Many lawyers in their 40s face a difficult predicament.

As partners, they are typically earning well. But between the demands of meeting fee targets, managing and inspiring people, long hours, taking risks and bringing in new business, their responsibilities are unrelenting. Against a backdrop of fierce competition, firms are being forced to take on more work for less money. For lawyers who are not passionate about what they do, the job can be even more stressful.

Many lawyers love their jobs. But many others want to break free and crave more fulfilment. One 40-something lawyer we recently saw at CareerBalance sat down and said: “If I don’t stop, it will kill me”.

There comes a point in every lawyer’s career when they look around and wonder if partnership is the right path for them.

Law firms are typically eager to know who will progress to partner and who won’t. Established lawyers have built up sound knowledge and technical skills and want to be rewarded appropriately. Still, a lifetime of being on call at the weekend, helping another bank ink yet another corporate finance deal, and being interrupted at dinner by another client who has been served a writ, is hardly an alluring prospect for everyone.

While some forward-thinking corporations offer flexible working hours and career breaks while guaranteeing to hold your job, City law firms are not always amenable to women with a family focus. Perhaps this explains why women represent 50% of trainee lawyers but just 10% of City partners, according to CareerBalance founder Simon Broomer.

Many lawyers feel demoralised once it emerges they don’t want a partnership role, and complain of being sidelined. One fit and healthy woman who visited CareerBalance recently confessed she feels constantly exhausted. Another who regularly brings in new business to her firm, described her City law firm as a gentleman’s club where she felt pushed aside. Some lawyers CareerBalance has seen have been signed off with depression and feel unable to confide in anyone at their firm.

So if you find yourself at a similar crucial crossroads in your career, don’t let it pass you by. If you’re being pushed to your limits, set boundaries and make some changes. Think - what’s best for me given my priorities within my career and outside it? How appreciated do I feel by colleagues and clients?

At CareerBalance we know it’s hard to set aside time to make your next career move a reality. An initial career questionnaire lets us know all about our clients’ job satisfaction levels before we even meet for our first session. We specialise in helping lawyers take the future of their career into their own hands. Maybe we can help you too?

Posted by Simon Broomer, Managing Director and Founder at CareerBalance Ltd

We frequently get asked for advice on CVs for people who have been in the work place for several years. We recommend a maximum of two to three pages in your CV. Say more about what you have achieved in the last 10 years of your career. Highlight the value of your significant experience and don’t draw too much attention to your longevity. Unfortunately age discrimination against older employees is still a problem in spite of legislation to outlaw it.

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