Inside Straight: Creating Dual Career Tracks

It all started in the information technology and research firms. They discovered that to be successful, they needed employees who could be great scientists and have the ability to manage. Indeed, there are two different skill sets.
 

But, there soon emerged a problem. Some great scientists love to research and the job they were doing. However, they did not feel happy managing other people. This presented the question; how could they keep both types of employees happy? This was when the idea of dual career paths emerged.


The success of the information technology and research firms with dual-career paths meant that other industries followed. This included sales organizations, which needed employees that were fantastic with sales and good in administration. Again, the dual-career paths meant that companies could benefit from both. So, what about in the legal profession?
 

What is a Dual-Career Path?

First, it is important to understand what is meant by a dual-career path. This is essentially a model that will be in place for employees at a law company. The idea is supposed to deal with the fact that organizations need a combination of different employees with different skill sets. So, a dual-career path creates two ways for career progression that are going to honor those skills. Often, this means having a management role path and another one for a professional and technical role.

Therefore, dual-career paths mean you can go down the route of your choice. Perhaps you want to go down the managerial path and steer away from technical duties. On the other hand, if you want to focus on technical tasks and innovation, you can go down the professional path. Dual-career paths can suit a company and its employees.
 

What are the Benefits for Legal Professionals?

Legal professionals have a lot to gain from legal jobs that offer dual-career paths.

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages for employees.
 

More Technical Options

One problem with the traditional linear career path was that those who want to continue using their technical skills and legal knowledge were ignored. In other words, they had limited opportunities because they did not want to have a managerial role. The employees were essentially stuck where they were and could not move up the ladder.

But the great thing about dual-career paths is that there is now a route for technical employees to go, which means they do not have to manage people if they do not want to.
 

The Ability to Stay at a Law Firm

Let’s not forget that a lot of legal professionals do not want to leave their law firms. But, to further their legal careers, they are forced to. The good thing about dual-career paths is that they can create options for employees. In this way, a legal professional does not have to leave the law firm they like for an alternative career path. Instead, they can move up in their career and a most appealing direction.

The Chance to Develop Skills

Having a career path in mind means you can continue to develop the skills you are good at. You can know that you are progressing, and there is a way to climb the career ladder. What’s more, you will have two options to explore, which allow freedom in how your career develops at a law office.

More Rewards

Without dual-career paths, you would get stuck in the same job if you did not want to progress.

This would mean the same pay and incentives. But, when a law firm can offer different career paths, this means that you can move up the chain and enjoy more rewards as you go. This includes a larger salary, as well as other rewards associated with the role.

What are the Benefits for Law Firms?

There are many different advantages for law firms when they use dual-career paths. Let’s take a look at them.

Boost Employee Satisfaction

There is no doubt that the legal industry is competitive. Law firms have to work out how they can attract employees and make sure that they are happy in their roles.

Thus, they need to do everything in their power to create progression opportunities. This is something that can be done with dual-career paths. This will allow staff to enjoy options and feel satisfied with the law firm they are working for. In turn, this can mean they work harder and are motivated in the office, leading to better performance.

Lower Staff Turnover

Unfortunately, staff turnover can be a problem for law firms. But, with dual-career paths, this can often solve the problem of staff turnover. With new opportunities and a future to plan for, legal professionals are more likely to stay and be loyal to a law firm. Over time, this will save the organization money on advertising, hiring, and training new staff.

Attract New Talent

Again, law firms are competitive, and companies must think of new ways to attract talent. One way that law firms can do this is by offering opportunities to their employees.

There are chances to move up the career ladder with dual-career paths and ensure staff can get what they want. They will be attracted to a law firm that offers them these opportunities and is more likely to stay.

Tips for Dual-Career Paths

If you are a legal professional and are joining a law firm with dual-career paths, you need to be prepared. This is a great opportunity, and you want to make the most of it. Here are some tips that can be useful.

Start Thinking Early

If you are a young legal professional, you may think choosing your career path is later down the line. You have just got your first job, why think about it years in advance? Indeed, this is true; you are only starting your legal practice.

But you want to use the few years. You have to decide what you want to do later on in your legal career. Start thinking about the dual-career path opportunities and explore what it would be like to go down both. This does not mean you have to decide what you are going to do forever. However, it is worth thinking about it early so that you can stay open-minded.

Figure Out Your Skills

After completing your law degree and entering the legal profession, you will soon discover your skills. You are taking all of the legal knowledge you have gained in law school and applying it to the real world. You will quickly learn where your expertise lies and what you are good at. This is something you want to know to choose the right career path for your future. Your skills will allow you to excel at your job and reach your potential. Thus, pay attention to what you are good at, which will be important in choosing the right legal job.

Know Your Interests

Of course, you want to choose a career path that complements your skills. But, you also want to have a job that you love. This means you have to identify what your interests are in the legal industry. After all, you will perform at a job you love and be motivated to come into the legal office every day. Without this passion, you can start to lose interest in the daily tasks required to do your job.

Stay Open-Minded

It is essential to understand that your career path does not have to be set in stone. You do not have to decide what you want to do later immediately. While it should be in the back of your mind, do not dismiss another career path. Stay open-minded as your interests may change over time, and you do not want to limit your options. You want to ensure that you do not rule out any possibilities for your legal career.

See also: Top 20 Mistakes Attorneys Make When Choosing to Look for and Accept New Jobs.