Ready, set, go: 5 ways to fast-track your legal career

Being a lawyer is tough. You’re constantly dealing with demanding clients and challenging cases. And keeping on top of your growing mountain of work leaves little room to focus on your future career.

But does that mean career stagnation is your only option?

Absolutely not.

Read on to hear our expert tips on climbing the legal ladder – fast.

1. Get strategic with your CPD learning

While your CPD units may feel like a chore, they certainly don’t have to be.

In fact, when it comes to fast-tracking your career, you can use these mandatory areas of study to accelerate your progress.

For instance, choose programs that align specifically with your goals or skills gaps and use them as stepping stones towards your ideal future.

Also, be sure to complete your CPD units on time – and if possible – early.

This way, you’ll be able to get a taste for other specialisations that you may like to move towards. From there, you can focus your efforts sooner, and get a handy head start.

2. Signal your leadership intentions early

Considering a leadership position? Completing a short course such as the LPMC is a smart way to signal your intentions to management. And it does so much more than simply tick a box.

Even if you don’t plan on working in such a role in the short term, these courses are a great way to expand your skillset and understanding of the law from a business perspective.

You will be looked upon more favourably by employers who might be hiring in these areas – or who might respect the dedication and consider you for promotions down the track.

The best part? You can complete your LPMC online in a matter of weeks, making it a quick and rewarding option for lawyers looking to step up in their career.

3. Start with a Graduate Certificate (2 subjects) – when the time’s right for you

Undertaking an LLM may seem like a big commitment. But did you know you can start small with a graduate certificate and always upgrade later if that's what you decide.

Doing so can broaden your legal knowledge significantly. And it can be your winning strategy if you’re committed to fast-tracking your career.

You can explore everything from wills and estates to international arbitration – and watch as your resume, knowledge and career opportunities expand before your eyes.

Many lawyers choose to study in this way at a time that’s right for them and as their interests evolve. And by chipping away in your own time, you’re able to focus on your day-to-day work, while also inching towards your longer-term goals.

4. Start off small – and progress from there

Signing up for a master’s degree can be a significant call. The good news is you can always start off small with a graduate certificate depending on the area you choose.

These two-subject courses provide a perfect sample of what studying a larger degree will be like. And of course, you can choose to learn part-time around your practice.

A graduate certificate is a ready-to-go qualification that you can apply immediately. But you can also opt to keep studying – and use it as credit towards a full master’s degree.

You’ll also be glad to know that you can pay as you study, subject by subject. No need to commit financially to the full course upfront.

5. Find a mentor and work closely with them

Want to really fast-track your journey? Then consider working with a mentor.

Your mentor can sit down with you to plan out your career and identify the steps you need to get there.

Ideally, they will have worked in a role that you’re aspiring to, and they’ll have valuable, first-hand experience to share.

So look for someone you trust and respect – be it a friend, colleague or teaching fellow – who can steer you in the right direction. Pick their brain and follow in their footsteps, from the CPD units they studied to the short courses they completed.

From there, a slip stream to your dream role may just open up.

Often, mentors will also put in a good word for you across their professional networks. In time, if the right opportunity arises, you’ll have a leg up on your competition when it comes to landing that all-important interview.