When Is The Right Time To Start Searching For A New Role?
Knowing when to start looking for a new role is rarely about a single moment; it’s usually a collection of signals that, if ignored, can stall your career. For solicitors and legal professionals, timing matters. The market moves in cycles, firms plan ahead and progression isn’t as automatic as we’d all like to believe.
Lack of Development
This is often the first sign. If you’ve stopped learning or your current firm can’t offer the breadth of work or responsibility you’re ready for, it’s worth exploring what else is out there. Standing still for too long can quietly chip away at your confidence and momentum.
Cultural Shift
Law firms evolve—partnership changes, new management styles, altered priorities. If the environment no longer aligns with your values or the way you work best, that friction won’t resolve itself. Culture affects performance more than many admit.
Pay and Recognition
If you’re consistently delivering but not seeing progression, fair reward, or a path to future opportunities, it may be time to consider firms that will genuinely invest in you.
Workload
The profession has never been gentle, but if the balance is damaging your wellbeing or your work quality, that’s not something to “ride out”. A healthier structure elsewhere could restore the enthusiasm you used to have.
Trust Your Instinct
Most solicitors know when they’ve outgrown a role long before they act. Taking a measured, proactive look at the market doesn’t commit you to moving – but it ensures you’re not caught out when the right opportunity appears.
We often chat with Solicitors at this stage so they know what the market is like and we know what their requirements are and can keep them posted as and when the ‘right’ position comes along.
The right time to start looking is when you recognise you deserve more than your current situation can offer. The earlier you acknowledge it, the stronger your next step will be.
If after considering all the above and you find yourself leaning towards seeking a new opportunity, start exploring! Update your CV and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a confidential chat on your options.
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