Career Clinic: Have I sold out?

It is not easy to change practice area after starting your qualified experience. You did well to get a job in the area you wanted - I am worried that your firm tried (successfully!) to persuade you not to take it. They have their own interests at heart, not yours.It is a credit to you that you have been so in demand. Given the state of play should you be going for the job you want rather than taking the path of least resistance?

Mid-rank assoc -02 Jul 2007 | 16:45

You should think long and hard if you really want to go down the commercial property route. Money is not the be all and end all to your career. You are going to spend a large amount of your daily life at work practising in the area of law you choose to specialise in; so choose wisely! Whilst it is possible to change direction I think you should trust your instincts and start by working in an area that interests and stimulates you. If it doesn't turn out to be what you anticipated then move into commercial property work.

Adrian Cornes, Legal and Business Affairs Manager, Chrysalis Group PLC -02 Jul 2007 | 16:50

I was once told something by the CEO at a top City firm and it has been proven true to me with every com-prop lawyer I've met ever since: 'Property lawyers are born and not made'. It's a difficult area to get passionate about (no offence, guys) and if it hasn't captured your interest yet it is unlikely to be one of those things that will grow on you. Yes, you will be more in demand (they are in hugely short supply at the moment, which is probably why your current firm has been so crafty in trying to get you to stay), and you will be paid a premium for it - but in exchange for something which you are unlikely to get pleasure from and may well have become equally bored with in even less than two years. Follow your instincts and do something you have a reasonable shot of enjoying, at least in the short term. The fact that you're even asking the question indicates that you know you've made the wrong choice. I would see if the other firm will have you back if I were you. Good luck!!

In-house counsel, bluechip -02 Jul 2007 | 18:17

Do what you love, the money will follow.

Anonymous -03 Jul 2007 | 11:44

I doubt it would make things harder - you will probably have to restart as an NQ in the family law firm, but really, what difference is 6 months going to make in the long run? If you have already agreed to stay with your current firm and see if commercial property is for you, I would be inclined to honour that agreement - if, after six months, you find you are not enjoying the work, you can part company with your current firm on good terms and no-one can say fairer than that.

Associate, Top 15 -03 Jul 2007 | 11:44

You haven't sold out, but if you are reasonably certain family law is what you want to do, then go and do it. My guess would be that, if the market doesn't change too much, you would be better having a crack at what you really want to do and dropping into something lower down the list, if you decide it wasn't for you in the first place. It's probably easier to get into commercial property as a six months' qualified family lawyer (having done a seat in property) than it is the other way round. Best of luck either way!

Associate -03 Jul 2007 | 14:58

Well done on being offered the two jobs - you've clearly got potential and have worked hard. Which makes it all the more important that you think hard now and do not get trapped into something you don't want to do. Here's some things to think about:1) You've clearly done well at your present firm. This means that you will probably carry on doing well and will receive praise from the firm and clients - this will make it hard to leave even if you don't like the kind of law you're doing as it will feel like you're succeeding. 2) You probably get on well with people you're currently working with. Once you qualify that will happen even more. You'll be one of the team, you won't be moving on automatically after 6 months and it will get harder and harder to leave what feels like a 'safe' place. Better the devil you know etc. 3) You will get used to the money - it starts to feel like you need it and it gets harder to move...Sensing a theme? I really urge you to think hard and to follow your instincts. I'm trying hard not to say 'take the family job' because it's got to be your decision but look carefully at the language you use in your email and decide which one makes you feel positive. It may feel like you have years ahead and you have ages to make the 'right' choice. You don't. All too soon you'll be tied into deals and work and it'll be very easy to drift along, working with perfectly pleasant people and the moment will have passed. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about!

Senior Associate, City firm -03 Jul 2007 | 21:16

I was in a similar position on qualification and found it difficult to choose from a firm that you know and you know wants you and a new firm; so many uncertainties. However, I think you should put that aside and address what seems to be the fundamental issue here. What was it about family law that you enjoyed? As a commercial property solicitor I can't see that there is much overlap between the two disciplines. You either like the personal touch and dealing with difficult and sensitive issues for families and individuals, or you want to deal with commercial clients who want something practical, commercial and objective. I can't see that commercial property could give the personal satisfaction that family could but there is also less emotional connection. However, if it was more about your colleagues in the family department at your current firm, you may want to have a further think about what it is about the practice of family law you enjoyed so much. Answering this will probably show you the way. Working long hours in a job you don't enjoy is worse than the loving every day but getting less money. Go for the dream, not the money.

Commercial Property Solicitor - Top 30 Firm -04 Jul 2007 | 14:41

About 10 years ago I qualified into insolvency litigation in a City firm and 18 months later, by choice, was a legal aid immigration and housing solicitor. So I don't agree that transferring between areas of law is difficult - though the various accreditation schemes didn't exist when I was moving careers. Six months in commercial property won't lose you anything and you'll be developing transferable skills. And if you do end up in family work at least you will have tried something else.

jack of all trades -06 Jul 2007 | 12:42