Embracing the Unexpected: Alternative Career Paths for Lawyers

In the structured legal world, unexpected career paths can lead to surprising opportunities, reshaping journeys and outcomes in ways we never expected.

My early days as a solicitor offered the usual limited options in terms of progression, often confined to law firm partnership as the pinnacle of success. I had assumed that my career would follow that path until the point I found myself, for the second time, apologetically sharing at work that I was pregnant with my second child.

This was the trigger for my choice to take a break from my legal career to focus on my young and growing family. Ultimately, this choice would lead to a very different career path.

A few years later (with 3 boys in early education), I started to explore the options for a return to work. Not unsurprisingly, I found the legal industry didn’t welcome me back with open arms. The resources available at that time to support returners to work in legal were limited. Similarly, the job opportunities that were available to me were not appealing.

I sensed that my resolve and commitment were in question and closely scrutinized because I was a working mum. While I had no sense of entitlement or expectation that I could step back easily into law, I felt that the profession that I had worked so hard to be a part of was still very closed in its mindset and fixed to rigid working practices. I still wanted to work and to be successful; I just wanted to have more control over the way that I worked.

Faced with this reality, I made a bold decision to take control and carve my own career path. With determination, a vision for balance in my life, and a healthy dose of fear, I started my own firm—a move that allowed me to fulfill my commitment to my career and to my family. Though it was not easy, having autonomy over my schedule and workload was empowering. For me, it was never a desire to work limited hours but rather working on my own terms and with the freedom to shape my career how I wanted.

A few years later, a meeting with the founder of Excello Law, George Bisnought, led to the merger of my firm with Excello. I was inspired by his vision to grow a team of like-minded, talented, and collaborative lawyers who shared a commitment to delivering legal services within a uniquely rewarding and supportive law firm structure. We shared values and the desire to work smarter, embracing and driving forward changes in legal practice.

Looking back at my experience, I recognise that taking a less traveled path had many challenges. I have no regrets (save for the apologetic announcement of my second pregnancy). I have been fortunate to enjoy a fulfilling career at Excello and met many incredible people along the way. Most importantly, I never felt that I had to compromise on my priorities, achieving career success and enjoying family life.

I am heartened by the progress made in the legal profession to drive change and inclusivity in our working practices. Of course, there is still a long way to go. The climate for supporting women returning to work is very different from what it was 20 years ago, and I see many strong and positive initiatives from firms appreciating and committed to supporting returners to work and retaining their amazing talent. The opening up of alternative career paths for lawyers, women and men alike, is another inspiring example of change. The measure for what a successful career is in law has widened, encompassing a wide range of opportunities each shaped by individual passions and aspirations.

My advice – Embrace the unexpected. Your unique legal career path might just lead to greater fulfillment and success than you ever imagined.