The Importance of Introspection in Finding Your Place in the Law
Some attorneys know exactly what they want to do from the beginning of their careers and thrive by building practices that reflect their self-understanding. However, many new lawyers lack visibility into the various practice areas and career paths available in the legal industry, leaving them vulnerable to making uninformed decisions about their legal careers.
Law schools and the traditional law firm model reinforce limited options, such as private or government practice, litigation or transactional work, and partner or solo practitioner tracks. External factors, such as the economy, also limit viable career choices for early-career lawyers.
Defining their strengths and weaknesses and showcasing their strengths in their professional lives can provide clues about the types of practice areas and environments where their strengths might become professional assets. Attorneys can also pursue new experiences and opportunities outside their current scope of work to create small windows of opportunity that lead to a path previously obscured from view.
Finally, attorneys can seek advice, encouragement, and inspiration from others who have created fulfilling and happy careers and embrace change, recognizing that personal evolution may lead to changes in their career paths. Developing a deep sense of self and creating a path that reflects that understanding can serve attorneys well on their journey ahead.
