Not Quite As Effortless As Shape Shifting: The Realities of Changing Practice Areas

First and foremost, if you’re here from last year, happy new year! If you’re new here, welcome!

With 2026 well under way, I figured it was a good time to address one of the most common questions I get from associates:

“Can I change practice areas and if yes, how do I do it?”

You'll need to indulge me for while I make an X-Men Mystique analogy. Changing practice areas is a lot like shape shifting. And to be clear, the only reason Mystique is on my mind is because I watched far too much Heated Rivalry where the character Rose Landry is supposedly Jennifer Lawrence coded in real life.

On screen, shape shifting looks effortless. One second you're one thing, the next second you're something else entirely.

In the law world, it rarely works that way.

Why Lawyers Want to Switch Practice Areas

Most lawyers who think about switching are not being impulsive. The reasons are usually very understandable.

• You don't enjoy the work you are doing or it doesn't fulfill you 

• The lifestyle feels unsustainable

• Your practice area is slowing down

• You discovered a different area that fits your skill set better

• You were staffed into a group by default rather than by choice

Wanting to switch is not the issue. The question is whether the change you want is realistic in the market you are in.

When Switching Practice Areas Is Most Realistic

This is where timing becomes critical.

Early career lawyers:

If you are within your first one to two years of practice, firms are generally more flexible. You are still viewed as highly trainable and your hourly rate is cheaper. At this stage, a switch often looks more like an adjustment than a full transformation.

Adjacent practice areas:

Switches are most successful when there is skill overlap. It will be far more difficult to make a meaningful switch when your transition is between two practice areas that have virtually nothing in common.

For instance: going from insurance defence litigation to M&A, I never say never but this might be a virtually impossible switch. You may need to find some intermediates such as a transition to corporate and general litigation. However, there are practice areas that have enough overlap to lend well to a switch.  For example:

• M&A to standalone Technology Transactions (especially if you do a little bit of tech trans in your M&A practice)

• Corporate to Private Equity or Finance

• Litigation to Regulatory or Investigations

• Real Estate to Finance

• Transactional Employment law to Labor and Employment litigation

The closer the practices, the easier it is for firms to believe the shape shift will not slow you down.

Internal moves:

Changing practice areas within your current firm is often the most realistic path. You already have institutional trust, which lowers the perceived risk of retraining you.

I also always try to explain to attorneys that they will be much more successful if they do not try to add too many layers to their switch. If you want to switch practice areas, that should be your only qualification. Don’t add in a city change and where possible, don’t even add in a firm change. Sure, another firm may have a better group for the practice area you want to switch into. But your chances of landing in a more highly coveted group increases exponentially after you have had 1-2 years of relevant work under your belt. 

When Practice Area Switches Become Difficult

Not every transformation is treated the same way.

Mid to senior level switches:

Once you're several years in, firms expect depth. Moving into an unrelated practice area becomes much harder because training costs increase and expectations are higher. More often than not, you will be asked to take a class year cut if a firm is considering your candidacy for a practice area switch as a mid to senior associate.

Highly specialized practices:

Some practice areas require years of technical development. Firms are far less willing to take a chance on a full transformation without prior exposure. 

Market conditions:

Even a well thought out switch can stall if the target practice area is slow or oversaturated. Timing and demand matter.

How to Position Yourself for a Successful Switch

Successful shape shifting in law requires planning.

Build overlap early:

Seek out work that touches your target practice area. Even limited exposure helps firms visualize the transition.

Control the narrative:

Your cover letter and interviews should clearly explain why the switch makes sense now. Frame it as a strategic move, not an escape.

Be honest about tradeoffs:

Some transitions require stepping back in seniority or responsibility. That decision should be intentional.

Find advocates:

Partners who support your move can make the difference between a smooth transition and a stalled one.

Get market aware advice:

Not all practice area switches are viewed equally. This can differ by cities, by law firms and many other factors. Understanding how firms assess risk is critical.

Common Mistakes Lawyers Make

• Waiting too long and hoping dissatisfaction resolves itself

• Assuming interest alone is enough, take action early

• Underestimating training costs from the firm’s perspective

• Framing the switch as burnout and dissatisfaction rather than strategy

• Failing to clearly explain the story

Shape shifting without a plan usually leads to friction rather than freedom.

TL;DR

Changing practice areas is possible, but it is not effortless. Like shape shifting, it works best when done early, thoughtfully, and with a clear understanding of limits.

When done well, a practice switch can realign your career in a meaningful way. When done poorly, it can slow momentum and narrow options.

If you're considering a change, plan carefully and get advice before you try to transform your practice. I may not be Jennifer Lawrence or Rose Landry but I know a thing or two about legal shape shifting. mahta@whistlerpartners.com