment.

Why It’s a Problem: Long-term unemployment can raise red flags about your performance and adaptability. It suggests that you may have been fired or chose to leave a job without securing another position. This can indicate potential issues with your work performance, relationships with colleagues, or overall stability.

Solution: Stay employed to the best of your ability. If you find yourself unemployed, take proactive steps to quickly secure a new position. Engage in activities that demonstrate your continued professional development, such as attending legal seminars, obtaining certifications, or volunteering for pro bono work. Showing that you are actively improving your skills and staying engaged in the legal community can mitigate concerns about your unemployment.

• Example: An attorney who was unemployed for several months after being laid off struggled to find new employment. Potential employers were wary of the gap and questioned his work performance and stability.
• Example: Another attorney who continued using her previous firm's voicemail and remained on their website while job hunting managed to secure a new position quickly. This strategy helped her appear continuously employed, mitigating potential red flags.

 

7. Demonstrate Stability

Mistake: Frequently changing jobs, indicating instability.

Why It’s a Problem: Frequent job changes can indicate a lack of commitment or poor performance. Law firms invest significant resources in training and developing their associates, and they want to ensure that these investments are worthwhile. Candidates who frequently move from one job to another are seen as risky, as they might not stay long enough to justify the investment.

Solution: Showcase your ability to commit to and grow within a firm. Stability is a key factor for law firms, as frequent job changes can suggest poor performance or an inability to settle. Aim to stay in roles long enough to demonstrate your value and achievements. If you do change jobs, ensure that each move is strategic and clearly contributes to your career growth.

• Example: An attorney who moved between three different firms in three years struggled to secure a new position. Despite her impressive credentials, potential employers were concerned about her lack of stability and potential for future job-hopping.
• Example: Conversely, an attorney who stayed at her firm for eight years before moving to a new opportunity was highly sought after. Her stability demonstrated her ability to commit and grow within a firm, making her an attractive candidate.

 

8. Understand Market Dynamics

Mistake: Overlooking the importance of market saturation and demand.

Why It’s a Problem: Supply and demand dynamics play a crucial role in legal recruitment. In highly saturated markets like New York, there is intense competition for positions, making it difficult to stand out. Conversely, in smaller markets, firms might be more willing to accept candidates who might not meet every criterion but can still contribute significantly to the firm.

Solution: Be aware of the supply and demand dynamics in your target markets. High-supply areas like New York can be highly competitive, while smaller markets might have more opportunities for less-than-perfect candidates. Tailor your job search strategy accordingly. In high-supply markets, emphasize your unique skills and experiences to stand out. In lower-supply markets, be prepared to demonstrate how you can bring value even if you don't fit the traditional mold.

• Example: An unemployed senior attorney in Boston found it difficult to secure a new position until he applied to firms in smaller markets like Akron, Ohio, where his experience and skills were in higher demand.
• Example: Another attorney who struggled to find work in Delaware found success by applying for corporate positions in Indiana, a market with fewer qualified corporate attorneys.

 

9. Develop Business Skills Early

Mistake: Failing to develop business generation skills early in your career.

Why It’s a Problem: Senior associates and partners without a book of business are often at risk of being let go. Law firms rely heavily on business generation to sustain their operations. Partners and senior associates who can bring in business are seen as valuable assets, while those who cannot are often deemed expendable.

Solution: Start developing your business generation skills early in your career. This can involve networking, attending industry events, and actively seeking opportunities to bring in new clients. Building a strong network and reputation in your practice area can help you generate business and secure your position within the firm.

• Example: An attorney who started developing business relationships early in her career managed to bring in significant business by the time she became a senior associate, securing her position and paving the way for her to become a partner.
• Example: Conversely, a senior associate who neglected business development struggled to maintain his position when his firm started focusing more on partners with business.

 

10. Avoid Non-Traditional Roles

Mistake: Taking on non-traditional roles (e.g., staff attorney, contract attorney) within a law firm.

Why It’s a Problem: Non-traditional roles often do not offer the same opportunities for growth, skill development, or advancement as traditional associate or partner roles. These positions can signal to future employers that you are not interested in or capable of handling the responsibilities of a traditional law firm role.

Solution: Focus on securing traditional associate or partner roles, even if it means starting at a smaller firm or in a less prestigious position. These roles offer better opportunities for growth and advancement and are more likely to be viewed positively by future employers.

• Example: An attorney who took a staff attorney position at a major firm struggled to transition to a traditional associate role later. The non-traditional role was viewed as less prestigious and suggested a lack of ambition or capability.
• Example: Another attorney who took a contract attorney position found it difficult to secure a permanent position because firms viewed the role as indicative of lower skills and ambition.

 

Conclusion

Avoiding these common pitfalls can significantly enhance your marketability as a lateral law firm attorney. By specializing in a single practice area, gaining and maintaining law firm experience, demonstrating stability, understanding market dynamics, developing business skills early, and avoiding non-traditional roles, you can ensure a stable and successful career in the legal profession. Each of these strategies requires careful planning and execution, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

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About Harrison Barnes

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About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.