New specializations in Law emerge every day to keep pace with the evolution of the modern world. Therefore, given so many updates, changing one's area of practice within Law is more common than one might imagine.
Rest assured, this phase can occur at different times in a lawyer's life.
Whether you are a recent graduate or have been practicing law for years, if you have decided to change areas within the legal field, this transition should be healthy and strategic for your career.
1. Is it possible to change areas of law?
Yes, it is possible to change areas within the legal field; however, before entering a new area of practice, it is necessary to pay attention to fundamental points. The first step to consider is making a gradual and strategically planned change.
For example, a lawyer who wants to leave the area of Labor Law and intends to work in Tax Law needs to delve into updates on laws, get to know professionals in the field, adapt their routine to new clients, study legal processes, among other measures.
Furthermore, it's necessary to gain experience in the new role. To achieve this, smaller-scale projects and extensive study to gain knowledge of the field will be beneficial initially.
2- Three practical tips for changing fields in Law
Before taking this big step in your professional journey, it's necessary to be cautious and divide the change into stages. Remember to make this transition a positive thing for your career.
Ultimately, if you've decided to change areas within the legal profession, you'll need to adapt your routine and prevent potential mistakes during the career transition. To help with this, consider these practical tips.
Create a plan.
After deciding which area you want to migrate to, establish goals and objectives so that the transition between one specialty and another is not just a wish . Set achievable dates so that your plan can be executed without interruptions or changes of course.
Strengthen your network.
Talk to lawyers who have gone through the same career change process to learn about the pros and cons of the transition. Additionally, connect with professionals working in the field you aspire to enter to gain insights into their daily routines and the job market.
Specialize
After outlining your goals and speaking with professionals in the field, look for specializations. This is because postgraduate studies are a fundamental step towards a healthy career change in law.
Choose a reputable educational institution with a renowned faculty and a high-quality networking opportunity. This is the case with IDP Online , which boasts masters and doctoral degree holders who are leaders in the legal field and holds the OAB (Brazilian Bar Association) seal of quality.
3- Trends for professionals in the field of Law
Relocation in the job market, keeping up with professional trends, or the constant pursuit of professional development are among the factors that may motivate a lawyer to choose another area of practice within the legal field.
New specializations are increasingly sought after by enthusiasts looking to change fields. Therefore, educational institutions are investing more and more in updated curricula and leading professionals to equip these legal professionals with the necessary knowledge.
Below are two promising options for those looking to change careers in law.
Digital Law
Areas with demands in technology and information security promise to bring new opportunities and requirements for legal professionals, according to a survey conducted by Exame.
Pursuing a postgraduate degree in this area can qualify a lawyer to practice digital law , as well as ensure they are up-to-date on the General Data Protection Law (LGPD).
This is the case with André Naves, who chose to specialize in Digital Law and Data Protection, and for this he pursued a postgraduate degree in the field.
“I recommend the postgraduate course to everyone who, like me, enjoys 'thinking outside the box'. The professors who teach the classes have extensive knowledge of the subjects discussed in class. In other words, they have practical experience with the content taught, and most of them are references in the areas of Digital Law in Brazil ,” explains the IDP Online student.
Tax law
Tax law has become one of the most sought-after areas for lawyers seeking a career transition. After all, in addition to being one of the best-paying areas in law, the intense debate surrounding tax reform has led legal professionals to seek updates on current legislation.
One of the leading figures in Tax Law in the country, Professor Jules Michelet often says that students graduate from law school ready to practice Civil Law and Labor Law, but this is not the case in Tax Law. In undergraduate studies, it's common to see at most one or two subjects covered, meaning only the surface of the topic.
“Professionals need to prepare themselves in some way, and 95% of the time that will be through postgraduate studies. Technical preparation is indispensable for a tax lawyer,” Jules emphasizes.
Jules is a lawyer and a leading figure in Tax Law. He has also served as a Federal Attorney and Legislative Consultant for the Chamber of Deputies.
Keep an eye out for opportunities!
In addition to these specializations, other areas are on the rise in Law, such as, for example, Teleworking, Digital Advertising in Elections, Fake News and Freedom of Expression on the Internet, Compliance, and various other new market demands.
This article shows that, yes, it is possible to change fields in law, and this transition can be successful if done strategically. Remember that, to do so, you need to specialize in your desired area and strive to stay up-to-date to secure a place in the market.
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