CBA Record March-April 2025

THE YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

the Chili Cook-Off. In late spring, we are looking forward to a Federal Court Walk-Through, Government Service Career Fair, Diversity Week, and Law Day. You can find details and registra tion for YLS programs at www.chicagobar.org.

Whatever you choose to do, know that your opportunities based on your legal training are truly limitless. We hope that this issue will help spark some inspiration and give you the tools you need as you embark on your next big adventure.

Finding Your Path Forward The lawyers who contributed their stories to this YLS issue each followed a path all their own. Despite the differences in their journey, there are many common aspects across their experiences. Here are some of those insights, lessons learned, and transition tips. √ Know yourself. Assess your strengths, values, and passions, and how they come into play in your current job. Be honest about what matters most for your happiness. Regularly ask whether your current role aligns with your values. If it does not, seek out projects or opportunities that more closely fit with your values and where you want to go. √ Network. Leverage your existing relationships with trusted peers and mentors to troubleshoot your role or evaluate potential opportunities. Look not at what is available or posted but at jobs you value and would most enjoy doing. Connect with people in an area you’re considering. Everyone has unique experiences and can offer different advice. Attend conferences, join organizations, and get involved. √ Plan and Prepare before you Execute . Factor in practical logistics, including financial and personal needs. How will you support your transition financially and mentally? What is your financial runway? What are your non-negotiables? Do you want to work solo, with a group, in the public or private sector? Setting deadlines can create urgency and momentum to keep moving forward. √ Stay Adaptable and Commit to Learning . Broaden your knowledge and build a solid business per spective. Don’t be afraid to explore non-traditional routes. Stay open to unexpected opportunities and be willing to adapt as your career unfolds. Often, the key isn’t perfect credentials; it’s a commitment to intellectual curiosity and the persistence to see it through. Embrace a chance to say “yes” to values driven opportunities. √ Be Strategic about Marketing: Understand the dynamics within different legal niches and capitalize on emerging opportunities. And don’t hesitate to market yourself: Embrace self-promotion as a part of your strategy. Share your insights and experiences to establish your professional identity. √ Trust the Process; Trust Yourself. If you have a dream, create a vision, set goals, do the work, and follow through, things often work out—not always how you expect, but in ways that align with what you need. Be patient and persistent. This is true even if your friends and family may not fully understand your plan. For example, a first-generation college graduate’s family might struggle with a decision to leave a lucrative position if they never had financial security. √ Remember that Mindset Matters . Transitions can be messy. Do not passively wait for something to happen. If your environment drains you, take action. Expect setbacks. Keep refining your approach and pushing forward. Be confident in your product or service. This will help you through the process of build ing a business or starting a new career. Believe in yourself and that you have something unique to offer the world.

CBA RECORD 23