#70: Navigating a Down Market as a BigLaw Attorney

In today’s episode, I’m diving into how to stay strategic when the legal market slows or your practice area begins to shrink. These shifts are inevitable in any long-term legal career but how you respond can define your next chapter. I walk through how to assess whether you’re facing a temporary dip or a deeper structural change, and how to use that insight to proactively adapt. 

Whether you’re exploring a pivot within your firm, aiming to future-proof your practice, or quietly preparing for a move, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to act with confidence rather than panic. I also cover how to show up visibly at your firm, deepen your network, and identify overlooked opportunities that can make you indispensable, even when work is light.

At a Glance: 

00:00 Introduction and and why downturns are a critical moment to take strategic control of your career
01:20 How market slowdowns expose firm and practice vulnerabilities
03:02 Recognizing whether your practice decline is cyclical or structural—and how to respond
05:08 Pivoting within your firm: cross-training, lateral moves, and internal repositioning
07:22 Rebranding your skill set to meet evolving client and market needs
09:18 Staying valuable through client development, visibility, and strategic connections
11:10 Preparing your network and materials in case of a job search
13:14 Staying engaged and billable when work is light
15:15 Following firm economics and identifying growth opportunities
16:50 Evaluating whether to stay or go—and setting yourself up for the next move
17:56 Final thoughts on planning proactively instead of reacting to firm decisions

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Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast