Taking a career break to focus on caregiving is an admirable and often necessary decision, but returning to the workforce can feel overwhelming, especially in a competitive field like law, no matter your title. Whether you've been away for a few months or several years, re-entering the legal profession presents unique challenges and opportunities. Your time away has likely equipped you with valuable skills like empathy, time management, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are highly transferable to a legal career.
We’ve compiled some practical tips on navigating your return to law, from updating your resume, networking effectively, and addressing your career gap confidently. If you're ready to restart your legal journey, The Mom Project is here to help you make a smooth and successful transition.
Let’s explore how you can take that first step back into the legal world with renewed purpose and a fresh perspective!
Network is everything!
While it may seem daunting, networking is one of the best ways to re-ignite your job search. In fact, LinkedIn reports that nearly 70% of people find their next career move from networking. In a recent MasterClass with Anna McKay, career coach & founder of Parents Pivot, Anna noted that networking can come along at any opportunity, through events and parties (especially around the holidays!), but even at your child’s school, volunteering – you never know who you might connect with along the way that can help you to reach the next goal in your job search.
When it comes to digital networking, this is equally important. Take this time to evaluate your approach to LinkedIn networking, introduce yourself to new people in the field you’d like to pursue, and reconnect with old colleagues. Even if it’s been some time since you last spoke, that’s ok! Consider recalling a memory you have of them or something they did that made an impact on you, as well as simply asking what they’ve been up to since you last spoke are great ways to break the ice.
Refresh your resume and elevator pitch
As executive resume writer and interview & salary negotiation expert Ashley Cash notes in a recent MasterClass, “if you did it, it counts.” No matter how long your career break, your accomplishments still matter, and they should be reflected in your resume. Ashley has a few tips for streamlining and refreshing your resume, including:
- Choose your destination first. If you are wanting to become, for instance, a contract attorney, or paralegal, make sure your resume is tailored to those types of positions. Doing this will virtually eliminate the need for job-to-job edits as yours will be focused and ready to impress.
- No matter if it was paid work or unpaid work, if you did it it counts. Consider the tasks you did and how they ladder up to the career you are searching for. If you’re seeking roles as a legal assistant, think about the tasks you’ve taken on during your break that align with duties listed out in the job descriptions, like organization, editing and drafting documents, and more. Use clear, concise and industry-appropriate language to tell the reader who you are, what you do and what you’ve accomplished.
- If you want to hone in on what you should be talking about on your resume, look at the job description, job reviews, and look at your network. Always think about the benefit – did you increase sales, did you make positive changes to the numbers, what other metrics can we mention?
Using your resume as a starting point, perfect your elevator pitch. A good elevator pitch is meaningful and memorable, and can be delivered in less than a minute. Think about how you can tailor it to your audience, as well as showcases the benefits you bring. When thinking about your elevator pitch, describe your experience, explain how you help clients and the value you bring, explain what differentiates you from others in the field, and add some personal examples.
Your Experience is an Asset
Remember that the skills you’ve honed over the years – whether the work was within the legal field previously or outside of the paid workforce – have built a strong foundation of both hard and soft skills that those new to the field simply don’t have. In our recent study, Productive, Purposeful and Profitable, we know that 77% of companies see soft skills as just as important as technical skills. Traits like emotional intelligence and other "power skills"—things like managing multiple priorities and leading with empathy—are often just as important, if not more, than technical or job-specific skills. These qualities help build strong relationships, foster teamwork, and create positive work environments, making you incredibly valuable.
Landing a Legal Role with The Mom Project
At The Mom Project, our top legal sectors are paralegal, legal assistant, contract specialist/attorney, and corporate attorney. If this sounds like you, make sure to build your profile and use this guide to craft the best profile possible.
