Stacey Back

Futureproofing your legal career will be a key focus at the Law Society of NSW’s Annual Conference on 5 and 6 October. LSJ caught up with career coach Stacey Back, who will be addressing early career lawyers on Day 2 on how to manage career development in the digital age.

Although this article is targeted to early career lawyers, the concepts covered are relevant to lawyers at all levels. Some of the key themes discussed include:

- Why taking ownership of your career planning +… Show more

Futureproofing your legal career will be a key focus at the Law Society of NSW’s Annual Conference on 5 and 6 October. LSJ caught up with career coach Stacey Back, who will be addressing early career lawyers on Day 2 on how to manage career development in the digital age.

Although this article is targeted to early career lawyers, the concepts covered are relevant to lawyers at all levels. Some of the key themes discussed include:

- Why taking ownership of your career planning + development is vital to your career success
- Practical steps you can take to design your legal career, on your terms
- How to use your network to identify career pathways, validate your options and find a new job
- Tips on finding a mentor
- Balancing strategic career planning with growing your career organically Show less

A better work-life balance does not mean you must sacrifice your career ambitions. Here's how the experts say you can achieve both...

I often say looking for a job is like having a part-time job — it’s a big investment of your time and energy.

If you’ve made it to the stage of getting a job offer, congratulations.

You’ve spent lots of time searching for opportunities and reaching out to your network. You perfected your resume to get it to the top of the pile. You nailed your interviews and passed all background checks with flying colours!

Now, you’ve got a major decision to make. One which will impact… Show more

I often say looking for a job is like having a part-time job — it’s a big investment of your time and energy.

If you’ve made it to the stage of getting a job offer, congratulations.

You’ve spent lots of time searching for opportunities and reaching out to your network. You perfected your resume to get it to the top of the pile. You nailed your interviews and passed all background checks with flying colours!

Now, you’ve got a major decision to make. One which will impact your daily life, job satisfaction and future job prospects.

Then the doubt starts creeping in. Is this the right role? What if I accept and make a big mistake?

The truth is, there are no guarantees in life. All you can do is make the best choice at any given moment.

After coaching hundreds of professionals through their job offers, I know the power of asking the right questions.

Here are nine questions to ask before accepting a job offer. They’ll help you reduce risk and minimise mistakes with your next career move. Show less

Self-doubt is one of the biggest barriers to career progression. You feel like a fraud despite evidence of your accomplishments. Imposter syndrome leads you to disregard your successes and avoid stepping outside your comfort zone.

Your lack of confidence stops you from showing up in a meaningful way. You begin to see your self-doubt as a sign you’re truly incapable. All this keeps you stuck and out of action.

This has major consequences for your career. Self-doubt holds you back… Show more

Self-doubt is one of the biggest barriers to career progression. You feel like a fraud despite evidence of your accomplishments. Imposter syndrome leads you to disregard your successes and avoid stepping outside your comfort zone.

Your lack of confidence stops you from showing up in a meaningful way. You begin to see your self-doubt as a sign you’re truly incapable. All this keeps you stuck and out of action.

This has major consequences for your career. Self-doubt holds you back from speaking up in meetings, so you fail to get noticed. You’re held back from developing relationships with senior stakeholders to grow your career.

Self-doubt stops you from asking for the pay rise or promotion you know you deserve; applying for the job you want or starting your dream business; making yourself visible to clients to build your network.

Here are five signs that self-doubt is crushing your career — and how to combat this doubt to build confidence and reach your full career potential. Show less

When I started my first business back in 2013, working from home was rare.

I often tell the story of how embarrassed I'd be when my corporate clients asked where my office was. I'd mutter the name of the suburb I lived in (where my home office was!) and would quickly move the conversation on.

But after the “remote work experiment” of the past year, many of us have had a taste of it.

With flexible working here to stay and a hybrid workforce emerging, what makes people… Show more

When I started my first business back in 2013, working from home was rare.

I often tell the story of how embarrassed I'd be when my corporate clients asked where my office was. I'd mutter the name of the suburb I lived in (where my home office was!) and would quickly move the conversation on.

But after the “remote work experiment” of the past year, many of us have had a taste of it.

With flexible working here to stay and a hybrid workforce emerging, what makes people more effective at remote work?

Here are seven things professionals say ‘no’ to every time to make remote working a success. Find out how to create better boundaries and become more productive too. Show less

Picture this—you’ve worked hard to get to where you are in your career. You’re talented and successful at what you do. Your work is financially rewarding. You love your clients.

One day you wake up and something’s shifted. You’re not passionate about your work anymore. You feel disconnected, unhappy and you’re unsure what’s missing.

So, what do you do?

I’ve coached many professionals through their career transitions and have identified some common signs it’s time for a… Show more

Picture this—you’ve worked hard to get to where you are in your career. You’re talented and successful at what you do. Your work is financially rewarding. You love your clients.

One day you wake up and something’s shifted. You’re not passionate about your work anymore. You feel disconnected, unhappy and you’re unsure what’s missing.

So, what do you do?

I’ve coached many professionals through their career transitions and have identified some common signs it’s time for a change.

Here are six signs your company doesn’t align with your values—and you’re ready to find a new role. Show less

Thinking about starting a business or pursuing a new career path?

Maybe you are, but you haven’t taken this idea any further because there’s a lot at risk. You’re not sure if it’s financially viable—and you have no idea where to start.

Follow these five steps to quickly test out a business or career idea. You’ll walk away with a validated idea to minimise any risk with your move.

Actionable strategies to improve your job satisfaction -- and help you start 'falling in love' with your work again!