5 Quick Tips for Attorneys Who Want to Make a Change

1. Don't just take something to get out. An attorney often becomes less marketable once having made the jump from a large law firm, so those who are unhappy where they land face an uphill road.

2. Don't procrastinate. A traditional rule of thumb is that an attorney's professional options become much more limited five years out of school.

3. Figure out how to network. Some positions are never posted, and an introduction by your neighbor's cousin can prove to be the key to be in the loop for a desirable opportunity.

4. Verify your assumptions. A lot of generalizations are made about various job markets. Don't close off a potential path or settle for something before finding out whether your underlying assumptions are accurate.

5. Revise your resume. Many attorneys submit their exiting resume for any job that interests them and are surprised when they are not selected for an interview. Put yourself in the employer's shoes (or find someone who can) and make your case.

Andy previously worked for Reed Smith as a Labor and Employment associate, as well as at Dilworth Paxson in the same capacity. Andy has also written articles and presented on the Fair Labor Standards Act for many groups, including the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.