Your career questions answered

Q: I have been invited to speak at an industry conference on a specialist area of family law that I have practised in for many years. I’ve never enjoyed public speaking and given the lack of face-to-face events over the pandemic, this would be the first time I have spoken in front of an audience for quite some time. I’m considering turning it down but I know it would be good for my career. Should I go ahead despite my anxieties?

Louise: It’s a huge compliment to be considered enough of an expert to be asked to share your knowledge with your peers – I would recommend you take the opportunity.

It would be great experience for you to get back out there and attend an in-person conference and, as well building your profile through speaking, take the opportunity to meet people and broaden your network.

Your anxieties about public speaking are understandable but you have your expertise to back you up and CILEX can help with a number of presentation skills e-learning materials available in myCareer, including tips on presenting with confidence, how to cope with presentation nerves, how to prepare and how to close a presentation.

Try presenting to a friend or family member and ask for feedback. Once you have repeated your talk a few times you will feel far more prepared. Whilst you may not especially enjoy the conference, I can bet you’ll walk away feeling proud that you stepped outside your comfort zone.

Briony: The last two years have been very difficult for a lot of people and it is only natural to feel nervous. Whilst this sounds like a great opportunity, you should weigh up the impact of taking this on for your wellbeing and mental health, and consider whether the anxiety will be too much for you at this time.

The fact that you have spoken in front of an audience previously, are highly experienced in your field and have been asked to speak should hopefully provide you with some confidence. If you decide to go ahead, in addition to preparation and practice, it may also be worth looking into some public speaking coaching to arm you with the tools to be able to do this talk and further progress your career.

Every job has aspects to it that people don’t enjoy but if you know it will be good for your career it is definitely worth trying to overcome your fears.

Q: I have worked for the same firm for over 15 years and they have been very supportive, helping me to work my way up and sponsoring me to study with CILEX. We recently merged with a larger firm which is scaling back the private client department where I work. They are keen for me to switch to conveyancing but I am already part way through my studies. Should I switch specialisms or look for another private client role with a firm willing to support my studies?

Louise: Firstly, do you have any interest in conveyancing? And do you have any room within your studies to undertake conveyancing learning? If the answer to these questions is no, then you will need to look at your options.

You have said they are scaling back your department, but do you know to what extent and what the timeline is? Finding out more will help you come to a decision.

If you’re considering conveyancing as an option, speak with your training provider. Depending on how much you have left to do as part of your qualification, you may be able to change one of your areas of learning. Potentially you could undertake some extra studies in that area and approach your employer about funding. If they have always supported you, and want you to develop in another area, they may be willing to continue that support within the new structure.

Moving roles will seem like a big change. If you decide to go for it, bear in mind the job market will be very different from when you last looked. Make sure you work on your CV and interview techniques before making applications. CILEX’s myCareer offers a great CV-writing function and an assessment package to develop and improve that CV, together with an interview simulator to help with any preparation.

Briony: This is a difficult situation and the outcome will very much depend on where you see yourself long term. Some people might view the prospect of moving to the conveyancing department as an opportunity to gain experience in a different area of law, one that you might prefer and wish to stay in.

Changing practice area can be difficult so it is definitely worth considering whether you might like to experience working within conveyancing. If you try it and decide you want to return to private client, then you can always look for a new role at that point. As long as you aren’t out of private client for long (say less than a year), it won’t put you at a disadvantage.

If you are sure your passion lies within private client, then look for a new role with a firm willing to support your studies. You need to do what is right for you and your career rather than staying out of loyalty. Before doing so, check whether you will need to repay your firm any CILEX fees it may have contributed as you need to ensure it is financially viable for you to move.

The final option would be full disclosure to your current firm, stressing that you really wish to stay within private client. It may be that, if they realise the alternative is losing you, they will try and accommodate you. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that if they are scaling back the team, they may not be fully invested in private client so your job security may be at risk.