In this month’s Careers Clinic, we’re handing over to Rachael Conley, Associate Consultant at Realm and specialist in recruiting private client lawyers across the West Midlands.
Rachael is answering a question from a solicitor who’s been feeling disengaged in their role and is unsure of what to do next.
Q: I’m a private client associate in a regional firm and, while I’m still performing well, I’ve been feeling pretty disengaged at work lately. The spark just isn’t there anymore and I’ve started wondering if I’ve outgrown the role. How can I work out what’s next for me, and whether it’s time for a move?
A: First of all, you’re not alone. Lots of lawyers I speak to reach a point where their role just doesn’t excite them anymore. The work might be fine, the firm might be supportive, but deep down, they feel like something’s missing.
The important thing is to listen to that feeling, because disengagement is often a signal that you’re ready for growth or change. You don’t have to make any drastic moves overnight, but it’s definitely time to start exploring what’s next.
Here’s how to approach it:
Start With Honest Reflection
Try to pinpoint why you feel disengaged.
- Is the work no longer challenging?
- Do you feel undervalued or overlooked for progression?
- Has the firm’s culture shifted?
- Are your career goals no longer aligned with what the role offers?
Identifying what’s driving the disengagement will help you decide if the issue can be addressed internally or if a move might be on the cards.
Define What You Want Instead
Once you’ve worked out what isn’t working, flip the script and ask:
- What type of work would excite you?
- Would a different client base, firm size, or team dynamic make a difference?
- Are you craving more flexibility, progression, or variety?
Knowing what good looks like for you will bring clarity—and make it easier to spot opportunities that tick the right boxes.
Break the Process Into Small Steps
You don’t need to go full steam ahead with applications right away. Instead, try:
- Week 1: Jot down what you want and what you don’t
- Week 2: Refresh your CV or LinkedIn profile
- Week 3: Start looking at what’s out there, without committing to anything
- Week 4: Have an informal chat with a recruiter
It’s all about building momentum in a manageable, low-pressure way.
Chat to a Legal Recruiter
You don’t need to wait until you’re ready to move to speak to someone like me. A recruiter can help you:
- Sense-check whether your expectations are realistic
- Give insight into the market and which firms are investing in private client
- Keep you in mind for the right role, not just any role
Sometimes, just knowing you have options is enough to reignite your motivation.
Consider Internal Fixes First
Before deciding to leave, is there anything you can change in your current role? Could you take on a different type of work, discuss progression with your manager, or find new development opportunities? If the answer’s no or you’ve already tried, that might be your sign to start looking elsewhere.
Don’t Ignore That Gut Feeling
Disengagement is your career’s way of saying, “I’m ready for more.” And if you’re no longer growing in your current role, it’s OK to explore what else might be possible.
At Realm, we work with lawyers every day who want more from their careers, whether that’s better work-life balance, faster progression, or just a role that reignites their passion for the job.
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, I’d be happy to help you figure out your next step.
Email me at rachael.conley@realmrecruit.com or give me a call on 03300 245 606. You can also browse our latest roles or take our Career Clarity Quiz to get started.
