Attorney Career Development
The Attorney Career Development Department of the State Bar of Texas provides attorneys with training, resources, and connections to advance their careers in the legal profession.
Throughout an attorney's career, there are several key points where they may need support. These points often represent moments of transition, professional or personal challenges, or critical decisions that can shape the trajectory of their career. By engaging with proactive and targeted resources at these key moments, attorneys can better adapt to the evolving legal landscape, develop a strong professional network, and position themselves for sustained career growth.
Law School and Transition to Practice
Navigating law school and the transition into legal practice can be difficult, especially without the knowledge of or access to proper resources. By providing the necessary tools and support early in law students’ careers, they have a foundation to build their professional careers upon. The State Bar of Texas provides insight from seasoned attorneys on how to leverage law school experiences into career opportunities, information on transitioning into practice, and scholarships to assist students preparing for the Texas bar exam.
Texas
Law Student Development Program
Law
Student Information
Bar
Exam Prep Scholarship
Transition
to Practice
After the Bar Exam
Yearly Roundtable on Law Student Engagement—coming soon
What Do Lawyers
Do?
First Few Years of Practice
Adjusting to the high demands of legal work, managing billable hours, and handling client expectations can be overwhelming. This period is often marked by long hours, significant pressure, and imposter syndrome. Support includes guidance from senior attorneys or mentors to help with skill development, understanding and implementing work-life balance, and navigating office politics. Mentorship and feedback on client interactions, legal strategies, and communication are vital at this stage to sustain a healthy and successful legal career.
Texas Young Lawyers
Association (TYLA)
Ten Minute Mentor
Resources
for New Lawyers
Resources for Starting a Practice
Skill Building, Education & Specialization
Continuing legal education (CLE) ensures attorneys stay up to date with changes in the law and developing new areas. The State Bar of Texas offers a skills building series to help attorneys develop soft skills like communication, negotiation, and time management. Specialization can set attorneys apart in their respective fields, help build expertise, and attract clients looking for specific legal services.
TexasBarCLE
Skills building series—coming soon
Train-the-Trainer – How to be an Effective Speaker – coming
soon
Specialization
Networking & Business Development
A strong professional network is one of the most valuable assets a lawyer can cultivate. It provides access to mentorship, collaboration, and referrals, all of which can significantly impact career growth and practice development. Maintaining genuine connections within the legal field helps lawyers stay informed, visible, and well-positioned for new opportunities.
Leadership Development and Career Transitions
Leadership development helps lawyers build the skills needed to take on greater responsibility, manage teams, and lead with confidence. Learning strategies to help with career transitions such as moving into a new practice area, shifting from firm to in-house, making lateral moves, returning to the workforce after a career break, or pursuing alternative career paths can empower lawyers to navigate change strategically and with purpose. Guidance from those who have made similar transitions is helpful to manage the change successfully.
LeadershipSBOT
Texas Bar Career Center
Getting Involved & Volunteering
Participating in State Bar volunteer opportunities can enhance visibility within the legal community and demonstrate a commitment to the profession. It also provides a platform to contribute to important initiatives and give back to the legal community.
Train-the-Trainer – Speaking on State Bar Programs – coming
soon
Join
a State Bar Section
Serve
on a State Bar Committee
Run
for the State Bar Board
Write
for the Texas Bar Journal
Pro Bono/Giving Back
Access
to Justice
Texas
Lawyers for Texas Veterans
Pro
Bono College
Probonotexas.org
Ethical Considerations and Professional Responsibility
Attorneys may face ethical dilemmas in their practice, particularly around conflicts of interest, confidentiality issues, or other professional misconduct concerns. Support includes ethical guidance and ongoing training to ensure an attorney’s highest standards of professionalism.
Work-Life Balance & Avoiding Burnout
The pressures of long hours, high client expectations, and career advancement can lead to burnout, particularly for attorneys in demanding practice areas or leadership positions. Lawyers can benefit from resources on stress management, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance to support their overall well-being and professional effectiveness. Support from mental health professionals, peers, or coaches can help attorneys avoid burnout and sustain long-term career success.
Texas
Lawyers’ Assistance Program (TLAP)
TYLA’s Attorney Wellness Hub
Retirement Planning
Attorneys may face challenges in transitioning out of the workforce. Guidance on creating a succession plan and closing a practice can be helpful for lawyers preparing for retirement or unexpected transitions.
Closing a Practice
Succession Planning
