From the Legal Journeys Series — Contributed by a Senior Legal Professional
Every lawyer reaches a point where the road forks: do you keep struggling in practice, or do you step into a salaried job? For me, this moment came after years of learning, gaining experience, and finally finding stability in a law firm. By then, I had improved my skills, gained exposure to corporate and regulatory law, and built some confidence in my abilities.
But there was another reality I could not ignore — finances. Living without consistent income for years had already taken a toll, and now family responsibilities were increasing. The idea of staying in practice sounded noble, but it no longer seemed practical.
That’s when an opportunity arose in a federal organization. On paper, it meant moving away from active litigation and private practice. In reality, it meant stability, growth, and a chance to work on development projects that supported small and medium enterprises. It was not the path I imagined when I first got my license, but it was the one that made sense for me and my family at that stage of life.
How to Decide at the Crossroads?
- Be honest about finances. If you can no longer sustain yourself (or your family), a job may be the wiser choice.
- Think long-term. Practice builds independence but takes time. Jobs offer stability but can narrow options. Balance both factors.
- Consider your interests. Some lawyers thrive in courtrooms; others find fulfillment in policy, advisory, or corporate roles.
- Don’t see it as “giving up.” Moving into a job doesn’t erase your skills; it applies them differently.
- Stay open. Even after switching, you may find ways back into practice or consulting later.
When Stability Becomes the Right Choice
Taking a job doesn’t mean you failed at practice. It means you chose the path that fit your circumstances at the time. For me, moving into an in-house role was not a step back — it was a step sideways into a new dimension of law, one where I could contribute differently and still grow as a professional.
– This post is part of our Legal Journeys Series, featuring reflections from the legal community. If you’d like to share your own story, contribute through our [Legal Voices] section.
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