In this month’s Careers Clinic, we’re handing over to Harry Nicholls, Associate Consultant at Realm and specialist in recruiting residential and real estate lawyers across the North West.
He’s answering a question from a solicitor who wants to build a stronger profile at their firm, something many lawyers find tricky when they’re busy managing a full caseload and juggling competing priorities.
“I’m a mid-level solicitor working in a busy property team. I’ve had great feedback on my performance and want to take the next step in my career, but I feel like I’m flying under the radar. How can I raise my profile and get noticed by the right people internally?”
You’re not alone, this is something I hear a lot from property lawyers and mid-level solicitors in particular. You’re in that sweet spot where you’ve built strong technical skills and are contributing real value, but you haven’t yet stepped into a role where leadership or visibility is expected.
The good news is, raising your profile doesn’t mean showing off or shouting the loudest. It’s about being intentional, consistent, and making sure your contributions are seen by the people who matter.
Here are a few practical ways to do that:
Start Sharing Your Wins
You don’t need to wait for your annual appraisal to highlight your achievements. Make a habit of sharing:
- Successful completions or deals you’ve helped deliver
- Positive client feedback
- Times you’ve gone above and beyond for the team
Whether it’s in team meetings, one-to-ones, or informal catch-ups with your supervisor, regularly sharing what you’re working on helps decision-makers understand your impact—and remember it when promotions or progression conversations come up.
Speak Up (Strategically)
If you tend to stay quiet in meetings, look for opportunities to contribute—especially in areas where you have experience or ideas. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room, but offering thoughtful suggestions or asking smart questions can really make you stand out.
If you’re more comfortable one-on-one, follow up after the meeting to share your thoughts with your manager or team leader.
Get Involved Outside of Fee-Earning
If your time allows, volunteer for firm-wide initiatives, committees, or mentoring programmes. These are great ways to:
- Build relationships with senior people outside your immediate team
- Show your commitment to the wider business
- Position yourself as someone who contributes beyond your chargeable hours
Even helping to organise a social or charity event can put you on the radar in a different way.
Be Clear About Your Ambitions
Sometimes, lawyers miss out on opportunities simply because they haven’t voiced what they want.
If you’re aiming for a promotion, more responsibility, or to get involved in business development, let your manager know. Be clear about your goals and ask what you need to demonstrate to get there.
You might be more visible than you think, sometimes it’s about joining the dots for others and showing them where you want to go.
Build Your External Brand Too
Don’t underestimate the power of your personal brand outside the firm.
Updating your LinkedIn profile, sharing insights or articles, or attending local networking events can help raise your profile both in the wider market and within your firm.
Colleagues (including partners) are more likely to take notice when they see your name associated with thought leadership or professional presence.
Visibility doesn’t mean changing your personality or pretending to be someone you’re not, it means making sure the great work you’re already doing isn’t going unnoticed.
By being more intentional with how and where you show up, you’ll increase your chances of being considered for progression and build a reputation that reflects your true value.
If you’re unsure whether you’ll get the recognition you deserve at your current firm, or you want to explore other options where your efforts might be better rewarded, I’m always happy to chat.
You can reach me at harry.nicholls@realmrecruit.com or give me a call on 03300 245 606 for a confidential conversation.
