Lawyers: How to Know When it is Time to Go

In this article, we discuss the questions lawyers should ask themselves when they are wondering whether it is time to move on from their current role. We discuss the 7 signs to look out for to tell whether you have outgrown a role and you should consider your options. 

In the fast-paced world of law, it is easy to stay heads-down and power through the day-to-day. But every so often, a moment of introspection might lead you to wonder, Is this still the right role for me?

As experienced legal recruiters with thousands of hours spent placing lawyers across law firms and in-house teams, the team at Legal People have had countless conversations with lawyers grappling with this very question. The reality is that just because a job looks good on your CV or pays well doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for the rest of your working life!

These are the signs we encourage lawyers to watch for that might indicate it’s time to consider your next career move.

1. When You've Hit a Ceiling

Whether you’re in a mid-tier firm aiming for partnership or working in-house with no clear path to a broader role, career stagnation can be a red flag. If you’re no longer learning, growing, or being challenged, and there’s no obvious pathway for advancement—it may be time to look elsewhere rather than attempting to outlast a career plateau.

2. You Dread Mondays (and Tuesdays... and Wednesdays)

We all have bad days. But if you’re regularly waking up with a sense of dread, we do recommend listening to that inner voice. Burnout is real, and emotional fatigue can be a sign that your work no longer aligns with your values, stage of life or energy. Passion for your job or calling might not be obvious every day—but a total absence of it can be a wake-up call.

3. Your Work Environment is Toxic or Misaligned

Lawyers tend to be problem-solvers which can sometimes mean that they tolerate dysfunctional teams or toxic managers. Whether you are dealing with poor leadership, unrealistic billing targets, toxic culture, or a lack of support, a misaligned work environment can erode your confidence and wellbeing over time. The longer you stay, the more normalised the dysfunction becomes.

4. You're Being Overlooked

Perhaps you are personally hitting targets, taking initiative, and doing high quality work but are still not feeling recognised, rewarded, or trusted with more responsibility. Does this sound familiar to you? If your contributions in the workplace are not translating into career progression or recognition, it’s possibly not your fault. Perhaps you are working for an organisation that cannot see your full value. 

5. You've Outgrown the Role

Sometimes, a job simply no longer feels challenging. Perhaps you have mastered the technical aspects, built strong client relationships, and become the go-to person for your team. When the learning curve flattens and the excitement fades, it’s okay to want more.

6. Your Values Have Shifted

What you wanted early in your legal career may not be what drives you now. You may now crave more work-life balance, a stronger team culture, or work that aligns with your personal values. If your current role no longer reflects who you are and where you want to go, that’s a sign to explore something new.

7.  The Market is Moving, and You're Not

The legal market—especially in Melbourne and other major Australian hubs—is dynamic. If your peers are progressing into exciting new roles and you feel stuck and bored, then it may be time to reassess your positioning. Whilst moving jobs may feel risky, occasionally staying put and being left behind while the market evolves without you can be worse.

Changing roles can be a big decision and it doesn’t tend to happen overnight. But recognising the signs and speaking with someone who understands the legal landscape is a smart first step.

At Legal People, we specialise in helping lawyers align their skills, values, and career ambitions with the right opportunities. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to make a move, our team would be happy to have a confidential conversation and offer insight into how you’re currently positioned in the market. Your next dream role might just be closer than you think.

Should you like a confidential discussion about your next legal industry career opportunity please get in touch with Sharon Henderson ([email protected]) or Rosie Mamic ([email protected]). We are specialists and recruit Lawyers, Support staff and HR professionals in Melbourne, Australia.