In-house lawyers may initially believe they have stable, predictable careers but can face sudden job uncertainty due to layoffs, restructurings, and other changes. This article emphasizes the importance of proactive career planning, suggesting that lawyers should not wait until they face job loss to network or reassess their career paths. Building and maintaining professional relationships outside of one's organization is crucial for resilience in an unpredictable job landscape. Preparing in advance reduces stress and enables lawyers to manage transitions more smoothly when required.
Christopher Robin once told Winnie-the-Pooh: "Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." If you're an in-house lawyer facing job uncertainty, these words might feel like little consolation.
Many in-house lawyers enter the corporate and government world expecting stability. Unlike law firms with billable hour pressures or solo practitioners constantly chasing clients, corporate and government roles can provide predictable work.
The time to prepare for a job change is not when you're walking out of HR with a severance packet - it's long before that moment arrives.
The key is to plan so that, if and when change comes, you're not scrambling; you're ready to land on your feet.
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