Retain control of your career, young lawyers

Too many lawyers move from one job to another without enough thought on how their career decisions impact their livelihood in the long term. To help young lawyers retain control over their career development, career specialist Kathy Morris of Under Advisement Limited, offered useful advice in a recent ABA-CLE Career Center podcast.

Once hired, many young lawyers find themselves pigeonholed, working in just one area of the firm, with just one supervisor. Such circumstances can limit associates' opportunities for broader work experience and relationship building with others in the firm, said Morris. Instead, these associates should work with a wide range of people on a wide range of subjects."

Also, Morris suggested lawyers consider the workload of their peers to see if they are getting the same opportunities. If not, they should find out why. Is it a lack of a particular skill? Or perhaps it is a case of not being assertive enough in requesting assignments. Once they find out, they should address the issue.

Lawyers should also note the type of assignments their peers are given. Are their assignments meatier? "It is important to have the type of work that will help you progress and grow," said Morris.

Use performance reviews as an opportunity for dialog with supervisors—not to look back, but to look ahead. Together, set goals and decide on which opportunities to pursue in the coming months.

"Retaining Control Over Your Own Career Development" is available for free here.

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