There are plenty of reasons to branch into a new practice area. Some lawyers follow market demand, or market trends, perhaps after witnessing the decline of particular practice areas, or even the over-saturation of lucrative or growing practice areas. Others shift due to evolving personal interests which could be sparked by experiences from their initial practice area. Career growth is another motivator. Many lawyers seek new opportunities after feeling restricted in their current practice or hoping for greater upward mobility. And of course, some make the switch in pursuit of more money.
However, venturing into a new practice area isn’t always smooth sailing. It requires careful planning and, at times, a strategic career move. In this article, we’ll explore several ways lawyers can make the leap to a new practice area, from upskilling and lateral hires to opportunities presented by mergers and acquisitions, and so on.
Switching practice area is a huge commitment. It demands hard work, patience, and a lot of thoughtful consideration. The first step is to assess whether this change is the right move for you. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses, for example, if you’re someone who dislikes confrontation and avoids public speaking, transitioning to might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy working with numbers and interacting with clients, Corporate Law could be an attractive option.
Take the time to understand the specific requirements of your potential area. Research emerging trends, revenue growth, and market opportunities.
Aim to connect with someone already working in that field, having a conversation with someone experienced can provide invaluable insights that go beyond what you find in articles and reports.
Lastly, conduct a final round of self-reflection. Are you ready to embrace the challenge of feeling like a beginner again? Are you willing to dedicate time to mastering new skills? Most importantly, ask yourself whether your reasons for switching truly justify the effort, and if the rewards will outweigh the investment.
Once you’ve decided to switch practice areas, the first step is to start studying. Establishing a daily habit of reviewing case law, regulations, practical guidance, and precedents is essential. Tools like Lexis+® Legal Research are invaluable for comprehensive case law research, while Lexis+® Practical Guidance can help you quickly access practical insights and resources tailored to your new practice area, making it easier to master key skills. It might also be worth exploring legal AI tools, like Lexis+® AI, which can help streamline research. By automating repetitive tasks, you'll have more time to focus on higher-level analysis, and become an expert in no time!
In addition to formal study, it’s important to engage with the wider community. Read relevant blogs, join online groups, attend industry events, and sign up for webinars and workshops.
On top of all that, you’ll need a deep understanding of your practice area, which will depend on more in-depth study. So you should buy the right books. Do some exploration and find the best legal texts for your specific practice area. Here are some well-known examples:
Networking is another powerful learning tool. Whether you’re attending events or connecting through social media, take the opportunity to reach out to professionals in the field. Consider finding an experienced mentor to guide you through the learning process. They can offer practical tips and provide valuable advice to help you navigate the challenges of your new practice area.
Lateral hiring is a powerful talent management strategy for both law firms and lawyers looking to make a change. According to a UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ report on organic law firm growth, 40% of firms say lateral hiring has become a top priority. For lawyers, it offers the opportunity to tap into high demand, find a firm that aligns better with their personal and professional goals, and even switch practice areas.
To take advantage of lateral hiring, start by identifying firms that have a strong reputation in your desired practice area. Focus on those that also meet your other needs, whether that’s flexibility, pay, or work-life balance. You may want to reach out to legal recruitment agencies, as they often have prior knowledge of potential opportunities. Don’t forget to leverage your own network too, whether through direct outreach or posting on social media platforms.
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can provide myriad benefits to law firms. They expand geographical reach, boost brand recognition, leverage economies of scale, diversify resources, and strengthen client bases.
One of the key advantages of M&As is the opportunity to expand into new practice areas – which can also benefit lawyers. M&As offer lawyers unique opportunities to stay with a firm and still pivot their area of specialisation. The process may expose lawyers to new working environments, giving them first-hand experience of new practice areas and opening the door to collaboration.
For lawyers looking to , the transition can be smoother than expected. Firms involved in M&As can provide the necessary training and resources, often with the help of lawyers already practicing in the new area. Mentorship becomes a natural part of the process, as lawyers can shadow experienced colleagues and see the practical application of law, something books can't offer.
In addition, M&As often lead to organisational restructures, which may open up opportunities for lawyers to switch practice areas. Or perhaps a request may lead to a position opening to the lawyer.
In short, M&As provide lots of opportunity to learn from others, learn about a new practice area, and find a new place in your organisation that better meets current needs.
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