Your career questions answered

Q: I’m a Chartered Legal Executive and have been working in wills and probate for most of my life. I’m coming up to retirement in a year or so, but I don’t want to step away from the legal profession altogether. I’m thinking of continuing to practise on a very part-time basis, perhaps taking on some pro bono work or some kind of voluntary role. What are the options for me and what should I do to prepare the ground for this new chapter?

Olivia: Your extensive experience in private client work means there will be opportunities to continue practising on a part-time basis. Currently, private client lawyers are in high demand, giving you leverage to request flexible arrangements either at your current firm or in a new role. Many firms offer consultancy positions that require only a few days per month, allowing you to tailor your workload to suit your lifestyle and financial needs.

For pro bono or voluntary work, there are a number of legal charities and community organisations you might consider. Organisations like LawWorks connect lawyers with pro bono opportunities or you could support your local Citizens Advice Bureau or community legal clinic.

To prepare for this transition think carefully about how many hours per week you would like to commit to and identify causes or organisations that align with your interests. Word of mouth can also be useful, so let your professional network know you are open to voluntary or part-time opportunities.

Louise: It’s great to hear you are keen to remain connected to the profession and to continue to use your skills and expertise. It’s fairly common to seek out part-time or consultancy work at this stage in your career and many CILEX members gradually reduce hours to ease into retirement. You can continue practising as a Chartered Legal Executive, provided you retain your practising certificate and meet regulatory obligations.

For pro bono or voluntary roles, organisations such as Citizens Advice and legal clinics welcome experienced professionals and your probate knowledge could be invaluable to those navigating bereavement or estate matters without access to legal support.

Charity and governance roles are also an option. Many charities seek trustees or advisors with legal backgrounds. You could also consider contributing as a legal writer, tutor or assessor – sharing your expertise outside direct service provision.

Mentoring and outreach is another way to give back. You could support CILEX students and newly qualified professionals or inspire future legal professionals by engaging with local schools or career programmes.

If you’re interested in public service, part-time judicial roles offer flexibility and could make excellent use of your legal skills and experience.

Retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from the profession. There are a wealth of options out there, so clarify your goals, think about how many hours you’d like to commit, your preferred working style, and whether you’d like to continue in probate or explore something new. Update your CV and LinkedIn to reflect your interest in part-time, voluntary, or mentoring roles and make sure you review your regulatory status and obligations, ensuring this aligns with your intended activities. Good luck!

Q: I recently moved to a different city and started working for a new firm. The job’s going well and as an experienced associate I am aiming for partnership. I’m conscious I need to build my reputation and contacts so I can start bringing in new business. How do I grow my own network and build a profile for myself?

Olivia: Building a strong professional profile and network is essential for anyone on the partnership track. It not only enhances your visibility but also helps generate new business for your team and firm. Here are some effective strategies:

• Attend your firm’s client and networking events to meet potential clients and peers;
• Participate in relevant industry conferences to stay informed and visible;
• Join local professional and networking groups. These can be great for building community ties;
• Be active on LinkedIn. Share insights, comment on relevant posts, and highlight your expertise;
• Collaborate internally on high-profile matters to gain visibility and referrals; and
• Contribute thought leadership through articles, speaking engagements, or webinars in your practice area.

Consistency and authenticity are key. The more you engage with your community, both online and offline, the more your reputation will grow.

Louise: You need a strategic approach to growing your network. Start by building strong relationships within your firm but outside your own department, including partners and business development teams. Let them know your areas of expertise and interest in developing new business.

Take a look at legal, industry and business networking groups in your new city. Getting involved in local professional groups can work well for peer referrals.

Make sure you reconnect and leverage existing contacts. Let former clients, colleagues and contacts know you’ve moved and what you’re focusing on. LinkedIn is a useful tool to use for this.

Look at building your professional profile. Your personal brand should be an authentic reflection of who you are and what you stand for, the goals you’re trying to reach, and the skills and experience you offer. Get it right and you will build meaningful connections and make a positive impression on those you meet. This could involve LinkedIn articles or posts on developments in your practice area, demonstrating your expertise. You could speak or contribute at webinars, internal training or local events. This can lead to connections.

Think commercially. Understand your firm’s growth strategy and align your networking with sectors or clients they are targeting.

Finally, make sure you keep a record of new matters, referrals and any business development activities; it will help build your case for partnership if you can demonstrate your commercial impact. You’re already thinking like a future partner, so keep demonstrating the values of your firm, and building relationships, if you do all of this, your reputation will follow.

You’ll find lots of help and ideas on this and the supporting work you can do to develop your personal brand on CILEX’s career development platform, myCareer, which you can access through your myCILEX portal.