Promotion?

bruich76

Hi,

I used to be a member here a while ago in fact I used to post all the time! Anyway, I have become a solicitor after 4 years of being a paralegal. All in commercial property and so was the 18 months of my training contract plus my 15 months qualified.

Anyway, my boss the head of department is leaving and I am the only person left in the department I naturally assumed they would replace him for some one equally qualified I.e 15 years experience but they are advertising for a new solicitor with PQE 3 to 5 years

I have had a few pep talks from one of the directors who has twice told me its a good opportunity but I didn't know really what he was getting at.

I was hoping they would consider me for the role but I guess not if they are recruiting at that bracket only thing is someone with PQE of 3 years will be my age and it will be really annoying getting pushed back in the queue for the role -I might never get the chance again

I was just wondering what you guys thought. I would need another solicitor to assist me in the department I guess that's the sticking point

Naturally though I would be looking to move in 3 or 4 years if I don't get to a higher position so I don't know to go hell for leather or not

What do you think?

The other point is that someone with PQE 3 wouldn't necessarily know anything that I wouldn't because I have been running my own caseload for at least 4 years

elsien

I've no idea about your field but if one of the directors has twice told you it's a good opportunity, does that not tell you anything?

You're not going to know if they'll consider you for the role unless you give it a go.
You seem to be talking yourself out of applying by thinking of barriers that may or may not be there. Why is needing another solicitor a barrier - there'll be two if you either way. What have you got to lose?

bruich76

well i just figured if they were looking for someone with more 'experience' then they would automatically be given the title as head of department. but, i guess you are right in that if i express an interest they might adapt what they are looking for.

In the legal field heads of department don't change very often, so it's an easy boat to miss. The last head was there for 15 years.

robatwork

Will you regret trying for it and failing more than not trying for it and not knowing?

That will be your answer then.

Money_saving_maniac

bruich76 wrote: »

Hi,



I have had a few pep talks from one of the directors who has twice told me its a good opportunity but I didn't know really what he was getting at.

Translation - he would like you to apply. Doesn't mean you will automatically get it of course.

getmore4less

If there are just 2 people in the department it can be a shared role with one being the lead/head and in reality that's probably what happened anyway.

Who looked after the place when the "Boss" was on holiday/sick?

What extra does the head do over the day to day case load?
Can you do this now or would you need support/training.

You have the practice experience knowledge etc. so it makes sense to capture and nuture that.

I think you have to show an real interest be positive and highlight areas that you may need support/training.

The important thing then is to get the right person to work with.


Another angle is there any things that you thought the 15y incumbant should have been doing to grow improve the business that can now be done they are leaving, are there opportunities to make the possition bigger than it is now and for you to grow with it?

FBaby

Is that all he said 'it's a good opportunity'? I find it odd that if the intention was to encourage you to apply, he didn't add 'maybe you might want to consider applying'?

I think if you are interested in a job, there is no harm in asking whether they believe he should apply for it. At worse, if they like you, they'll say that they appreciate your work, but that they are looking for someone with a bit more experience.

bruich76

yes, indeed. i know what you mean about it weird. but, then it's weird to say its an opportunity anyway, because, if the new person gets the role then if anything its going to put a block on my progression through the firm; so it's the opposite of an opportunity.

as you will appreciate the new person could be there for 10/20 years basically meaning that i would have to move elsewhere to progress.

so i have no idea.

redpete

Ask the director if they think it is worth you applying for the role.

theoretica

When a vacancy comes up it is the chance for a fishing trip - they want the best person they can get for the money. You need to persuade them it is you, if you want it, and an informal chat with a director and/or your departing boss may be extremely useful in how best to sell yourself.

lincroft1710

FBaby wrote: »

Is that all he said 'it's a good opportunity'? I find it odd that if the intention was to encourage you to apply, he didn't add 'maybe you might want to consider applying'?

Perhaps the director believes the OP has enough intelligence that it doesn't need to be spelt out to them. By not taking the hint and not applying the OP may not be doing him/herself any favours.