Returning to law after a career break can be daunting, but there are several steps you can take to ease the transition. It's important to keep your knowledge and skills up to date, network and build relationships, and stay connected to your professional community. Be honest about your career break and what you're looking for when you return to work. Embrace flexible working options and be open to learning and new ideas. Believe in yourself and your unique selling points, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
What You'll Learn
Stay up to date with flexible working laws
Flexible working laws are subject to change, and it's important to be aware of your rights and the rights of your employer. In the UK, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 and the Carer's Leave Act 2023 came into effect on 6 April 2024, giving employees more flexibility in when and where they work.
- Employees can request flexible working from their first day of employment. This includes changes to the number of hours they work, their start and finish times, and their working location.
- Employers have 2 months to respond to a flexible working request, reduced from 3 months under previous rules.
- Employees can make 2 requests within a 12-month period, instead of 1.
- Employees no longer need to explain the impact of their request or how any problems could be overcome.
- Employers must deal with requests in a reasonable manner. This includes assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the application, discussing possible alternatives, and offering an appeal process.
- Employers can refuse a request, but they must have a legally valid business reason for doing so.
- Register for updates with official sources, such as Acas, gov.uk, or relevant legislation websites.
- Set up alert reminders to keep track of changes and important dates, such as protection from redundancy periods or deadlines for responding to flexible working requests.
- Review current policies and procedures to ensure they are up-to-date and compliant with new regulations.
- Stay informed about any wider changes to employment laws that may be coming into effect.
Staying up to date with flexible working laws will help you understand your rights and enable you to make informed decisions about your working arrangements as you transition back into the legal profession.
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Network and reconnect with former contacts
Networking is a crucial aspect of returning to law after a break. It is important to experiment with different networking groups and build relationships. Here are some strategies to help you network and reconnect with former contacts effectively:
- Reach Out to Former Colleagues: Get in touch with your former colleagues and let them know about your intention to return to the legal profession. Be honest about your situation and seek their support. They may provide valuable advice, insights, or even job opportunities.
- Utilize Social Media: Update your professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn. Reconnect with former contacts and expand your network by joining relevant groups and participating in discussions.
- Attend Industry Events: Go to city and state bar association activities, lectures, meetings, and events geared towards legal professionals. These provide excellent opportunities to meet attorneys, build relationships, and let them know about your plans to re-enter the legal field.
- Stay Active in Professional Organizations: Maintain your membership in professional organizations such as the CBA, TLA, or local bar associations. Attend meetings, social events, and networking opportunities to stay connected and expand your network.
- Leverage Alumni Networks: Connect with alumni from your law school, especially those working in your geographic area. They may have valuable insights into local job markets and opportunities.
- Be Open to Learning: Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning from others in the field. Attend conferences, short courses, or workshops to update your knowledge and skills. This will not only make you more job-ready but also boost your confidence.
- Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering for boards related to your legal interests, such as business boards or non-profits. Let other lawyers know that you are interested in joining a board, and be strategic about your choices. Volunteering can help you stay connected and demonstrate your commitment to the legal profession.
- Stay in Touch: Maintain regular contact with your professional colleagues. Meet for coffee, lunch, or catch-up calls to keep the relationships active. These connections can provide valuable support and may even lead to potential job opportunities.
- Be Approachable: When attending networking events or reaching out to former contacts, be approachable and positive about your break from work. Most people will admire your courage to take a break and pursue other interests.
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Prepare an elevator pitch
Returning to law after a break can be daunting, but there are several steps you can take to prepare an elevator pitch that will help you get back into the industry.
First, it is important to believe in yourself and your abilities. Remind yourself of your strengths, skills, and expertise, and be confident in the unique perspective and experience you can bring to the table. Be honest about what type of work arrangement will suit you best, whether it's part-time, flexible hours, or remote work, and don't be afraid to communicate your needs to potential employers.
To craft your elevator pitch, start by highlighting your legal qualifications and any relevant experience you have in the field. Be transparent about your career break and explain how you've remained engaged in the industry during your time away. Mention any courses, workshops, or networking events you participated in to stay up-to-date with legal developments. Emphasize any transferable skills you've gained during your break, such as agility and adaptability.
Your pitch should also include a concise and compelling summary of your career goals and aspirations. Are you looking to return to your previous role, or are you interested in exploring a new area of law? Be clear about your intentions and how you plan to contribute to the organization.
Remember to tailor your pitch to the specific firm or organization you're targeting. Research their work, their values, and their recent projects, and explain why you want to work for them specifically. Show that you are committed to returning to the practice of law and are eager to contribute your skills and knowledge.
Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to your network for support and feedback. Ask former colleagues, mentors, or friends for their input on your elevator pitch. They may provide valuable insights or connections that can help you refine your message and increase your chances of success.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to crafting a powerful elevator pitch that showcases your strengths, experiences, and goals, helping you get back into the legal field after your break.
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Be honest about your career break
Returning to law after a career break can be daunting, but it is not a hopeless situation. It is important to be honest about your career break when planning your return to law.
Firstly, it is beneficial to be clear about your career break on your CV and LinkedIn profile. Include periods of study or volunteering during your break, and explain what you are looking for when you return to work. For example, you can state that you are seeking a flexible work arrangement, such as working remotely or reduced hours. This will help recruiters and hiring managers understand your suitability for the role and make an informed decision.
Secondly, networking is crucial when returning to law. Experiment with different networking groups, build relationships, and reconnect with former contacts. Be open and honest about your career break with your network. Let them know your goals, plans, and ambitions for the future. This will help keep you connected to the legal profession and facilitate your transition back into law.
Additionally, consider attending networking events, meetings, and social gatherings organized by professional bodies and legal societies. These events provide opportunities to meet colleagues, stay up-to-date with developments in the legal profession, and demonstrate your interest in returning to law. If you feel awkward attending alone, bring a friend or colleague, and have a positive explanation for your career break ready.
Furthermore, it is essential to be honest with yourself about your skills, strengths, and areas for improvement. Identify any gaps in your experience and use your network to find opportunities for work placements, volunteering, or freelance work to enhance your CV. You can also take part in returner courses or short courses to update your knowledge and skills.
Finally, be honest and articulate about your reasons for returning to law during job interviews. Be prepared to discuss your career break, address any concerns about your commitment, and highlight the benefits of your time away, such as gaining transferable skills in agility and adaptability.
Remember, it is normal to feel apprehensive about returning to law after a break, but with honesty, proactive planning, and a strong network, you can successfully transition back into the legal profession.
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Stay connected with professional bodies
Returning to law after a break can be daunting, but there are many ways to stay connected with professional bodies and maintain your network. Here are some tips to help you stay connected and facilitate your transition back into the legal profession:
- Maintain Memberships with Professional Organisations: It is important to remain a member of relevant professional bodies such as the Law Society, CBA, TLA, or local bar associations. This ensures you continue receiving updates and notices about developments in the legal field. It also demonstrates your ongoing interest in the profession and avoids any gaps in your resume.
- Attend Events and Meetings: Participate in occasional meetings, social events, or conferences organised by professional bodies. This helps you stay connected with colleagues and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the legal field. If you feel uncomfortable attending alone, reach out to a colleague to join you.
- Network and Build Relationships: Cultivate and maintain relationships with professional colleagues and peers. Meet colleagues for lunch, stay in touch via email, and attend networking events. Building and maintaining a strong network can provide support and keep you informed about potential job opportunities.
- Volunteer or Join Boards: Consider volunteering for professional organisations or joining boards related to your legal interests, such as business boards or non-profits. This allows you to stay engaged with the legal community and can provide valuable experience and connections.
- Continue Your Education: Take advantage of short courses, conferences, or workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge. This could include courses in public speaking, presentation skills, mediation, or industry-specific programs. Staying current and developing new skills will boost your confidence and employability.
- Utilise Online Platforms: Make use of online platforms such as LinkedIn to reconnect with former contacts and follow potential employers. Ensure your profile is up-to-date and reflects your skills and experiences. This can help recruiters and hiring managers find and consider you for suitable roles.
By following these steps, you can stay connected with professional bodies and position yourself for a successful return to the legal profession after a break.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about returning to work after a break. It can feel daunting to start planning your return, but there are steps you can take to make the transition smoother.
It's important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your industry and keep your skills and knowledge current. You can do this by researching your industry, following potential employers on LinkedIn and Twitter, and participating in returner courses. Networking is also crucial when returning to law. Experiment with different networking groups, build relationships, and reconnect with former contacts.
Be honest and clear about taking a career break in your resume or CV. Include periods of study, volunteering, or other activities during your break. Highlight your achievements and transferable skills, such as agility and adaptability.
One common challenge is the perception of reduced productivity or dedication due to personal commitments outside of work. This is especially true for new mothers, who may struggle to return to rigid work schedules and may face unintentional (or intentional) discrimination when seeking promotions. Another challenge is the potential loss of confidence and self-belief after time away from the profession.