What advice would you give your younger self?

If I were a junior lawyer applying again, I’d approach it differently. Back then, I thought changing jobs meant something was wrong, or that I had to wait until I was ready (whatever that means). Now I know you don’t need to be unhappy to look around. Curiosity is enough. You can like your job and still wonder what else is possible. The best time to explore is often before you feel desperate to leave.

I’d start by getting clear on my reasons. Is it more ownership? A different culture? A shorter feedback loop? I’d be honest about what I wanted more of and what I wanted less of, instead of chasing what just looks good on paper.

I’d also make sure I understood the role before applying. You wouldn’t advise on a contract without knowing the context, so why do that with your own career? I’d want to know the story behind the position, why it’s open, what the day-to-day really looks like, and how the business sees legal. Job ads only tell part of the story; the real insight is in the team dynamic, unwritten expectations, and company pressure points.

Whether you talk to someone on the inside or a recruiter who knows the company well, twenty minutes of the right conversation can save you weeks of silence later.

If you could re-apply for your first legal role all over again, what advice would you give your younger self?