Are you bored with the same old, same old?

Ask for a new area of responsibility and volunteer for “stretch” assignments (those that are not entirely beyond your capability but will challenge you in ways your current tasks do not). Identify the skills that more senior lawyers have that you have not yet developed and figure out how to bridge that gap through training, CLE and assignments.

Do you feel like your job is meaningless?

Make a list of the things in life that inspire your passion. Chances are, your current position does not feed you’re your values adequately if you are lacking meaning in what you do. All is not lost - brainstorm ways to add that meaning to your current position. It could be through public speaking, teaching, volunteerism, pro bono projects that address your passions, working with students, even raising money for fulfilling projects. It might involve a practice focus realignment, or it could be that you have interest in an emerging area of law and can take steps to become the firm expert in this area.

Are you frustrated that you are not progressing as quickly as you hoped?

Don’t underestimate the value of the relationships and institutional history you have at your current employer. Take the time to initiate an unrushed conversation with your supervisor, mentor or other trusted advisor at your job (a coffee or lunch invitation is a great way to set the stage). Have a frank conversation about your goals and solicit advice for achieving them. If you don’t make an annual plan, you should - set your attainable goals and smaller interim goals to get there and refine that as needed. Make sure you share this plan and your progress with your supervisors and ask for input. It helps to get everyone invested in your progress and achievement!

Are you lacking a champion and a mentor?

Unfortunately, the press of the billable hour can make it difficult for busy lawyers to focus on mentoring more junior lawyers like they should. Formal mentoring programs do not always fill the void, either. As a mentee, you should take ownership over this process. Identify people you admire, people you hope to be like one day and start building those relationships. It may be hard to take the first step, but it will be well worth the push. And, no one says you have to limit your mentor or champion to one person - the more the merrier. You should build a team of trusted advisors and cheerleaders both within and outside of your firm or employer.

Feeling Stuck at Work? Try Rebuilding Before Leaving

ameemckim
Aug 18
2 min read

Updated: Aug 27

Before you start searching for a new job, take a hard look at whether your current role can be reshaped into something more challenging, meaningful, and strategically aligned with where you want your career to go.

Are you bored with the same old, same old? Ask for a new area of responsibility and volunteer for “stretch” assignments (those that are not entirely beyond your capability but will challenge you in ways your current tasks do not). Identify the skills that more senior lawyers have that you have not yet developed and figure out how to bridge that gap through training, CLE and assignments.

Do you feel like your job is meaningless? Make a list of the things in life that inspire your passion. Chances are, your current position does not feed you’re your values adequately if you are lacking meaning in what you do. All is not lost - brainstorm ways to add that meaning to your current position. It could be through public speaking, teaching, volunteerism, pro bono projects that address your passions, working with students, even raising money for fulfilling projects. It might involve a practice focus realignment, or it could be that you have interest in an emerging area of law and can take steps to become the firm expert in this area.

Are you frustrated that you are not progressing as quickly as you hoped? Don’t underestimate the value of the relationships and institutional history you have at your current employer. Take the time to initiate an unrushed conversation with your supervisor, mentor or other trusted advisor at your job (a coffee or lunch invitation is a great way to set the stage). Have a frank conversation about your goals and solicit advice for achieving them. If you don’t make an annual plan, you should - set your attainable goals and smaller interim goals to get there and refine that as needed. Make sure you share this plan and your progress with your supervisors and ask for input. It helps to get everyone invested in your progress and achievement!

Are you lacking a champion and a mentor? Unfortunately, the press of the billable hour can make it difficult for busy lawyers to focus on mentoring more junior lawyers like they should. Formal mentoring programs do not always fill the void, either. As a mentee, you should take ownership over this process. Identify people you admire, people you hope to be like one day and start building those relationships. It may be hard to take the first step, but it will be well worth the push. And, no one says you have to limit your mentor or champion to one person - the more the merrier. You should build a team of trusted advisors and cheerleaders both within and outside of your firm or employer.

These are not the only steps you can take, but just a few quick ideas to get your imagination flowing. You are limited only by your creativity and determination. Good luck and consider sharing with me what you are focused on achieving the rest of this year.

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