Switching Careers: Brave Move or Bold Strategy?

Changing careers is not uncommon but making that change later in life can feel especially daunting.

It’s easy to grow comfortable with familiar routines, and the uncertainty of a new role can be intimidating. That said, the average age to qualify as a solicitor in the UK is 32, proving that it’s never too late to start a new professional chapter.

This blog is about what I learned along the way. Everyone’s journey is different.

1. From EdTech to the Courtroom

My journey to law is an unconventional one, to say the least. I had worked in higher education as a Learning Technology Specialist for some years, yes, years! There were many reasons for this. One to support funding for the LPC, and two, life just got in the way.

With that said, I always tried to incorporate law into my work. Whether creating guides for my team and networking with the legal team, or participating in work experience days, just to add to the CV.

After a real push, I made it my mission to get a job in the legal sector! I was constantly checking LinkedIn and Google searches until I was lucky enough to get an interview for the Paralegal position in the Residential Conveyancing Department.

2. Why Make the Leap?

As much as I loved working in higher education, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I wanted a career in law for the career progression and the opportunity to help those in need. My undergraduate degree was in Law so I knew this was always the end goal, just with a detour!

3. Transferable Skills: Bridging Tech and Legal Worlds

In the public sector, I was able to enhance my softer skills. I was talking and listening to students, teaching them new skills that they would need after they left university.

Having the chance to develop these skills enabled me to bring them to the legal world.  A lot of my work consisted of working on Excel spreadsheets, allowing me to develop attention to detail. A key skill that is needed in the legal profession.

4. Overcoming Doubt and Building Confidence

I would be lying if I said I had no anxiety about changing careers. It’s a scary place, the unknown. I had a job lined up but no certainty of a training contract at the end of it. I took the jump and put my all into being a Paralegal. I joined the D&I committee and helped run events.

I had the same thoughts pop into my head at the beginning – “am I good enough, will I be able to pick it up quickly, and will they like me?”. Now, after being here for over a year, I can confidently tell them those to go away! I am now a trainee in my first seat in the Employment Department.

It takes time to build your confidence after leaving a space where you were so comfortable, and it’s normal to feel that. Put yourself out there and take the plunge!

5. Lessons Learned Along the Way

When you decide to change careers, you have to be resilient because there will be times when the change doesn’t happen, and you have to keep pushing. I had my fair share of setbacks, but now looking back, I can see how much time and effort I put in to get here, and I’m glad l I did that.

6. Advice for Aspiring Career Changers

Do your research! Make sure the area or career you want to go into is right for you.

Get as much experience as you can. I know that’s easier said than done but there is experience out there, it’s about making the effort.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

Looking back I’m grateful for the experiences I have gained. It’s made me appreciate that not everyone is on the same career path. It’s not a competition for who gets there first!

So try to enjoy it on the way and good luck.

Thinking about a career in Law?

Visit our Trainee Hub, where you’ll find practical information and resources to help you decide if a training contract is the right next step for you.

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