To think this is a polite brush off

[MumtoDash]

I am a lawyer in a big company and work is quite dynamic and deal based. Worked with a good team but unlikely our paths will cross necessarily again, I was told I had done good work for them though. I connected with the team leader regarding something else and took the chance to express my interest in working on a similar transaction again - got a kind response which didn’t directly address my question... ended with “Huge thanks again and I really wish you all the very best for your future endeavours” - I’m reading that as kind brush off territory, am I right?

[SpongeBobJudgeyPants]

That's how I would read it, sorry.

[AtrociousCircumstance]

Maybe they don’t foresee a need for your help in the near future?

What feedback did you get about your work with them?

[MumtoDash]

I got very good feedback. It is indeed very unlikely there will be a need (niche industry, random set of circumstances) but i am looking to build a network as who knows what the future holds work wise

[AtrociousCircumstance]

Well then it’s orobably just that - they didn’t want to say ‘we probably won’t ever need to call on you again tbh’.

However your excellent work will be known and it will add to your reputation. Don’t fret.

[Kintan]

If like you say your paths are unlikely to cross again or that they will not be likely to use your type of service again, then I wouldn't necessarily see it as a brush off, just realistic well wishes from someone who appreciated working with you :)

[ReanimatedSGB]

Well, they can't magic up a job for you if they haven't got one. Have you been reading shitty career advice about making sure no one forgets you? You have made it clear that you would like to do some more work with them: they haven't got any more work for you at the moment. Don't push any more, or they may decide that you are an annoying self-promoter and pick someone else next time.

[excitedtobehere]

It's how written references end from previous employers. Very formal.

[MumtoDash]

Reanimated - ok.

Excited - what are you saying?

[snitzelvoncrumb]

Reanamated is just giving you an example of tall poppy syndrome, it's best to ignore it

[dontgobaconmyheart]

I'd take it as that yes OP, it's not really something you say if you plan to see/work with someone again; but it does sound like it's the supply/demand issue you describe rather than anything else, since you've been assured your contribution was regarded positively, and this person has wished you well so I really wouldn't think on it too heavily. Perhaps seek out other opportunities in a similar vein if you found this one positive.

[MumtoDash]

Certainly will, good to hear I have interpreted it correctly then.

[excitedtobehere]

When you finished employment somewhere, the employer (your referee) would give you a written reference. It basically was to say you were a good employee and they wished you well in any future endeavours. You would include a copy in your cv for any prospective employers. Nowadays, potential employers prefer to contact your referees themselves and ask specific questions to deem if they will employ you. It's a formality before offering a person a job.
You have possibly been given the brush off.