For the 1 in 4 Australian lawyers reported to be considering leaving their job, the current market is tipped in their favour. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the unemployment rate is near record lows, moving from 3.5 to 3.7% in January 2023, significantly down from the average of 6.18%. However, Australia’s legal profession is tight-knit and relatively small, so reputation matters. If you are leaving your role for fresh challenges, here are our top tips on how to exit your job gracefully in law, from the College of Law’s National Careers Advisors Ruth Beran and Susan Pincus.
Firstly: Provide as much notice as you can
No one likes to be left in the lurch, particularly during a tough hiring season. Be thoughtful about how you depart and communicate your exit in person.
“Hand in your resignation to your manager providing as much notice as possible,” Ruth advises. “Try to schedule a meeting with your manager and explain in person that you are leaving rather than sending an email.”
Importantly: Don’t burn any bridges
Films like Jerry Maguire depict some dramatic workplace departures, but in real life, it’s rarely a good idea.
“The last thing you want to do is leave a law firm on a sour note, particularly if your current manager is likely to be a referee for you in the future,” Ruth Beran points out. “No matter what you may be feeling about your workplace, try and be as courteous as possible to your colleagues in your last few weeks. While it may be tempting, a no-holds-barred exit speech is never a good idea!”
Susan Pincus agrees.
“Everyone knows someone in the legal profession,” Susan says. “Be sure to keep in contact with your manager, peers and colleagues as more often than not, they may be the ones that put you in contact or keep you in mind for an opportunity down the track.”
Balancing act: Keep up the good work, at a reasonable pace
Resist the temptation to put down the tools too early or overwork yourself in your final weeks.
“When leaving an organisation, keep in mind how you wish to be remembered,” Susan says. “If you have built up a solid reputation as a hard-working professional, and once you know you are leaving, start to drop down your guard and act with minimal care, you can undo all that good work very quickly. Be sure to leave thorough handover notes and need to know information to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition.”
While working too little can be an issue, working too hard can lead to burnout.
“Working crazy hours to ensure that all your work can be handed over before you leave is excessive,” Ruth shares. “On the other hand, slacking off and using unnecessary sick leave may reflect poorly. Strike the right balance.”
Be pragmatic: Prepare a transition plan
Make your departure as easy as possible on your team and your manager.
“Tie up loose ends,” Ruth says. “Try to leave your role with as much work finished as possible to make It easier for your replacement. Prepare a transition plan so that the team, and your replacement, can take on your matters and ensure that clients continue to be well looked after.”
Keep confidentiality top of mind too.
“Make sure you understand the ethical obligations,” Ruth confirms. “In law firms, there will be confidentiality surrounding client cases, this will extend to both digital and hard copy files. Make sure you understand what you can - and can’t say - about cases when you leave.”
Reset and recharge: Take a break to start refreshed
Many lawyers feel the need to follow one job immediately by another. This can cause issues, as you may have been pressed to provide a perfect handover in your prior role and rushed to show results quickly in your new job.
“Not taking a break between the old job and the new is a bad idea,” Ruth says. “Often one of the reasons people quit a role is because they are burnt out. Taking a short break can help you reset before starting your next job, particularly as starting any new role can be intensive anyway.”
Err on caution: Never bad mouth an ex-employer
This should go without saying, but between social media and the small community of lawyers in Australia, a bad word will be long remembered.
“Never bad mouth a previous employer – keep your reasons for leaving to yourself, they don’t need to be broadcasted over social media and in interviews,” Susan says. “If you talk poorly about an employer at an interview, it is a potential indicator that you will do the same about them.”
Ruth agrees. “A big no no is bad mouthing your law firm on social media after quitting, even if your settings are private. Be careful about what you post on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok etc – you don’t know who might read it.”
The job market is hot right now and according to Ruth it is a good time to look for a new role, at the same time, the job market can shift gears quickly. It is important to feel secure about the move you are making and to take the time to evaluate your options - think things through.
“If you are considering a career change, make sure that your problem is with the actual work you are doing rather than your work environment. For example, your firm’s culture, the people you work with, or a lack of flexibility,” Ruth says. “Sometimes, the change of scenery that comes with a new workplace is all you need to feel fulfilled in your next move.”
Ruth also recommends doing your research before you make any big moves.
“Depending on how senior you are, you may want to talk to a legal recruiter. A good recruiter is worth their weight in gold, and many will follow your progress throughout your career. Note though that recruiters usually receive a commission based on your salary, so many are not interested in graduate or junior solicitors.”
And of course, never underestimate the power of networking.
“You may get lucky and find your next role via the hidden job market, saving you from competing with other applicants and potentially allowing you to start in a role that is tailored specifically for you,” Ruth says.
Then there is the option of looking beyond working for another law firm…
“Have you considered running your own law firm or becoming a barrister or trying a role in NewLaw?” Ruth asks. “Have you considered in-house or government roles? Work out your values and must-haves and look for roles accordingly.”
If you are offered a role, consider these tips on pay negotiation.
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