From Law to Legal Recruitment: Why I Traded Case Law for Conversations

Like many year 12 students, I didn’t go into university with a perfectly mapped-out career plan. I chose Law at the UQ for a mix of reasons: expectation, the influence of famous courtroom TV dramas, and if I’m being completely honest… a bit too much of a passion for arguing.

I went on to work at a couple of firms. Not the big flashy names, but great places to learn. And truthfully, I enjoyed parts of it. I loved the conversations with clients, listening to their stories, and getting to the heart of their problems. Advocacy and problem-solving came naturally to me, and I thrived when I could stand beside someone and help navigate their challenges.

But there was one thing I couldn’t shake: the endless reading and writing. Hours of combing through case law, documents and drafting left me drained. The practice of law was built on precision with words on a page, but I was far more energised by the spoken word; by connection, conversation, and the human side of the profession.

After a while, I stepped away from law. I didn’t know exactly what was next, but I knew I wanted a career where my strengths were front and centre. And then, by chance, an old colleague – now a partner at a law firm – suggested I consider recruitment.

At first, I wasn’t sure. Recruitment hadn’t been on my radar. But the more I explored it, the more it clicked. It was everything I enjoyed about law; listening to people, understanding their needs, solving complex problems.. but without the parts that had always left me frustrated.

10 years on from my graduation, I can honestly say I love what I do. Legal recruitment has allowed me to stay connected to the sector, but in a way that suits who I am. I get to spend my days speaking with brilliant lawyers, hearing their career stories, and helping them find paths that actually fit their skills, passions, and personalities.

Looking back, leaving law felt like a big risk at the time. But it wasn’t about quitting, it was about realigning. I realised that while I respected the profession deeply, my true strengths weren’t in reading briefs or drafting contracts. They were in connecting, advocating, and building relationships. And recruitment gave me the space to do exactly that.

Sometimes, the best career decisions aren’t about following the expected path, they’re about having the courage to step off it when you know it’s not right for you.

Rutherford Kennedy – Senior Consultant