05 Jul Mid-Level Career Advancement
The general advice for lawyers starting out is to work in as many areas of the law as possible – in order to discover an area that brings you maximum enjoyment. However, when it comes to mid-level lawyers, they can to easily find themselves caught in that revolving door of work without advancement. This is despite the fact that, from the practice owners’ point of view, mid-level promotions are crucial when it comes to retaining well performing staff and ensuring that they remain motivated and engaged in their legal career.
As a mid-level lawyer trying to gain a promotion it always helps to put yourself in your employer’s shoes. Despite what you think, the promotion decision may not be about how much you want to be promoted or how hard you will work. Promotion depends not just on work done, but a lot more besides. It is quite often your employer’s perception of you, and their immediate needs, that will determine whether they want to promote you or not.
As a general rule, firms tend to view the bottom line equally, and in some cases more importantly, than their desire to practice law. Although they are obviously related, firms will always be interested in promoting those mid-level staff members whom they can see making them future profits. Indeed, few firms can afford senior staff members and partners who are unable to pay their own way.
To be considered for a mid-level promotion you have to be sure that you are bringing yourself to your employer’s attention for all the right reasons. Obviously as a mid-level lawyer you should be looking to become a subject-matter expert, in an area of interest, to solidify your standing as a valuable and indispensable part of the practice. However, as well demonstrating your value in the workplace, you will also need to focus on maintaining and building up your “social capital”. Saying that, most kiwis (including myself), feel uncomfortable about self-promotion. We would like to believe that our good work alone will get us that sought after role. But if you are seeking an advancement, becoming invaluable and well liked in your firm will prove essential in getting ahead.
An important part of this is building up your network of supporters. When it comes to boosting your support base a useful idea is to start treating your colleagues the same way you would your clients. In doing so you will be building mutually beneficial relationships, instead of adversarial ones. Although you may find it hard to be an ally of some of your colleagues (no doubt you can think of a few names!), it does in the long run pay to be the better person. Hold yourself to a high standard and treat every single colleague like a client. Employers promote those staff members that they both trust and like. Ultimately, one of the greatest tests of character is how you treat those in your firm that have no leverage or influence over you. Treat them right and your actions will not go unnoticed amongst your colleagues and employer.
Sometimes it just pays to take a deep breath and reflect that those at the top of the hierarchy are human, just like you. So don’t be afraid to develop direct relationships with your senior colleagues. Invite them for lunch or coffee to hear about their role and responsibilities, and to discuss the ways that you could help them better achieve their goals. You’ll find that few people turn down a free lunch with someone who wants to listen and help where they can!
In the end, you may find that you are not able to grow your career with your current employer. The reality is that some firms and fields provide better growth opportunities than others. If advancing your career is important to you, it might be time to look for something different.