What a ‘Career Reset’ Looks Like for Solicitors in 2026
A career reset isn’t about dramatic change or walking away from the profession; it’s about getting back to the fundamentals that made you want to practise law in the first place. With 2026 now here, many solicitors are quietly reassessing where they stand — and where they’re heading next.
Clarity – A reset starts with clarity. You need an honest look at your current workload, the quality of files you’re handling, your progression prospects and the culture around you. If any of these have drifted off course, that’s your cue to take action rather than wait for things to improve on their own.
Reputation – Next comes reputation. In law, how you’re perceived matters as much as what you deliver. A reset means tightening up your professional profile: updating your CV, refining your LinkedIn presence and making sure your recent achievements are visible and well-presented.
Reconnecting – It also involves reconnecting with your long-term goals. Do you still want partnership? A different area of specialism? A firm with a steadier pace or clearer structure? The legal market continues to evolve — but those who stay grounded in traditional career values (strong training, high standards, loyalty, measurable expertise) remain the ones who progress the furthest.
Intention – Finally, a reset is about intention. You don’t need to jump at the first opportunity. You simply need to be ready. Speak to an experienced Recruiter you trust, understand what’s happening in the market and position yourself so the right role doesn’t pass you by.
A thoughtful reset now can set the tone for the next decade of your career — steady, secure and aligned with who you want to be as a Solicitor.
Claire Cox is a qualified, non-practising Solicitor, with a comprehensive understanding of the legal profession and a proven track record of delivering results with over 20 years legal recruitment experience.
Visit Bailey Hunter or contact Claire Cox for a confidential chat:
Tel: 0113 3185293 Mob: 07786 224036