Breaking Into Corporate Law: Tips for Transitioning From Law Firms

Are you a legal professional considering a shift from law firms to the corporate realm? Here, we provide valuable insights and practical tips on navigating the transition between law firm work and corporate law.

From focusing on transferable skills to understanding the corporate legal landscape, here are several strategic steps that can help you make a seamless move into the dynamic world of corporate law:

Embrace a growth mindset.

For lawyers, learning never ends. Keeping this fact in mind is essential when you’re transitioning from law firm work to corporate law for two reasons.

First, making the transition often comes with a steep learning curve. You’ll be learning a new work culture and a new approach to legal practice. Embracing a growth mindset – one that loves to learn new things – keeps you open and accepting of new ideas and practices.

Second, lifelong learning is essential in the corporate world. Candidates who lean into their professional growth and display it during interviews, along with their confidence in their ability to learn, stand out to corporate employers. Embrace and share your growth mindset to help yourself make the transition from law firm to corporate work.

Talk to everyone you know – and everyone you meet.

The best resources for “inside information” on life in corporate law are those who are already doing the job. Don’t be afraid to ask everyone you know about their work. What do they do on an ordinary day? How did they get their current jobs?

Ask people you know to connect you to people they know as well. Make it clear that you’re interested in transitioning into corporate law and that you appreciate any information that can help you succeed in the corporate world.

Be ready to do anything.

Law school and law firm practice tend to focus on a narrow view of what “legal work” or “a day in the life of a lawyer” looks like. In the corporate world, however, no one is restricted to their narrow role – and that includes attorneys.

Whether it’s learning to code from a college dropout or taking out the trash, be prepared to give your best effort to any task that needs to be done. Embracing this team approach makes you more valuable to corporate employers – and it demonstrates the attitude and approach to work essential for success in corporate law.

For help finding a new role in corporate law, begin your search with Avata Partners!