The holidays are upon us—a time for festive lights, overeating at office parties, and pretending not to notice the other partners’ oddly competitive gift-giving. But as the year winds down, it’s also the perfect opportunity to reflect on your career. Lawyers, after all, love structure and deadlines—so why not treat the New Year like a personal year-end review?
Is your career where you want it to be? If not, the New Year could be your chance to explore new possibilities. Here are six practical steps to help you advance your career—or at least have something productive to think about during the inevitable lull between closing deals and answering frantic client emails.
1. Dust Off Your Resume
Your resume should tell the story of this year’s career victories, not just your glory days as a summer associate. Take advantage of the holiday downtime to update it while the past year’s accomplishments remain fresh. Won a bet-the-company case? Closed a monster deal? Landed a tricky regulatory approval? Write it down now so future-you doesn’t have to guess what “Saved Q4” means scribbled on a Post-it note.
2. Polish Your LinkedIn Profile
Let’s be honest: most of us treat LinkedIn like a gym membership—good intentions, occasional bursts of effort, but mostly neglected. Make sure your job titles and skills are up-to-date. Keywords matter because recruiters and algorithms rely on them. Do a little competitive research by checking out your peers’ profiles or Googling your job title to see how others describe similar roles.
While you’re at it, Google yourself. Trust me; you’d rather discover that old Facebook post on your own than have a potential employer find it first. And if it’s questionable, set your social accounts to private.
3. Take a Colleague to Lunch
The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect over lunch with a professional whose career you admire. Flattery is free; most people enjoy being asked about their career journey or successes. You might learn something valuable, expand your network, or enjoy a meal that isn’t from the office cafeteria. Ask open-ended questions such as: If a year from now my goal is X, what advice might you give me to achieve the goal? What was one of the most valuable lessons learned from navigating your career? Knowing what you know now, what career advice would you give your younger self?
4. Commit to One Interview Per Year
Treat interviewing like a professional tune-up. Even if you’re not actively looking, one well-chosen interview each year helps you stay sharp, test your market value, and explore what opportunities might excite you. Consider your ideal next role—would it involve a new industry, a leadership position, or more work-life balance?
Pro tip: Don’t treat interviews as just transactional. They’re also a chance to learn about market trends and challenges outside your “swim lane.”
5. Join (and Actually Participate In) a Professional Association
If you’re already a member of an organization, step up your involvement. Volunteer to speak on a panel, join a committee, or become a mentor. Not only does this deepen your expertise, but it also puts you in rooms where opportunities are born. Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards; it’s about building relationships.
6. Check the Market Pulse
Pick up the phone and call us (or another trusted career advisor) to chat about the current legal market and your place in it. Share your recent accomplishments—it’s not bragging if it’s relevant! Recruiters and career advisors thrive on knowing what makes you tick and where you shine. Let us help you assess your marketability or keep you in mind for your next move.
Holiday Career Reflections: A Gift to Yourself
Whether you’re planning your next career move, mentoring a rising star, or mapping out a talent succession plan, the holidays offer a unique moment to pause and recalibrate. Consider these steps as a way to gift yourself the clarity and confidence to approach 2025 with purpose.
After all, the legal profession isn’t just about closing deals, winning cases, or drafting agreements; it’s also about continually evolving and growing.
So, take the time to invest in yourself this holiday season. Who knows? Your future self might thank you with a toast at next year’s office party.
Happy Holidays—and may your New Year be filled with opportunity!
