Changing careers isn’t something most lawyers talk about openly. But behind closed doors, it’s a different story. You might love the law but hate the hours. Or maybe you're tired of the firm grind and want something with more balance. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Especially in cities like Portland, where the legal market is strong but niche, thinking about a career change takes more than just browsing job boards. You need a strategy that matches your experience with what’s actually out there.
This article guides you through key considerations before taking action, from understanding your true motivations to positioning yourself for something new.
Reasons to Leave Your Legal Job
It might seem like an obvious place to start, but this question deserves more than a quick answer. Are you unhappy because of the work itself, the company culture, the hours, or something else entirely? Are you running away from something or toward something better?
Sometimes, what feels like a need to leave the profession is really a need to change the environment you're working in. Maybe you're tired of billing in six-minute increments or managing clients who expect the impossible. Or maybe the pace and structure of a firm life just don't fit your life anymore. Whatever it is, be honest with yourself.
If the core of the work still excites you but everything else feels off, you might not need to leave the law; you might just need a different role within it.
Should You Work with a Recruiter?
If you're practicing in a city like Portland, you already know the legal community there is tight-knit and reputation-driven. Opportunities can move quietly through personal networks, and the roles that truly match your background might not be publicly listed. That makes it harder to find the right fit just by browsing job boards or sending out cold applications.
In this kind of market, working with Portland legal recruiters can give you a real edge. They often have close ties with hiring managers at law firms, corporate legal departments, and even public sector offices. That inside knowledge helps you avoid mismatches and focus on openings where your skills are in demand.
Recruiters can also help if you’re still figuring things out. Whether you’re hoping to leave litigation, re-enter the workforce, or step into your first in-house counsel role, they can help you make sense of your options.
What to Look for in Your Next Role
This step can be trickier than it sounds. You’ve likely spent so much time working your way up in law that you haven’t had the space to ask what you’d want if you started fresh.
Some lawyers move toward roles in policy, compliance, legal operations, or in-house positions. Others find satisfaction in teaching or consulting. A few even pivot entirely into business or tech. Whatever direction you’re thinking about, you need clarity on what success looks like now, not what it looked like when you started out.
Write it out if necessary. Be specific. What kind of work makes you feel capable? What pace suits your life? What kind of people do you want to work with? If you can define your priorities, evaluating your options will become easier.
Preparing for a Legal Career Shift
Not just financially but also mentally and emotionally. Changing careers, especially after years in a structured field like law, can feel like stepping into fog. You may need to accept a lower title, a different type of salary structure, or a learning curve you haven't faced in a while.
Figure out the logistics. Do you need to retrain? Can you take a break between jobs? Will this shift affect your family or lifestyle? Think through both the best-case and worst-case scenarios.
Financial security plays a big role here. If you're unsure about how to measure your options, consulting a career coach or financial advisor may be worthwhile. You don’t need all the answers right away, but you do need a plan.
Marketing Your Legal Experience
Your legal experience is valuable, but it needs to be translated in a way that fits your next role. That may mean tweaking how you describe your background or focusing on transferable skills, such as negotiation, risk management, leadership, or regulatory expertise.
It can help to talk to people already working in the field you’re aiming for. See what language they use to describe their roles, and think about how your own experience overlaps. You might be surprised at how much carries over, especially if you’ve held leadership positions or worked across multiple areas. Also, don’t overlook the power of your network.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering a change in your legal career, give yourself permission to explore it thoroughly. You don’t need to rush. Talk to people. Do your research. Make time to think clearly. Whether you decide to shift roles, move into a new field, or stay right where you are with a fresh perspective, what matters is that the choice feels right for you.
