Brian A. Hall’s Post

I recently had a conversation with a Lawyer who was worried they had remained loyal to the same law firm for too long and that somehow discredited their own experience. So it got me thinking, how long is too long when you’re looking to make a career move? 💭 There seems to be less longevity in job roles nowadays and staying at the same firm 10, 15, 20+ years could raise as many questions as it does for making 3, 4 or 5 career moves within that timeframe ⌛ Rather than this being seen as loyalty, this could be perceived as stagnation, or a lack of growth. Prospective employers may wonder if you have challenged yourself throughout your career, or if you are willing to take risks ⚠️ It is essential to continually challenge yourself & develop skills and to overcome this negative perception you should highlight the developments & progression you have made and show that you haven't become 'comfortable' in your current role 📈 When interviewing for a new role, one strategy for enhancing your employability is to use that longevity to your advantage and explain how your career has progressed, the strategic internal moves you have made, how you've expanded your knowledge and stayed on top of trends. Highlight that just because you haven't moved regularly that doesn't discredit your experience and ability as a lawyer ⚖️ There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to longevity. But it is absolutely essential that when you come to changing jobs that you can highlight your growth and ability to continually adapt & challenge yourself, NOT just stand still 💡 #LegalRecruitment #CareerGrowth #NewJob

Sometimes, the most transformative step in your career is the one you're hesitant to take. 🌟 (I've seen it time and time again) In the world of legal recruitment, even at the highest level, it's easy to get caught up in: 1. Perfect resumes 2. The right connections 3. Ideal opportunities But let’s focus on what really matters: 1. How a new role can reignite your passion for law 2. How transitioning to a new firm can broaden your horizons 3. How your skills can flourish in a fresh environment Just this week, a lawyer reached out to share: 1. How a role I suggested led to their most fulfilling work yet 2. How advice I gave during a consultation boosted their confidence 3. A heartfelt thanks for guiding them to a place where they truly belong It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do! So, here’s a gentle reminder for you: 1. Reflect on your current role—does it challenge you? 2. Look at your career goals—are you on track? 3. Consider the possibilities a new environment might offer 4. Realize your potential for impact in a new setting 5. Appreciate the value you bring, wherever you go Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned partner: Your career journey is unique, and the perfect fit is out there. 🌍 Keep striving for the place where you can shine brightest. Let’s explore new opportunities together. P.S. If you’re contemplating a firm change or just curious about new roles, let’s connect! Share this with someone who might need this nudge. ♻️ Have Great Weekend Friends ! #CareerChange #LegalCareers #Recruitment #ProfessionalGrowth #LawLife

Are career breaks a red flag? 🚩 Let's chat about it! For lawyers, CV gaps can raise eyebrows, but it's essential to consider the stories behind these pauses. Often, valid reasons like personal health, caregiving, education, or personal fulfilment lead to these breaks. Life is diverse, and people may step away from legal careers for various reasons. These gaps don't necessarily indicate a lack of commitment; they can signify resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of a balanced life. They can offer invaluable life experiences that enrich a lawyer’s perspective. Parenthood, for instance, hones skills in negotiation, time management, and empathy—crucial assets for a legal professional. Let’s not judge, but instead, seek to understand the narratives behind these career breaks. What are your thoughts on career breaks as a lawyer? #LegalCareers #CareerGaps

Leaving your current job for a new position can feel like a breakup, with the attendant sadness and loss. You may even feel guilty or selfish as you leave everyone and everything (e.g. job, employer, co-workers, clients, office, etc.) behind. It’s natural to care about others or to feel indebted to people and institutions that have been helpful to you. Here’s how to handle it gracefully: After giving notice to the powers that be and announcing your move to your colleagues, take this opportunity to mend any fences that may have been broken during your tenure with the firm. Tell those with whom you have had differences that you learned something from the experience about how to handle similar situations in the future. You may need them as a job reference or come across them later in your career. For those contacts you would like to nurture after your departure, before you leave, ask for their home phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses (in case they also move to another firm in the future). At a minimum, connect with them on LinkedIn so that you can keep up with their career moves. For any especially valuable work relationships, such as a mentor or sponsor or close confidante, you may also want to write a thank you note for what they have contributed to your career during your tenure at the firm. Once you’ve moved on, send clippings relevant to their interests and, if appropriate, refer business back to them. By keeping in touch, you will maintain your business network and always have references and possible sources of business referrals in the future. How have you stayed in touch with your past co-workers once you started a new job? #lawjobs #legaljobs #jobsearchtips #givingnotice #legalrecruiting For more insights into job search strategies, the legal industry, and the California legal job market, follow SeltzerFontaine LLC, and connect with me and ring the 🔔 at Valerie Fontaine.

🌟 Ready for a Career Refresh? Let’s Explore Your Options! 🌟 Hey Attorneys, are you finding yourself at a crossroads in your career? If you’re feeling unfulfilled or wondering what other options might be out there, you're not alone. Many lawyers are re-evaluating their goals and looking for roles that offer more purpose, growth, and work-life balance. As an executive recruiter specializing in the legal industry, I can help you navigate the opportunities that align with your unique strengths and ambitions. Together, we can explore options that could bring you the professional and personal fulfillment you deserve. ✅ Confidential consultations ✅ Tailored job matches ✅ Genuine support for your next career move Let’s have a conversation. Reach out via LinkedIn message or drop me an email – sometimes, the right move is just a conversation away! #CareerChange #LegalRecruitment #FloridaAttorneys #AttorneyLife #LegalCareers #Fulfillment #ExecutiveRecruitment

"Unlocking Your Legal Career Potential 🗝️⚖️ Navigating the labyrinth of the legal job market? Let's talk strategy. 🛠️ Firstly, approach each element of the search with a clear goal, from pinpointing non-negotiables to mastering the minutiae of technical responsibilities. It's vital to unearth those absolute dealbreakers early. Ask yourself, what's the one thing you won't compromise on? Location, firm culture, workload balance? Pin this down to streamline your journey. Secondly, don't underestimate the clout of technical skills. Your legal acumen is your arsenal; it's not just about knowing the law but applying it with precision and ingenuity. My role? To help you polish this, help you take stock of skills amassed and ensuring your "go to" responses are razor-sharp and appropriately tailored to master your applications and interviews. Next, let's demystify employer landscapes. Knowledge is not just power; it's strategy. Understanding a firm's ethos, trajectory, and standing in the legal domain gives you a competitive edge. We'll dissect this intelligence together, aligning your career aspirations with the right approach. Looking beyond the horizon is key. What does long-term opportunity look like for you? Whether it's partnership potential or a particular specialism, defining what 'growth' translates to in your career map is a cornerstone of our collaboration too. Lastly, what will it take to excel? It's the soft skills that often go unspoken. Leadership, adaptability, and the art of negotiation—these will be your silent partners in ascent. We'll refine these together, integrating them into your professional persona with authenticity and impact. Taking this comprehensive, nuanced approach is non-negotiable. It's about more than a job; it's about carving out a career that resonates with your vision and values. Ready to tailor your trajectory? Let's join forces. Drop a comment or send a message and let's start this journey together. #LegalCareers #JobSearchStrategy #CareerProgression"

Leaving your current job for a new position can feel like a breakup, with the attendant sadness and loss. You may even feel guilty or selfish as you leave everyone and everything (e.g. job, employer, co-workers, clients, office, etc.) behind. It’s natural to care about others or to feel indebted to people and institutions that have been helpful to you. Here’s how to handle it gracefully: After giving notice to the powers that be and announcing your move to your colleagues, take this opportunity to mend any fences that may have been broken during your tenure with the firm. Tell those with whom you have had differences that you learned something from the experience about how to handle similar situations in the future. You may need them as a job reference or come across them later in your career. For those contacts you would like to nurture after your departure, before you leave, ask for their home phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses (in case they also move to another firm in the future). At a minimum, connect with them on LinkedIn so that you can keep up with their career moves. For any especially valuable work relationships, such as a mentor or sponsor or close confidante, you may also want to write a thank you note for what they have contributed to your career during your tenure at the firm. Once you’ve moved on, send clippings relevant to their interests and, if appropriate, refer business back to them. By keeping in touch, you will maintain your business network and always have references and possible sources of business referrals in the future. How have you stayed in touch with your past co-workers once you started a new job? #lawjobs #legaljobs #jobsearchtips #givingnotice #legalrecruiting For more insights into job search strategies, the legal industry, and the California legal job market, follow SeltzerFontaine LLC, and connect with me and ring the 🔔 at Valerie Fontaine.

Preparing for Winter! ❄️ As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to prepare for the future. I believe this is the perfect moment for legal professionals to position themselves for new challenges in the coming year. Here are a few quick tips: 1. Reflect on Your Goals: Take stock of what you want to achieve in your career. Are you looking for growth, a new challenge, or a change in focus? 2. Assess Your Current Role: Are you feeling fulfilled in your position? If not, it might be time to explore new opportunities that align better with your career aspirations. 3. Skill Enhancement: A new position can offer opportunities to develop new skills or deepen existing ones, keeping you competitive in the market. 4. Update Your CV and LinkedIn: Make sure your profiles reflect your most recent accomplishments and skills. This prepares you for any upcoming opportunities. 5. Market Trends: Staying informed about industry shifts can reveal exciting opportunities elsewhere that you may not have considered. 6. Career Growth: If you’re looking for advancement or a shift in focus, seeking a new role can provide the fresh challenges needed to elevate your career. Preparing now can lead to a fruitful and fulfilling year ahead. Gather your resources and make the most of the opportunities to come!  If you want to chat or need any advice, my inbox is always open! E: [email protected] M: 07451272529 #DouglasScott #LegalRecruitment #NewOpportunities #PrivatePractice

🚢 Career Explorers vs. Loyalists: Which Path is Right for You? ⚓ Some of us are explorers in our careers—gathering diverse experiences, moving from role to role, and taking on new challenges. Others are loyalists, finding stability and purpose in long-term roles. Neither path is inherently better; the critical question is, are you growing and developing? For me, after practicing law at a big firm and then with the government, I've explored many facets of the legal talent management space. I've recruited lawyers and legal professionals both internally at a firm and with distinguished recruiting agencies. I've managed professional development in firms, consulted on growth strategies and talent development, served as Assistant Dean of Career Services, and now coach lawyers and legal professionals. I've invested in numerous certifications to continue my own growth. All these experiences have allowed me to provide a broad perspective when supporting my clients in their own career journeys. As an explorer, I often ask myself: What tools am I adding to my toolbox? Am I looking for new experiences, or just trying to escape an unsatisfying environment? For those who stay over the long term, it's important to reflect on why. Is it because you love the people, the institution, and the opportunities to evolve? Or is it out of fear of change, even though you long for something new? As we think about our career objectives for the new year, it's worth asking ourselves what motivates us—and whether we're truly growing. If you're looking for support as you explore your next steps, I'd be happy to help. Set up a complimentary consultation through the calendar link in my LinkedIn profile. Let's work together to build the clarity, courage, and confidence you need for your career journey. #CareerGrowth #CareerExploration #LegalProfessionals #Lawyers #TalentManagement #CareerCoaching #NewYearGoals #ProfessionalDevelopment

This is a common practice that might be hindering your career growth... —asking friends to introduce you to law firms.   Sounds harmless, but here's why it might not be the best move for your job search: 📌 Your law school Bestie might be a contracts whiz, but do they know the ins and outs of the current legal job market? Probably not.   📌 Talking money with friends can get super awkward. What if you want more than they're earning? We can handle all salary negotiations, including sign-on bonuses, so you don't have to navigate these tricky waters.    📌 Friends might not be the best source for interview prep. They probably can’t guide you on specific questions, provide honest feedback, or ask tough questions you might feel uncomfortable bringing up.   📌 It may seem small, but when you’re juggling a full-time job, it can all be a lot to manage. We take care of all the logistics—interview times, organising pre-booked leave, delayed start dates, reference checks etc etc   📌 And of course, if things don’t work out after interview, you really don’t want to be dodging your friend at the next social event! I always always recommend tapping into your network at some point —friends can share great insights about the firm's culture and dynamics. But timing is everything!! It’s usually best to connect with them after the initial application to keep things smooth for yourself   Next time you're thinking about sliding into your friend's DMs for a job opportunities, slide into ours instead. Your career (and your friendships) will thank you!