Oprah Winfrey once said, “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.”
As the year draws to a close, December offers a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and set the stage for a career refresh. For legal professionals juggling demanding roles, this (potentially) wind down period provides the perfect window to reassess goals and prepare for the year ahead. With January and February marking peak hiring seasons in the legal sector, December is your moment to reflect, recalibrate, and get ahead.
Why December is key to career growth
The end of the year is more than just a festive season—it’s a critical window to plan your next career move. Here are three compelling reasons why December is the ideal time to evaluate your professional trajectory:
- Reflection on the year that was
December naturally inspires reflection. It’s a time to take stock of whether you’re on the path you envisioned or if it’s time for a change. For many in the legal sector, December can also bring a seasonal lull in activity. This slower pace provides the breathing room needed for thoughtful career planning without the noise of daily responsibilities like drafting and reviewing legal documents. The holiday season also brings gatherings with friends and family—an ideal opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on your career aspirations. - Valuable performance feedback
December is also when many lawyers undergo performance reviews, offering valuable insights into your progress and areas for improvement. These reviews help identify your strengths and weaknesses, map out career goals, and develop plans for growth. However, they can also highlight misalignments or trigger feelings of disengagement if not managed well. If you’ve received unconstructive criticism or feel undervalued, now may be the perfect time to consider a career change. - Preparing for New Year opportunities
Establishing clear objectives in December can give you a head start on your job search in the new year. Many legal teams finalise their hiring budgets in December and start posting positions at the beginning of the year. Index data from SEEK and Indeed indicate that job postings trend upwards in January and February before declining in March and April. Setting your goals now ensures you hit the ground running when opportunities peak.
Five steps to refresh your legal career goals
To maximise the potential of this reflective period, focus on these five actions:
1. Reflect on your values, goals and priorities
Your career should align with what motivates and fulfills you. Ask yourself whether your current role supports your personal values and aspirations. A recent study among Australian workers found that over a third (38%) would not accept a job if they disagreed with the organisation’s leadership views. If the company culture doesn’t align with your values, it may be time to explore new opportunities.
2. Assess your work-life balance
We’ve spoken to hundreds of lawyers about their career ambitions, and it’s evident that ambition is no longer solely about securing a higher income. Lawyers now prioritise work-life balance, flexibility, and skill development in their career decisions. Our research shows that nine in ten Australian lawyers rank work-life balance as highly as pay on their list of priorities.
Work-life balance is also reflected in workplace flexibility. Many lawyers have adapted to the ‘work from home’ lifestyle since the pandemic, which has become the norm for many legal professionals. Even as General Counsels (GCs) increasingly advocate a return to the office, many lawyers, particularly those with young families, view hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours as non-negotiable.
If your work-life balance is unsustainable or your workplace is inflexible, it may be time to consider a new job that offers a better balance.
3. Conduct a skills and market assessment
Knowing your skills and their market demand is essential for realistic career planning. Recent conversations with GCls reveal that many in-house legal teams are adopting a skills-based hiring approach, focusing less on past experience and more on the skills required for the job. Lawyers looking to make a career change need to identify their strengths and how they align with market needs.
Embrace upskilling opportunities, such as legal secondments, which can sharpen adaptability and provide specialised industry experience. Skills in demand include proficiency with legal technology platforms like document automation tools or AI-driven research systems. Our discussions with GCs also highlight the need for lawyers to future-proof their skills, especially in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and technology literacy, which are reshaping job roles.
If you’re not developing new skills and capabilities in your current role, it may be time to pivot toward a more dynamic and innovative workplace.
4. Set SMART Goals
According to our research, people who set goals are ten times more likely to be successful, and those who write them down are twice as likely to achieve them. Use the SMART framework to create actionable goals:
- Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
- Measurable: Establish metrics to track progress.
- Achievable: Set realistic objectives based on your circumstances.
- Relevant: Align goals with your long-term aspirations.
- Time-bound: Create a timeline to stay on track.
Start by jotting down your reflections, then outline actionable steps using the SMART framework. Begin networking or researching roles that align with your goals today.
5. Develop an actionable plan
Reflection without action is incomplete. Create a roadmap for your goals:
- Prioritize steps that will have the most impact.
- Establish a timeline for tasks like networking, skill development, or applying for new roles.
- Seek support from mentors or career coaches to stay accountable.
Seize the opportunity for a career pivot
Failing to reassess your career can leave you drifting through another year without direction. Switching roles isn’t just about leaving behind a negative situation—it’s about embracing opportunities that align with your values, skills, and goals. A career pivot can reignite your passion, bring new challenges, and enhance your overall satisfaction.
Looking ahead to 2025
December isn’t just the end of a calendar year—it’s the beginning of your next career chapter. By taking the time to reflect and plan now, you set yourself up for a vibrant and purposeful 2025. The legal job market is brimming with opportunities in January and February, and a proactive approach ensures you’re ready to seize them.
Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re seeking a career pivot or looking for meaningful legal secondments, we’re here to help. Call us on 03 9572 4425 to explore how we can support your aspirations.
Let’s make 2025 the year your career truly takes flight!
