Solicitor and fed up!

[bisibee]

Hey everyone! I'm at a crossroads, I'm a solicitor and am desperately looking at a change! Coming up to 10 years pqe and I am fed up with the job I'm in! I'm quite happy to stay in law for the right job, but am happy to change profession if the opportunity arises. The problem I have is that I dont know what I would want to do as an alternative, as I can't really afford to retrain and I don't want a job that will mean that I don't get to see DC. All I'm certain of is that I want a change, want to spend quality time with DC and that I want to earn a decent wage to cover living expenses etc. I have looked at PSL roles, but not entirely sure what that entails and I am enticed by in-house but can't seem to find anything that suits! I'm a Civil Lit lawyer currently working in local authority.

Bisibee I'm in the same boat. Have you considered law lecturing. That's my current thought and I've had some very helpful advice on here. I'm still hesitant but definitely more informed.

Would have thought local authority work is better than private practice- not the case?

Hi, it has its pros and cons. I'm working hard with not much reward. There are no pressures of billing like I. pp, however the culture is changing because of budget cuts etc. Law lecturing, sounds like a great idea. I might look in to that thank you!

Yes - I've been mulling over the negatives / pressures. I started a thread on it the other day in aibu.

Hi Bisbee I have no advice to give but I am in the exact same position (except 12 PQE) but I have decided to really do the change this time. I have bought a few books to help me do a career assessment as I have no idea what else I could do either.

I am in house and unless you work for a bit company, they tend to recruit corporate/commercial/employment rather than civil lit.

I have considered law lecturing but it is not really my thing. Same for PSL.

So that leaves me with freelancing or a complete change

I was dead set on lecturering but I'm wondering if it's for me too. What freelancing options have you thought of? Why do so many lawyers want out!?

Oh! Didn't know there was another thread! Yep, looks like a trend, a lot of lawyers want out whether it be pp, public sector or in-house! I guess there is more to life I was looking at a PSL rule, but need to do more research on what it actually entails and whether you truly get a good work/life balance. As I have been in PS so long, the thought of PP scares me! Looking into in-house roles, I've noted that most f them require commercial lawyers, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that someone will need an in-house dispute resolution lawyer (my current role). I also have experience in some other areas but am more skilled in litigation.

As I said Beeblu for civil lit, it is likely to be in large company and therefore a lot of opportunities in London and a lot less elsewhere. Although you may want to look at NHS trust or similar as they usually require litigators.

For me it is the hours, even in house, part-time opportunities are rare and I would like to spend more time with the kids or doing other things. There is also the repetition. The thought of reviewing yet another contract and negotiating the same things over and over again makes me feel sick. Also generally I don't think lawyers (or may it is just me) are valued. There is a stigma.

I live near London so that shouldn't be a problem, but thanks for the tips I definitely have more to research now!

I feel the same, if I have to draft another piece of advice about debt recovery or a breach of contract I'll scream!!!

I would love part-time but given that we just brought a house and want to renovate it's not really an option.

I hope that you are able to find something that suits your family life, wish you all the best of luck. If you need a moan about a job, I'm here for you!

If you have any ideas at all of why kind of job you want, I'll keep my eyes open for you. So far, I know that you want part time and to stay as far away from commercial contracts as possible!!!

I actually thought of trying to switch areas to commercial - is it really bad? I'm tired of 2 queries never being the same and looking for something more repetitive!

BeeBlu that is so lovely of you. Yes, will definitely chat and let you know what happens with me and I hope you too.

Apples go for it although I suspect you might return in five years saying "I have to negotiate best endeavousr/reasonable endeavours or the meaning of "procure" one more time, I will cry " :-)

Haha!

Ha ha ha!!!! Good luck ladies! I made the switch a few years ago from property to litigation and here I am now saying I need a change!!!