Taking your legal career to the next level can be both challenging and exciting at the same time. In studying the careers of successful legal experts in your area of practice, taking risks, specializing in a type of law you’re passionate about, and networking, you can increase your odds of rising to the top of the legal field. For a closer look at ways to take your legal career to the next level, read on.
Study the careers of other successful legal experts.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when there are so many fantastic, successful attorneys out there. One of the best ways to reach the top of the legal field is simply to find lawyers you admire and study their careers. For example, if you have an interest in administrative law and are passionate about making change and improving human rights at the governmental level, Malliha Wilson is someone whose career you might want to take a closer look at.
A minority leader who’s dedicated her career to fighting for labor law changes in Ontario and through the Supreme Court, Wilson is a prime example of a lawyer able to juggle complex litigation for a cause she believes in.
Regardless of if your passion is tied to the Ontario government and human rights like Wilson’s, the idea is to find successful lawyers whose careers you admire to see how they climbed ladders, broke glass ceilings, and made a change. In emulating the careers of those who’ve come before, you’ll be in a better position to succeed.
Practice in an area you’re most passionate about.
It’s only natural to do a better job when you’re passionate about your work. For this reason, it’s important to double-check that you’re studying or practicing a type of law you’re passionate about. Where one lawyer might love giving legal advice to personal injury victims, another could be more passionate about defending the underprivileged. It’s always a good idea to take a second look at your specialization to be sure the type of law you’re invested in is something you’ll be passionate about for the long term.
Network with other successful people.
Successful people tend to gravitate toward one another. When making choices about whom you align with at work and in your private life, consider your colleagues’ and friends’ overall goals. It’s a good idea to surround yourself with other people interested in reaching the top of their chosen field. Not only will they understand your desire to be successful, but they’ll likely have healthy habits that may rub off on you.
Even when aligning with friends outside of work, there are always networking opportunities that could be mutually beneficial for friends across industries. Always consider ways you can help your goal-oriented friends and the favor will likely be returned.
Take risks and make a change.
It’s difficult to achieve top success without taking a few risks along the way. In fact, some of the most successful lawyers are those who took on notable cases when others shied away. To bring your legal career to the next level, consider taking a risk here and there. While it’s one thing to have a law degree, show up for work every day, and do a good job, it’s another to be out there facilitating positive, systemic change through projects like the Systemic Justice Project or others you might be passionate about.
In the end, your career will go further if you work hard, connect with other legal experts, and make a plan for success. Your success will depend on how you define it, but in having clear goals and following these tips, you’re bound to build a career you’re proud of. Best of luck in taking your legal career to the next level.
