Career change is especially difficult in the legal field because prior knowledge is so important. Switching to a new specialism means starting from scratch in terms of your base of understanding of case law, your experience, and in many cases your network and pay level.
There are a number of reasons for changing specialisms as a legal professional, including money, better work-life balance, and simply feeling you made the wrong choice. Changes brought about by the pandemic have given people time, space, and reason to reassess their careers and think about where they might be happier.
For example, lawyers working in family law may consider changing specialisms to avoid the interpersonal stress. People are also transitioning into legal professions because they're viewed as secure and stable.
The numbers show that all-out change in specialism is rare for solicitors. Most are actually looking for a different work experience within their current niche.
However, experience can transfer more easily from one area of law to another than has traditionally been believed. A skilled lawyer is a skilled lawyer, and when firms allow a trusted professional to train in a new area, the outcome is often positive. To go back to the family law example, the interpersonal skills honed there are useful with all clients, not just those going through emotional divorces or bereavements.
Successful specialism-changers suggest talking to as many people as possible in the other specialism you're considering, and investigating firms that deal with it and reaching out with questions.
Before you make the switch to a specialism, it's important to consider the logistics. How many new jobs open up in the field per month? Who are the major players in your area? Do you and your family have enough savings to cover a possible job hiatus?
Be wary of law career 'trends' that surge in interest overnight and then die back--the spike in demands for conveyancers with the stamp duty holiday, for example, has passed quickly now that the holiday is over.
Career counsellors and law schools may offer helpful support for your job transition, especially if you're still in the info-gathering phase. And whatever stage of the transition you’re currently in, it’s always worth speaking to a trusted recruiter who can give you an inside perspective on your path to your chosen career.