In recruitment, I often hear stories that make me stop and think about career choices. Recently, a candidate told me about colleagues in her firm who had joined as teenagers and had stayed in the same role for decades, never experiencing another firm. That level of loyalty is admirable, and many firms would give anything for that kind of commitment. But it also raises a bigger question: in a profession where every firm operates differently, are people missing out if they never step outside one environment?
The law itself may be constant, but no two firms run in the same way. Each has its own culture, expectations, work ethic, systems, and client approach. Working in a small high street practice feels very different to working in a large corporate firm, and both offer unique lessons. By experiencing different environments, lawyers and legal secretaries alike gain far more than technical knowledge, they build resilience, adaptability, and relationship skills that stay with them throughout their career.
This doesn’t mean jumping from job to job. Too much movement never looks good on a CV. But thoughtful, well timed moves can bring enormous value. Exposure to different firm sizes and ways of working not only broadens expertise but also builds essential life skills. Law, after all, isn’t just about books or processes; it’s about people: understanding them, supporting them, negotiating with them, and building trust.
The same applies to aspiring solicitors at the very start of their journey. Paralegals, for example, gain invaluable experience by working within firms before entering the Institute. Too often, candidates want to progress as quickly as possible, but there is so much to be said for spending time in the role first. Being a paralegal or indeed a legal secretary teaches you how a practice really runs, how to deal with clients in difficult situations, and how to work as part of a team under pressure. These lessons cannot be learned in a textbook, yet they are the foundation of a strong legal career.
Similarly, for solicitors, early career exposure to different types of firms or practice areas builds crucial skills. Whether it’s a newly qualified solicitor gaining experience in both high street and corporate firms, or someone rotating through litigation, property, and commercial work, these experiences teach adaptability, client management, and strategic thinking skills that last a lifetime.
At Pathway, we see every day how lawyers, legal secretaries, and paralegals who have taken the time to experience different firms and roles bring a unique strength to their careers. They don’t just know the law or the admin, they know people, systems, and how to adapt.
So while loyalty has its place, a career built on both stability and carefully chosen variety often creates the most well rounded, resilient legal professionals.
If you are considering your next move, or want advice on how best to shape your legal career, Pathway can help.