At Realm, we believe the best career moves aren’t always driven by salary or dissatisfaction. Sometimes, they’re about finding an environment where you’re trusted to do your best work.
Our mission is to match the right lawyers with the right law firms, helping them find roles where they can thrive professionally and personally.
This case study follows one experienced private client solicitor who wasn’t actively looking to move, but discovered that the right opportunity could offer something she’d gradually lost: autonomy.
A conversation that uncovered something more
Associate Consultant, Bill, had known this lawyer for several years, keeping in touch through regular conversations about her career.
When he checked in one day, it wasn’t because he had a role to fill, it was simply to see how she was getting on.
Although she wasn’t actively looking for a move, it became clear that things weren’t quite as she’d hoped.
Having previously run her own business, she was used to working independently and making decisions for her clients. In her current role at a much larger firm, she found herself working within a far more structured environment, where even routine decisions required approval from more senior colleagues.
The process slowed her down and prevented her from delivering the level of service she knew she was capable of.
At the same time, she was committed to making the role work. Bill encouraged her to raise her concerns internally before considering a move, and for a while it looked as though things might improve.
But when circumstances changed again, it became clear that exploring the market was the right next step.
Finding the right environment
Bill introduced her to an opportunity at another leading regional firm.
The role offered everything she’d said she was looking for: a shorter commute, greater autonomy and a friendly, collaborative culture.
The opportunity to become the go-to private client lawyer in the firm’s York office while continuing to handle high-quality work.
What really sealed it, however, was the people.
She already knew the Head of Department from earlier in her career, and after speaking with them, the opportunity immediately felt more personal and less corporate.
It felt like somewhere she could genuinely belong.
Moving at the right pace
Although the firm was keen to secure her quickly, Bill recognised that this wasn’t a decision to rush.
With Christmas approaching, he worked with both the solicitor and the firm to slow the process down, giving her the time and space to reflect properly rather than feeling pressured into making a life-changing decision.
Throughout the process, Bill remained supportive without ever becoming pushy.
As she later said:
“Bill was fantastic throughout the entire process – responsive without ever being pushy, and consistently friendly and helpful. He did an excellent job supporting me in securing my new role. I would wholeheartedly recommend him.”
A move that’s made all the difference
Today, she’s settled into a role where she’s trusted to use the experience she’s built over nearly two decades in private client law.
She enjoys the autonomy she’d been missing, has the support of a Head of Department she knows well, and benefits from a more manageable commute and flexible hybrid working.
Rather than feeling constrained by process, she’s free to focus on what she does best – looking after clients.
For the firm, the appointment has been just as valuable.
Her arrival brought an experienced lawyer into a busy team, strengthening the firm’s presence in York and providing reassurance to colleagues managing growing caseloads.
It was exactly the right match for both sides.
Thinking about your next move?
You don’t have to be unhappy to benefit from exploring your options.
Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to realise there could be a role that’s a better fit for your experience, your ambitions and the way you want to work.
If you’d like an honest, confidential conversation about your career, we’re here to help.
