Hello
I am a solicitor in a high street firm. Private client. I qualified 7 years ago in the same firm. There are 2 partners (brothers) and 3 other solicitors (including me) and a licensed conveyancer.
It isn't a bad place to work, we are pretty much left to our own devices but it is very old fashioned. Technology is a bit out dated, there isn't much thought given to winning new business/ putting themselves out there. Traditional, I guess.
I have two pre school children and the job is ideal at the moment as it is close to home/ nursery and flexible enough that I don't have to compromise too much in respect of my home life. DH commutes quite a way and so it is mostly down to me to do pick ups/ drop offs.
However, I really have itchy feet. I want to move to a larger firm, one with better support, somewhere with a bit of dynamism.... I am also conscious that both of the partners at my firm are in their late 60's and have no escape plan. I need to think of my future.
I have spoken to a couple of recruitment people and they have basically said that I am not a hugely attractive proposition because the training at a firm like mine is considered second rate (I can see the point, I was basically cheap labour for two years- there wasn't much structure to my training contract) and I would be up against candidates who trained in City firms but are now looking to move away from London for a quieter life.
How can I turn this around? I have started the STEP qualifications which seems to be absolutely necessary in my field but what else can I do? I wish I changed job before children but it is a bit late now!