It is law fair season and we try to be present at the local universities to meet the law students. They are all looking for advice and encouragement, wondering which area of law to get into or what career route to take.
Keep your inner critic in check
For my careers talks I had asked solicitors what advice they would give to junior lawyers. Top answers have been ‘It’s not all about the money’, ‘Go with your gut, always’, ‘Think about the future possibilities in your career path but don’t feel you have to make all the decisions right away’.
I always say to people that whilst it feels like a long road and a struggle to get to qualification that is only the start of it. Upon qualification you don’t suddenly know everything you need to know, as a lawyer you are simply at the starting point of your legal career. So, don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t expect others to view you as the finished article, they won’t! You have earnt the right to be there and just like everyone else you are still learning.
One suggested method of silencing your inner critic is to picture yourself as a child and then picture your inner critic saying the things that go around in your head to that child. It feels uncomfortable! So don’t let your inner critic boss you around now that you are an adult! All legal professionals, and perhaps all people can always benefit from advice given in a constructive and positive manner. No matter how far you go in your career there is always more to learn so enjoy the journey and don’t get distracted by that inner critic!
