When litigator and small firm managing partner Raul Gastesi added the role of City Attorney to his busy practice, it meant a quickfire education in city government and municipal law. His advice for young lawyers on changing legal practice areas? Follow a few simple rules.
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In 2013, three suburban Miami mayors were arrested for corruption. It was a news headline for most, but for me, it was a pivot in my career that led me to serve as Town Attorney for Miami Lakes for the past 11 years. Mayor Wayne Slaton wanted someone he could trust, and I was that someone.
The role was a complete change from what I had been practicing. Up to that point in my legal career, I had handled commercial and real estate transaction litigation for over 25 years. The unexpected shift to municipal law transformed my career and my skillsets. It showed me how versatile the legal profession can be. It also taught me that with the right mindset, and by opening the right doors, legal professionals can tackle new and exciting opportunities.
Why Do Lawyers Consider Changing Legal Practice Areas?
According to a recent International Bar Association’s Young Lawyers’ Report, one-third of lawyers under 40 will change legal profession areas. They do so because they want better work-life balance, bigger salaries and more opportunities. Some are burned out in their current practice, bored or looking to have a greater impact. Many young lawyers, however, are not sure if they can make the switch, or where to start.
The reality is, anyone can change career direction if they are open to investing time and effort into building a new skill set.
The Challenges of Switching Practice Areas
My move to municipal law work in 2013 was appealing. I had only dabbled in the practice area, and always from the other side. This made it an intellectual and professional challenge. I took it on, knowing that I was about to make a fundamental shift in both my understanding and application of law, and in my career.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges I faced was the Sunshine Law, as it is known in Florida. It requires that all meetings of two or more public officials take place in the open and be publicly announced. This means matters like litigation decision-making, contract negotiations and other elements of city decision-making must be done in public, often while opponents are watching. The obvious concern is that this means they will obtain insight into the municipality’s strategy. This was a radical move away from how corporate law operated when I would meet with a client in private.
Another challenge was the city itself. Essentially a very large corporation, the city has extensive and diverse legal needs: human resources, environmental, zoning, code compliance, tax reporting, contractual, litigation, insurance, election law, and budget issues. I had to address issues in each of these areas during my first 30 days on the job. On the plus side, my experience in contracts, litigation strategies and decision-making helped me transition into the new role.
I spent late nights researching these areas of law. I hired and consulted experts, and collaborated with colleagues in other cities to gain a deeper understanding of what was required of me. Today, thanks to many of the unique issues I faced when I started, peers in local government contact me for advice when they face similar problems. We have built a shared ecosystem of knowledge where we support one another as we learn.
Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Making a Career Change
As a young attorney thinking of making a move, do not let your anxiety about the new challenge stop you. Don’t get derailed worrying about what you do or do not know. It is natural to worry, but if you work hard and ask others for help, you will find your way.
Read: “Three Tips to Overcome Impostor Syndrome as a Young Associate”
Contact other lawyers, for example, those you studied with or other lawyers that you know in that field, and ask them about their careers and gain insights into their areas of expertise. I have found colleagues, whether friends or those I barely know, to be very cooperative and forthcoming.
Discovering different parts of the law will open the door to opportunities you did not know existed. I could not practice criminal law, for example, but it may be the perfect career for you. Ultimately, if you are thinking about switching to a new specialty, read up on it and talk to colleagues before you decide. You want the hard work to equate to a career you love.
Relationships are another essential component to your success in changing legal practice areas, as well as overcoming your fears. Throughout your career, you need to prioritize building relationships with everyone, not just those you perceive as the “right” people. If you do not establish relationships with peers, clients, judges and co-workers, you will struggle to create the collaborative ecosystems you need to pivot, thrive and grow.
Relationships help you build networks that will support you as you level up your expertise or decide to venture down a new path.
Read: “Three Places to Spend Your Networking Time as a Young Lawyer“
My Rules for Building a Rewarding Legal Career
Finally, if you want to build your career, you have to follow these simple rules:
- Do not miss deadlines.
- Be prepared at every hearing.
- Be ethical and straightforward with your opponents.
- Do not file frivolous motions or defend cases with frivolous defenses.
- Develop a good reputation with judges.
- Join local bar associations and participate in events so you can get your name out there. The goal is build your reputation as an ethical, trusted legal professional.
Switching legal practice areas can be a daunting decision. What matters most is that you are passionate about what you are doing. Establishing long-lasting professional relationships, collaborating and prioritizing first impressions, and upholding the highest level of ethical and legal standards while diving headfirst into your work will offer you flexibility in your legal career.
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