Many in-demand lawyers today face an enviable but tricky problem: how to decide between multiple job offers. With law firms competing for top talent and struggling to fill vacancies, strong candidates often find themselves spoiled for choice.
If you’re a solicitor or legal professional with more than one offer on the table, here are five tips to help you make the right career move.
1. Remember Your Career Goals
Before comparing salaries and benefits, pause and reflect on what matters most to you. Ask yourself:
- Are you looking for a higher salary?
- More professional development opportunities?
- Better benefits or work-from-home flexibility?
- The prestige of joining a certain Tier or profile of law firm?
Use these priorities as a checklist. When the details of different packages don’t line up neatly, your original goals will help you rank what really matters.
2. Take a Long-Term View
Don’t let short-term perks distract you from long-term growth. For example:
- Offer A may give you the highest salary now.
- Offer B may offer slightly less pay but a faster route to partnership or senior progression.
In the long run, Offer B could prove far more rewarding. Think carefully about where you want your career to be in 5–10 years and which role will get you there.
3. Consider Firm Culture
No amount of money will make up for a poor working environment. Evaluate the firm culture carefully:
- Did you establish rapport with the hiring Partner?
- What was the atmosphere like in the office?
- Did employees seem happy and engaged?
- Does the firm encourage work-life balance or social interaction?
If possible, speak to contacts who have worked at the firm before. Culture is a critical factor in long-term job satisfaction.
4. Use Your Leverage Wisely
Having multiple offers can strengthen your negotiating position. For example:
- If one firm offers less annual leave than another, ask if they’ll match the competition.
- If an employer is slow to make an offer, mentioning other opportunities can help speed things up.
However, tread carefully. Overplaying your hand could backfire. A trusted legal recruiter can help you negotiate without damaging relationships.
5. Take Your Time — But Don’t Delay
It’s reasonable to request a few days to weigh your options. Use this time to compare offers against your goals and long-term plans.
When you’ve made your choice, be gracious with the firms you decline. The legal world is small, and professionalism ensures you leave doors open for the future.
Final Thought
Having multiple job offers is a great position to be in — but also a responsibility. By balancing short-term gains with long-term goals, considering culture, and using your leverage wisely, you can make a career move that truly benefits you.
At Thornton Legal, we specialise in helping lawyers navigate the job market and make informed decisions about their careers. If you’d like a confidential conversation about your options, we’d love to hear from you.
