After more than 30 years of coaching attorneys, I’ve noticed a pattern.
The happiest lawyers tend to fall into one of two groups:
• Partners who have their own clients.
• Lawyers who have moved in-house.
Why?
For lawyers in private practice, having your own clients often means more autonomy. You have greater control over the work you take on, the clients you serve, and ultimately the direction of your career. You’re no longer waiting for a partner to decide what opportunities come your way and you get to manage the client relationship more directly.
For lawyers who have gone in-house, the appeal is different. Many enjoy being part of a business team rather than outside counsel looking in. They like helping shape decisions, collaborating across departments, and, for many, leaving the billable hour behind is a welcome change.
Of course, there are happy lawyers in every setting. But when I think about the clients who seem most fulfilled over the long term, these two paths come up again and again.
If you’re feeling stuck in private practice, it may be time to ask whether the problem is your current role—or whether it’s the type of career you’ve built.
For another take on what makes for a happy lawyer, watch or listen to my interview Redefining Success and Happiness for Lawyers: Insights from Paul Karvanis
I work with attorneys who want to grow a book of business, create more autonomy in their practice, or make a successful transition to an in-house role. If you’d like to speak sign up for a free consultation and check out the other free resources on this site.