Understanding Career Planning

"Here we come face-to-face with the mystery of vocation, or calling. …we find our calling by our natural inclinations, by that which we enjoy doing, are equipped to do, and feel joy in doing. …. In our times, we workers are being called to reexamine out work: how we do it; whom it is helping or hurting; what it is we do; and what we might be doing if we were to let go of our present work and follow a deeper calling." The Reinvention of Work by Matthew Fox (no relation) Page 103

THE CAREER SEARCH

My approach requires you, the client, to take control over the process and make all important decisions relating to your career. There are two phases - the first, the Career Search, is followed by the Search for a Satisfying Position. During the Career Search, you:

  • review your history
  • evaluate your present position
  • consider the effects of your law school and law firm experience
  • become aware of your professional goals and personal values
  • learn about and consider a range of options, and
  • after research, choose a setting consistent with your goals & values

"It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are today, but we have just begun. Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today."

Barack Obama

THE SEARCH FOR A SATISFYING OPPORTUNITY

When, and only when, you know what you want to do, are you prepared to begin the Search for a Satisfying Opportunity. During this second phase you

  • recognize your rebuilt self-confidence and self-worth
  • build databases of contacts/potential employers/possible associates
  • prepare promotional material and market/promote/network
  • prepare for interviews, and consider and accept options, or
  • take steps to open your own office as a sole practitioner

The goal of career planning is to help you decide what it is you want to do with your legal training, who you want to represent on what issues and who you want to work with – the path to satisfaction.

Lawyer Satisfaction Blog - Career Planning for Lawyers