Returning to work as commercial property lawyer after several years off. Can I do this?

[Powergower]

I've secured a fantastic post in a very exciting firm. I'm going back full time. I've had several years away from law and now I'm petrified that I won't be able to cope with being back. I can't remember everything I did but do remember the basis and during interview I excelled in the technical scenarios provided.

I'm having a major wobble. My brain feels shut down and I'm stressing over hypothetical situations (missing completion deadlines, amending docs properly, missing problems in land titles etc). Any property lawyers out there able to help? I'm assuming property hasn't changed much. Are the any free online resources I could use up refresh my knowledge? My new firm have told me they don't send people on courses any more but use webinars!

Any help advice much appreciated.

[lingle]

Yes you can :)

[throwingpebbles]

Yes you can! I did it

you will be surpised how quickly it all comes back

[Powergower]

Oh I hope so. Thank you ladies. What did you find most challenging about going back? I'm most worried about applying my (now faded) technical know how. I'm surprised at how excited I am to be going back - did not expect that at all!

[lingle]

A recession! When you have a baby you can't go out and drum up business.

Updating on technical know how should be fine. It's the wider factors of the economy and the firm that make you vulnerable.

[Powergower]

Yes I agree lingle. It's frustrating but all roles at over 5 years pqe require business development. Unless you go part time but then you end up with the rubbish work.

[throwingpebbles]

Technical know how- I actually found it good having an excuse to read up on stuff - within a couple of months I think my knowledge was more "current" in many ways than those that hadn't had a break.

you could subscribe to free services like lexology etc and start reading the updates? Or ask if your firm will let you do some training/webinars before you officially begin? It is hard if you have a busy case load from day one, not so bad if it builds up more gently!