Tag: career

Career Resources

Is it time to progress your career as a Lawyer? Challenge yourself with this checklist.

Is it time to progress your career as a Lawyer? Challenge yourself with this checklist.   Before you take the leap and start looking for your next legal job, take a moment to ask yourself the following questions: Am I being challenged in my current role, in my current company? Am I still learning new things? Do I feel respected and appreciated? Am I developing new skills that will enhance my value? Can I see a future career path? Do I get up each Monday excited about going to work or not?   Examining the reality of your current role and objectively determining whether it’s the role itself that needs to change or simply the employer can often be the most important first step. Only you know when it’s time to move on. But chances are you’ve at least thought about what the next move might be. There are clear warning signs that it might be time to move on. 1. Staying Doesn’t Make Financial Sense It probably seems risky, but changing jobs can often mean an increase in income or other non-financial benefits. New employers may offer an incentive to move across, and some firms are now offering “70 cents in the dollar on billings” and cross-referral/client introduction fees (often 10% of collected fees). Consider the other benefits you may currently be missing out on: better hours, working closer to home, or flexibility like working from home one day a week. You may find you even have time to take that holiday that never seems to come around. Moreover, staying in a role that doesn’t meet your financial expectations can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout. Regularly assess your market value by networking with recruiters and peers in your field. The recent APLMA Salary survey ( Free for ALPMA member or purchase the full survey here) can provide insights into current salary and employment trends in the Legal Industry and help you benchmark your compensation. Remember, it’s not just about the base salary; look at the total compensation package, including bonuses, benefits, and work-life balance. 2. You’re Risking Guilt by Association No matter how many hours you put in, if you’re not working for the right people, that is energy wasted. Some firms are known for excellence in one area and not others. Ask yourself: how positive is our firm’s reputation in my practice area? Who are we being compared to? Are we being held back or even missing out on work because of the way the firm is perceived? Maybe moving on is a better bet for your reputation. Being associated with a firm that has a tarnished reputation can have long-term career implications. Clients and peers often judge you by the company you keep. If your firm is embroiled in scandals or known for unethical practices, it might be time to distance yourself. Look for firms with a strong ethical foundation and a positive market reputation. A good reputation not only attracts better clients but also opens doors to prestigious career opportunities. 3. Politics Is a Tricky Game Managing demanding clients is one thing. Managing internal conflict is another level of stress altogether. Sometimes firm management just won’t be on your side. Perhaps they are excluding you from managing bigger clients because of some perceived conflict. Did you back the wrong person at the last partner’s meeting? Politicking is part and parcel of law firm life, but if it is taking up too much headspace, it may be time to outgrow the petty game playing. Internal politics can be toxic and detrimental to your mental health and career progression. If you find yourself constantly navigating office politics rather than focusing on your professional growth, it might be a sign to move on. Seek environments where meritocracy prevails and where you are recognized for your contributions and not your alliances. Transparent and supportive leadership can significantly enhance job satisfaction and career development. 4. Your Firm Is Choked by Bureaucracy Too much paperwork and too many meetings might eat into your practice. You would be better off developing business and nurturing client relationships rather than attending endless irrelevant meetings that go nowhere. Overcomplicated workplaces can be very difficult to change. So ask yourself, do you have time to wait around while these knots are being untangled? Or do you have better things to be doing? Bureaucracy can stifle creativity and efficiency. If you spend more time navigating internal processes than serving clients or developing your skills, it might be time to consider a change. Look for firms that value streamlined processes and efficiency. Modern legal practices leverage technology to minimize administrative burdens, allowing lawyers to focus on high-value tasks. Adopting a proactive approach to seeking out such environments can lead to a more fulfilling and productive career. 5. There’s Been a Change in Direction When you started your current role it may have been a perfect match. But things change. If your firm decides to take things in a new direction, your areas of focus may simply not fit anymore. Perhaps they have brought in an outsider above you or merged with a firm with an incompatible culture. Adapting to organizational changes can be challenging, especially if the new direction doesn’t align with your career goals. When a firm shifts its strategic focus, it can create misalignment with your professional objectives. This misalignment can hinder your growth and job satisfaction. It’s essential to stay attuned to industry trends and be prepared to pivot when necessary. Evaluate whether the new direction aligns with your long-term goals and values. If not, it might be time to explore other opportunities that better suit your career aspirations. 6. There’s a Values Mismatch This is tough because values underpin every decision, big and small. Even if your situation looks fantastic on paper, a fundamental mismatch in values or personalities will wear you down over time. Values don’t have to be spelled out in a strategic document. You’ll know what your firm’s priorities are, and

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Candidate Tips

What I wish I’d known as a new lawyer | Advice from a recruiter

What makes the difference between a fresh graduate and a veteran lawyer often comes down to details – writing an email so a client clearly understands their legal options, or contributing effectively to a business meeting to win new work or consolidate an existing relationship. On 18 August 2017, The College of Law hosted a one-day event, the New Lawyers Summit, featuring advice from senior lawyers, recruiters, digital networkers and barristers to help law graduates acquire the skills they need to excel professionally. Insights spoke to recruiter Jason Elias, who was part of the New Lawyers Summit, on his advice for new lawyers hoping to impress in their first graduate role. “As recruiters, we hear, see and are sometimes purely surprised by some of the easily avoided but common mistakes we see in the recruitment process,” said Elias. Including a photo ranks high on his list of job-hunting faux pas. “There is no reason to put a photo in a legal CV, even if you look like Amal Clooney – or George Clooney. It’s irrelevant. Unlike actors or models, looks are irrelevant when it comes to being a good lawyer.” “Be brief in your CV,” advised Elias. “Anything over four pages is overkill. Make sure you focus on the most recent and relevant roles. Do not include any matters that could be discriminatory, such as references to your age, marital status, race or religion. “Don’t try to be fancy with your CV, with illustrations or boxes or any other kind of novelty. Just be professional. Remember, the CV is there to get you the interview. Once you’re in the interview, let your personality shine a bit more.” For law students looking to impress recruiters and law firm HR, Elias advised finding some form of legal work while studying law. “Get a job, even if it’s in the mailroom,” said Elias. “There are so many stories of managing partners who started in the mailroom. Get an associateship with a judge, find work as a paralegal – anything relevant to your chosen career.” Elias also noted that marks remain important, so a concerted effort to do well – and consistently – in the study of law will distinguish applicants at the graduate recruitment stage. Applying the same sense of industry and commitment to preparing for an interview as one might for a distinction or high distinction is essential – and one of the most overlooked areas for graduate applicants. “Preparation is really important. I’ve never understood why it’s overlooked. When you’re going for a job, your academic transcript might have three pages of marks, which a recruiter or an HR manager might glance over for twenty seconds. For each of those marks, you might have spent dozens of hours to make sure it was distinction, not a credit. Yet I still hear HR people telling me that a candidate didn’t know their firm specialised in a certain area. “To prepare well for an interview, read the firm’s website,” urged Elias. “Read anything that is written by the firm and its lawyers. Know the legal press. Know the LinkedIn profiles of all the partners. It shows you know the firm and want the job.” In recent years, automation and outsourcing have featured frequently in legal news, sparking some concern that it may disrupt entry level and paralegal work. In Elias’s view, these concerns are largely unfounded. “I’m a bit skeptical about how much automation will really effect the legal profession. There’s no substitute for quality control, and only real people can ensure quality work. Automation may make our work more efficient but it won’t replace all work. New lawyers should focus on doing what machines can never do – understanding the commercial context of a legal issue, and the subtleties of human nature. Much of the time advice is not just about technical black letter law but the commercial context and underlying human motivations around a deal.” Above all, Elias advises perseverance. “Getting turned down from a job interview is not the best feeling in the world,” Elias said. “Some roles, especially in-house, can have up to 100 candidates. Some employers will share tips on how you can improve. Take these tips into consideration and learn from the job application experience. Remember, recruiters deal with thousands of lawyers each year. Nobody is intentionally out of work for long.”   This article was first published on 12 July 2017 in the College of Law.

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Australian Law

Uncertain times- don’t worry, we are in your corner

Sometimes you need to talk to someone about your career. It is dangerous to speak to colleagues at work so an objective outsider with industry experience is a good option. Here is where an experienced consultant can help. Elias Recruitment has over 20 years helping legal professionals in private practice and in-house legal roles. Our award winning team, are a safe pair of hands to advise on everything from salaries and your current role or any future move. We can offer expert advice and insight into which opportunities will best suit your career ambitions. We have consultants in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to assist you. So if you want a friendly, objective voice on your team, book a free career chat with one of our team at [email protected].

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Australian Law

Google map your career in 3 steps

The importance of setting goals can be likened to consulting a map. If you’re setting out to go somewhere you haven’t been to before, you’re more likely than not to need a map to help you get there. Setting goals is similar when considering your career map. 1. Set career goals To ensure that your goals stand the best chance of being reached, they need to be SMART! SMART is a learning technique, outlining criteria’s to help guide you through setting your objectives, for example: Specific – what is your goal? How often/how much? Where will it take place? Measurable – how will you measure it? How will you keep yourself accountable? Achievable – are your goals attainable? Realistic – is your goal or timeframe realistic for the goal you have set? Timely – do you have a specific timeframe/date set?. 2. Managing your career Once you’ve set your goals, next you’ll need to outline your career plan. How are your goals going to work in or align with your values, preferences, interests and personal circumstances? Your career plan should include milestones (specific stages throughout your goal and development journey) and the role of mentors or coaches (is there anyone who can help your development/career/goals? How can you best utilise them?). Another focus area should be building your profile – utilise social media platforms such as LinkedIn – showcase your achievements, awards, projects and experience. Finally, plan for continuing education, whether it’s a formal course or free online learning webinars, by committing to additional learning you are allowing yourself every opportunity stay ahead of the pack. Once you map out your plan and direction, remember to seize every opportunity by being prepared to adapt to circumstances that arise. 3. Sourcing opportunities When it comes to sourcing opportunities there are four key areas to consider. Review job boards and websites regularly – sign up to job alerts and email notifications from job search websites so you when jobs matching your criteria are advertised, you are the first to know. Build and promote your personal brand – the fastest way to build your brand is to give value – share your experience, connections and help those around you – being able to walk your talk has a greater and lasting impact than another person who only talks. Use social media to your advantage – outline your experience on LinkedIn, join groups, add colleagues, get your name out there and attached to great conversations and projects. However, as with all social media, ensure that all of your interactions online are appropriate (i.e. would a potential employer be happy to see that?) and untag, unsubscribe, and delete anything that isn’t. Understand and take advantage of the ‘hidden job market’ – with as much as 80% of available jobs never being formally advertised, it is always a good idea to keep in contact with your connections and turn to them first when searching for new opportunities. So when it comes to your career, don’t wing it. Make sure you have a good map and of course you may need to change directions every now and again. Just make sure you are heading in the right direction. Looking for your next career opportunity? Take a look at the current roles we have on offer, visit our Job Seekers page.

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