As the end of the year draws near, many lawyers take stock of their professional lives, reflecting on the challenges and successes of the current year and think about what's ahead. The lead-up to Christmas, with its mix of holiday preparations and the rush to finish files and projects, presents a moment (albeit slight) to evaluate how your year has been and what lies ahead.
Whether you’re in a large firm, a smaller boutique practice, somewhere in between or somewhere completely different, it’s encouraged to pause and reflect on the year gone by. If you're a lawyer, here are some questions you might like to ask yourself as you approach the new year.
For many lawyers, the final weeks of the year are a flurry of activity.
Deadlines are looming, cases need to be wrapped up before the break, and clients are often eager to settle matters before the year closes, sometimes adding to the hours required to complete the work. The pressure to finish strong can create a feeling of urgency, but it also provides an opportunity for burnout. Getting the balance right will ensure you get a healthy separation from your job once the doors close for three weeks.
However, as you’re navigating the rush of work, there's also the excitement of a well-earned break around the corner, lots of family time on the horizon and a chance to pause and think. The balance between these competing forces often makes the lead-up to Christmas a mixed bag of emotions, but presents a unique opportunity to take action, should you want to.
As a lawyer, the work you do defines much of your professional life. So, as the year draws to a close, ask yourself whether you have enjoyed the work you have been doing for the past twelve months. Perhaps you have handled challenging cases or negotiated significant transactions. Maybe you have worked in an area of law that excites you, or perhaps you have felt the weight of emotionally-draining work in an area that does not pique your interest. Regardless of your specific circumstances, reflecting on whether you feel fulfilled in your work is key to understanding where you stand in your career.
Did you learn and grow as a professional this year?
Have you achieved the kind of work-life balance that suits your personal goals?
If you feel excited and engaged, it's a sign that you're on the right track. However, if your work has become monotonous or unsatisfying, it may be time to explore new opportunities or focus on developing skills and experience in a different practice area that reignites your passion for the law.
Annual reviews are a hallmark of the legal profession and something every aspiring lawyer looks forward to. The first and main question has to be, did you get the chance to sit down with your supervisor this year?
This evaluation process is a chance to receive feedback on your performance, assess your growth, and discuss future goals with your supervisors or firm leaders. For many lawyers, this is a moment of both pride and apprehension. If you have had a successful year, your review may be a reaffirmation of your skills and contributions to the firm, team and leaders.
If there are areas for improvement, the feedback (or lack thereof) could be a catalyst for growth or a prompt for you to consider whether your current role or firm is a good fit for your future. Annual reviews also often spark questions about career progression.
Was your trajectory in line with your expectations?
Did you receive the opportunities and recognition you were hoping for?
If you're feeling dissatisfied or unsure about the feedback you received, it can either be a chance to seek further clarity (if available) or may be time to reassess your career path and what you need from your workplace to thrive.
Lawyers spend a significant amount of time interacting with colleagues, clients, and supervisors. Your relationships within your firm and with clients can deeply influence your job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Are you enjoying collaborative and supportive relationships with your peers, or has office politics, communication breakdowns, or a lack of recognition been weighing on you?
The dynamics of workplace relationships are also a key factor in your decision-making about where you want to be next year. Positive, productive relationships can contribute to a healthy work environment and a sense of professional fulfillment and excitement. That is everything! If you have this already, hold on tight because not all lawyers and workplaces experience the same.
On the other hand, strained relationships or toxic dynamics can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. As you evaluate your year, take stock of your professional relationships, both the rewarding ones and the ones that may be draining your energy, and consider how they will influence your path forward.
Spending thirty eight to sometimes sixty or more hours per week with the wrong people could drain your life force.
Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself as the year ends is whether you see yourself staying with your current firm for another year and the long term.
Do you feel like you're growing professionally and personally in your current role, or are you beginning to wonder if it's time for a change? While this question might not have an immediate answer, it’s crucial to reflect on your aspirations when you first started your role and whether your current firm and experience aligns with them.
Now can also be a great opportunity to evaluate where you want to be in the world. Are there opportunities overseas that may be appealing, time for some fresh perspective in a different part of the world?
If you’re feeling unfulfilled, overworked, or disconnected from the firm’s culture or direction, it might be time to explore new opportunities. Alternatively, if you’re thriving and excited about the work you're doing, it’s a good sign that you’re in the right place for now.
Understanding where you stand in your firm will help you make informed decisions about your career trajectory.
As you reflect on the year and prepare for the holiday season, it is important to take some time to consider everything.
If, having made it this far, you feel like you are where you need to be right now, embrace that and double down. It’s one thing to recognise what is working (and what is not), but knowing how to make a change can be the hardest part. That’s where we come in.
At Chisholm Clarke, we help lawyers turn reflection into a realistic plan for your near, mid or long term future. Whether that means shifting practice areas, navigating a salary review, returning from overseas, or finding a workplace that better aligns with your goals -we provide practical, market-specific advice and introductions that make those next steps clearer.
We are not here to sell roles, we’re here to guide you through your options with honesty, insight, and an understanding of how firms across New Zealand are evolving. If this time of year has you re-evaluating where you are and where you would like to be, reach out for a confidential chat. Sometimes, the right conversation is all it takes to find your next move.
Reach out to Sam or Sarah today for a confidential discussion and see where the path leads.
Sam - 027 5665 707 or sam@chisholmclarke.co.nz
Sarah - 027 253 4837 or sarah@chisholmclarke.co.nz
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