The road to success does not run straight. Maybe we already know this, but how many of us have really accepted that it could be true? It’s hard to admit that you might not have everything together, that your journey does not have a destination. It’s even harder to accept the realization that you might have been heading the wrong way. And that’s okay. I sat down with three leaders in the legal field who rerouted their own career paths, supporting the notion that there really is no ‘wrong’ direction. Whether you're searching for your first job or switching roles after years in one place, Heather Stevenson, Jonah Perlin, and Matt Schwartz display how trusting our personal compass will always lead you to where you’re meant to be.
Listen to Heather, Jonah, and Matt HERE. This episode of Hiring Insights is presented by Top Talent Advocates.
Heather: From Litigation to Juice Bars to General Counsel
Heather started her career as a securities litigator in Big Law, but something didn’t feel right. So, she left the legal world and took a chance by following her passion and opened a juice bar. While she thought this marked the end of her legal career, this entrepreneurial endeavor eventually became a major factor in her securing a position as a general counsel. While running her juice bar, Heather slowly found her way back to law, realizing along the way that she really enjoyed working in-house. Just because litigation was not the right fit for her previously, it did not mean she had to stop being a lawyer.
Heather’s Takeaways:
Heather learned a lot about being a lawyer in the course of starting her own business. Being a great lawyer encompasses getting exposure outside the world of law, and in following her interest in building a company from the ground up, she gained the experience needed to excel in her general counsel role. When she left law, she never expected to go back, but she didn’t burn any bridges. Although she had her sights on venture capital work, Heather stayed open to making LinkedIn connections and eventually met someone who led her to her current job. Additionally, Heather would not have been able to secure that position if it hadn’t been for her experience running her own business.
Listen HERE.
Jonah: Finding a Calling in the World of Academia
Jonah went to law school thinking he was closing the door on academia. A few years into his career as a litigator he noticed that there was something missing: “This is okay, but I don’t wake up excited about what I’m doing, and I don’t feel like I’m always playing to my strengths.”
After reaching out to an old professor and getting the chance to teach a legal writing course as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Georgetown University, Jonah was hooked.
Jonah’s takeaways:
One email to an old professor changed Jonah’s entire career trajectory. Jonah initially approached law school as an opportunity to try everything until something sparked his interest. Legal writing and practice ended up being the area that caught his attention. Although this initial passion is what led him to become a litigator, when he started having second thoughts he didn’t let his chosen professional field become a boundary. This is all to say, if you love doing something, pay attention. That’s not a coincidence—it’s a sign.
Listen HERE.
Matt: An Unexpected Leap Forward
Matt began his career at a midsize technology focused law firm in San Diego, leaving behind a class of fellow Harvard Law students who remained puzzled at his decision not to follow the natural pipeline to New York City. But after 3-4 years, that organization was acquired by one of the most prestigious firms globally, and Matt’s career unexpectedly shot upward. What sounded like the makings of a straightforward career, however, really only marked the beginning of a series of pivots, risks, and planned choices.
Matt’s Takeaways:
Careers evolve, even when you stay for a while at one firm. Every few years, Matt’s role changed, offering new challenges and leadership opportunities. The best way he managed these career inflection points was by making affirmative decisions, not based on inertia, but on calculated thought and intuition. It’s a good idea to stick around as long as the work continues to grow with you. People don’t realize that your role can change over the years, even in a major law firm. Nonetheless, every time something changes, your focus changes, as does the scope of your work and the challenges you face. Matt’s responsibilities as a leader and mentor shifted throughout his tenure at this company, despite him carrying out the same core practices; this ultimately informed his decision to stay.
Not everyone has a linear career path, yet not everyone’s path zig-zags either. No one truly knows what’s in store. You just have to remain faithful in your own ability to embrace opportunity and/or persevere through bumps in the road, all the while remaining true to what you want. When in doubt, just remember: be conscious of your environment, take creative risks, and stay open.
Matt, Heather, and Jonah share these insights and others through their work with the The Legal Mentor Network. Listen to their insights HERE.
Stay tuned for our next episode featuring Seth Spitzer, Global Head of Outside Counsel Management and Operations at Citi, who shares insights into his career and the transition from Big Law to legal operations at one of the world's largest financial institutions.
Thank you to everyone who subscribes to this newsletter. You can find more information about Top Talent Advocates on our website, by following us on our LinkedIn page HERE, or by emailing us at TTA@TopTalentAdvocates.com. We encourage you to provide feedback on the podcast by posting comments, forwarding to others in your network, and encouraging others to gain insights into the hiring process for executives and attorneys. Don't forget to listen and subscribe HERE. You can also find the transcript for each episode of Hiring Insights HERE.
If you are thinking about a career move or want support on your executive branding and social media management, let's have a conversation. Leverage our network of recruiters, hiring managers, business leaders, and our personalized coaching to get noticed and carve your personalized path to success.
As always, thanks to Lindsay Hofbauer and our previous guests!
This episode of Hiring Insights is sponsored by Job Lasso -- unlocking hidden talent and revolutionizing how top professionals and employers connect.