The Advocate’s Edge

Choosing a legal specialty—or, as I prefer to say, narrowing down your niche—often feels like a daunting task. It’s not a mathematical calculation you can perfect overnight, nor should it be. If you approach your legal career with the right mindset, you’ll have a much better chance of landing in an area of law that resonates with your interests, talents, and values.

It’s never too late to adjust your thinking. Whether you’re a law student mapping out your career path or an attorney considering a pivot, there’s always room to evolve. Here’s how to shift your perspective in a way that will help you land in the area of law where you can truly thrive.

1. Be Open-Minded

If there’s one thing law school doesn’t do, it’s prepare you for the real practice of law. In fact, many lawyers find themselves working in areas they never imagined or even disliked while in school. The key to finding your niche is to stay open-minded, and that starts early—ideally as soon as you decide to pursue law, whether in college or sooner.

Don’t dismiss practice areas based on preconceived notions or academic experiences. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. If your schedule allows it, say yes to internships, externships, and pro bono work in diverse fields. You might surprise yourself by finding value in areas you never thought you’d enjoy.

Action Steps:

• Seek out internships or volunteer opportunities in various fields, even if you’re unsure about them.
• Avoid ruling out a specialty based on law school classes or others’ opinions.
• Ask practicing attorneys about how their career path evolved and what unexpected turns they took.

2. Be Observant

You have to be a bit of a flâneur when navigating your legal career—someone who thoughtfully observes their surroundings. As you explore different areas of law, watch how you feel about your work and environment. Even if you’re not in love with a specific role, there may be key aspects you do enjoy.

For example, maybe family law is too emotionally intense for you, but you thrive on your courtroom appearances. Or, perhaps the stakes in criminal defense are too high, but you enjoy working closely with individuals. If corporate law seems exciting, but litigation drains you, you might excel in transactional work. The practice of law has countless micro-niches—being attuned to what excites or bores you will help you zero in on the right fit.

Action Steps:

• Journal your experiences regularly, noting what aspects of your work excite you or drain your energy.
• Shadow different attorneys and ask them what they enjoy most about their day-to-day practice.
• Reflect on what you’re passionate about outside the office. Can you incorporate these interests into your legal practice?

3. Be Honest with Yourself

One of the hardest truths for new attorneys is admitting that the area of law you were set on may not be the best fit. And that’s okay! Pivoting isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth. If the path you’re on doesn’t feel right, it’s crucial to honor that feeling rather than forcing yourself to stay the course.

Likewise, you don’t have to change who you are to fit into a practice area or firm. If networking and self-promotion aren’t your style, there are law firms that will provide a built-in book of business. If you’re passionate about public interest work but need a more secure income, explore hybrid roles or firms that dedicate part of their practice to pro bono efforts. There are endless possibilities within the law, and finding your niche means finding a place where you can be yourself.

Action Steps:

• Regularly assess whether your current area of practice aligns with your long-term goals and personal values.
• Talk to your mentors about areas where they felt misaligned and how they pivoted.
• Identify and pursue firms or roles that align with who you are, rather than feeling pressured to mold yourself into something you’re not.

The Takeaway: Your Legal Niche Will Find You if You Let It

Finding your place in the legal profession is more about narrowing down what you like—and pivoting when necessary—than discovering a specialty out of nowhere. By staying open-minded, observing yourself along the way, and being honest about your interests, you’ll naturally find your way into a niche that suits you.

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