Navigating Career Transitions: Insights from Top Women in Antitrust
Lessons from top women in antitrust: Career wisdom from the ABA Women’s Antitrust Roundtable
At the recent ABA Women’s Antitrust Roundtable in New York, leading women in antitrust law gathered to share insights on career transitions, leadership, and navigating the complexities of the legal profession. The panel, titled Times in Transition, featured accomplished practitioners who have successfully moved between private practice, government, in-house roles, and legal recruiting. The collective wisdom offered invaluable guidance for legal professionals at all stages of their careers.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the discussion:
1. Embrace Fear as a Sign of Growth
“If an opportunity doesn’t scare you, you’re not reaching high enough.”
This sentiment resonated throughout the panel, emphasizing that stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for career advancement. Growth often comes from taking on challenges that may initially seem daunting.
2. Leverage Your Network and Seek Mentorship
A strong professional network is invaluable. Having trusted advisors to discuss opportunities, provide feedback, and offer guidance can make all the difference in navigating career transitions. Whether it’s mentors, colleagues, or peers, building and maintaining authentic connections is crucial.
3. Invest in Leadership and Professional Development
Leadership training and continuous learning help navigate career transitions with confidence. Programs that focus on leadership, strategic thinking, and business acumen can equip lawyers with the skills needed to succeed in new roles and responsibilities.
4. Define What Motivates You and Pursue It Relentlessly
Understanding what drives you - whether it’s advocacy, problem-solving, leadership, or innovation - can help you make career decisions that align with your strengths and passions. Successful career moves are often those that allow professionals to channel their motivations effectively.
5. Recognize That Career Paths Are Not Linear
There is no single “right” path to success. Many of the panelists moved between private practice, government, and in-house roles, illustrating that flexibility and openness to new opportunities can lead to fulfilling career trajectories.
6. When Considering a Move, Ask the Right Questions
Panelists emphasized the importance of thoughtful career decision-making. Key questions to consider include:
What is prompting me to consider a move?
Will this opportunity advance my career, knowledge, or personal development?
How does this align with my long-term goals?
Am I leveraging my existing skills and expertise in a new and impactful way?
7. Use Your Networks to Explore Opportunities
Whether seeking to transition between law firms, move in-house, or return to government service, panelists stressed the importance of staying informed about the market. Keeping an eye on hiring trends and leveraging professional connections can help lawyers position themselves for the right opportunities.
8. Set Yourself Up for Success After a Move
Once you transition into a new role, early actions matter. Panelists recommended:
Taking time to build credibility and trust.
Conducting an internal listening tour to understand team dynamics.
Seeking out “low-hanging fruit” to secure quick wins.
Finding ways to contribute meaningfully from day one.
Investing in professional relationships within your new environment.
9. Be Intentional About Career Planning
While flexibility is key, being intentional about your career trajectory can help you make informed choices. Panelists advised balancing short-term goals (e.g., mastering a new skill) with long-term strategies (e.g., positioning yourself for leadership roles). Keeping your resume updated and regularly assessing your career path can also provide clarity and confidence.
10. Own Your Personal Brand and Advocate for Yourself
Many panelists acknowledged that self-promotion can be uncomfortable, especially for women in the legal industry. However, developing a strong personal brand and advocating for yourself are essential for career advancement. One strategy is to identify your core strengths through tools like the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment and find ways to communicate your expertise effectively.
11. Reframe the Idea of “Having It All”
The discussion also touched on work-life integration. The panelists emphasized that “having it all” looks different for everyone and evolves over time. Setting personal priorities, outsourcing tasks where possible, and giving yourself grace during different career phases can help achieve balance and fulfillment.
12. Key Advice Panelists Wish They Had Known Earlier
Looking back on their careers, panelists shared the wisdom they wished they had received:
Know your strengths and lean into them.
Build authentic relationships from day one.
It’s okay not to have all the answers.
Take risks—you won’t grow without them.
Keep a career journal to track progress and celebrate achievements.
Final Thoughts
The insights shared at the 2025 ABA Women’s Antitrust Roundtable serve as a valuable roadmap for lawyers at all stages of their careers. Whether navigating career transitions, stepping into leadership roles, or developing a personal brand, the lessons from these accomplished women underscore the importance of courage, adaptability, and continuous growth.
This article was authored by Justine Donahue, who participated as a panelist in the ABA Women’s Antitrust Roundtable discussion on career transitions. The ‘Times in Transition’ panel featured an impressive lineup of accomplished professionals, including:
Eyitayo (Tee) St. Matthew-Daniel, Paul Weiss (Moderator)
Geralyn Trujillo, DiCello Levitt
Leslie Overton, Axinn
Portia Bamiduro, Amazon
Renata B. Hesse, Sullivan & Cromwell
Their collective insights provided invaluable guidance on navigating career changes and professional growth within the legal industry.
For law firm partners considering their next move, our team of expert recruiters can provide guidance and support tailored to your unique career goals. Reach out here to learn how we can help you navigate your next transition with confidence.