Big Law Life #69: Stuck at Your Law Firm? How to Stay Strategic Until You Can Move
In today’s episode, I talk about something many lawyers experience but rarely discuss: what to do when you’re ready to leave your law firm, but you haven’t yet found the right opportunity. Maybe the market’s slow. Maybe your book isn’t portable. Or maybe nothing else feels like the right fit yet. Regardless, being stuck in limbo is frustrating—and it can quickly tank your motivation, reputation, and future options if you’re not intentional.
I share what to focus on now, even if you’re in survival mode, to preserve your professional standing and prepare for your next move. From managing your mindset to making sure your materials are airtight, I break down how to keep moving forward while you're still inside a firm that no longer feels right. You’ll hear actionable steps you can take to maintain credibility, boost visibility, build momentum, and avoid some costly mistakes.
At a Glance:
00:00 Introduction to Big Law Life and today’s episode 01:20 Feeling stuck when lateral options are limited 02:01 Why quiet quitting can backfire—and how to stay visible 02:44 How to maintain professionalism even when motivation dips 03:23 Risks of falling into the complaints trap 04:10 Why it's better to leave on your terms—not the firm’s 04:47 Leveraging downtime to prep your pitch to future firms 05:09 Specific ways to sharpen legal knowledge and market positioning 06:11 How tech innovation can become a strategic edge 06:34 Start tracking feedback, wins, and achievements now 07:29 Prepping for a move by activating your network 08:01 Tips for handling outreach and keeping conversations discreet 09:20 Managing recruiters and setting clear expectations 10:31 Resume, firm bio, and LinkedIn cleanup essentials 11:53 Finding meaning and control when your current work feels flat 12:20 Using pro bono and internal initiatives to add value and visibility 13:00 Thought leadership and LinkedIn as personal branding tools 13:48 How outside interests can help with burnout and breakthroughs 14:41 Staying ready for the next wave—and why mindset matters
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.
For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast here!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her:
laura@lauraterrell.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/
Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast