As a recruiter, I often speak with associates who feel they’ve made a misstep somewhere along their career path. Some summered with Big 4 accounting firms or hedge funds, thinking they wanted to avoid Big Law, only to realize later that’s exactly where they wanted to be. Others landed in practice areas they weren’t passionate about or at firms that didn’t align with their long-term goals.
These stories underscore why commitment and intentionality are so critical early on. Your first role sets the tone for your career, and the decisions you make now can have a lasting impact.
Here are some key insights to help you navigate your path with confidence:
Your First Job Sets the Tone
Your first role out of law school often dictates the trajectory of your career and significantly influences how firms will evaluate you in the future. This decision shapes the skills you develop, establishes your professional reputation, and sets the tone for the opportunities available to you down the line. The impact of this choice cannot be overstated.
The most effective way to set yourself up for success is to summer at a firm where you can realistically see yourself accepting a full-time offer. Aim to secure a return offer by fully committing to the experience and giving your best effort. Missing this alignment during your summer can leave you scrambling to find the right position later. Take advantage of your summers to explore firms and practice areas that align with your long-term goals. Seek guidance from professors and professionals in your areas of interest to refine your direction. Ask yourself: Can I see myself growing and thriving here for the next 2–5 years? If the answer is no, consider reevaluating your options before committing.
Plan Ahead During Law School
Taking ownership of your career starts well before you graduate. Before you summer, you should have a clear idea of the practice area you’re interested in and want to target. Your internships, summer associate positions, and networking choices matter. Use these opportunities to explore areas of interest and ensure you’re positioning yourself for success. A proactive approach now can save you from landing in a role that doesn’t align with your aspirations.
Commit to Your Role for At Least a Year
Employers value consistency. Staying in a role for at least a year—ideally two—demonstrates dedication and allows you to develop meaningful experience. Jumping ship too quickly can raise questions about your reliability and make future transitions more challenging.
Retooling is Possible but Requires Effort
Retooling your career path—whether within your firm or to a new role—is not impossible but requires deliberate effort:
- Retooling Within a Discipline: Retooling within litigation or corporate/finance practices is generally more achievable due to overlapping skill sets and shared foundational knowledge. For example, transitioning from antitrust litigation to commercial litigation or moving between corporate practices like M&A and transactions is feasible, particularly if you’re shifting teams within your current firm. While these transitions are easier to manage compared to switching disciplines entirely, they still present challenges—especially if you’re lateraling to another firm. Even within a discipline, such moves require strategic planning and clear communication of your interest, expertise, and value.
- Changing Tracks Completely: Jumping from litigation to corporate or another unrelated practice area is extremely challenging, especially if you’re only six months into your current role. While taking a pay cut or accepting a class-year reduction might seem to make the process more achievable, the reality is that interviews will focus heavily on your conviction and passion for the new area. To demonstrate this effectively, you need to have relevant experience. Start by seeking opportunities within your existing firm to take on work in the practice area you want to transition into. Once you’ve built credibility, consider lateraling to solidify the move. Alternatively, explore generalist practice firms that structure their work around business units rather than rigid disciplines, as these may offer more flexibility for such transitions.
Avoid the Retooling Headache: Plan Strategically
Networking is critical—talk to people in the practices you’re interested in and gain insight into their work. While retooling isn’t impossible, it’s a time-intensive process that could involve sacrifices like pay cuts or class-year adjustments. Save yourself the headache by making intentional choices during law school and early in your career. Thoughtful planning now will pay dividends later.
The Takeaway?
Your early career decisions matter more than you might think. Law students and junior associates who take ownership of their paths, commit to roles that align with their goals, and strategically plan for the future will set themselves up for success. Be proactive, be intentional, and invest in building a career you’re excited about. While this is a general overview, remember: retooling has been done before. With networking, strategy, and effort, it’s possible to realign your career—but taking control earlier is the best way to avoid needing to do so later.
