Classrooms to conference rooms: a teacher’s transition into law
By Zeki Turgut
Changing career is not a decision made lightly – especially when it is to the famously challenging world of legal practice.
Following several fulfilling years of teaching, I found myself wanting a new challenge in a different environment. One that would push me further intellectually and offer fresh avenues for self-development. Given I always had an interest in law, becoming a trainee lawyer felt like the right first step to fulfil that drive.
First impressions
The transition from teacher to trainee has been surprisingly familiar. Both environments are fast paced, with plenty of activity to keep you on your toes. In this way, walking into Marriott Harrison felt like the first day at a new school: many new faces and names to learn, technology that initially made me miss my old whiteboard, but quickly became second-nature, and a whole new set of “classroom rules” to follow… only this time, I was not the one making them!
This transition has been smoothed out by having supportive colleagues who are happy to help every step of the way. Whether it is grabbing a coffee for a quick chat, offering feedback on my work, or patiently answering my endless questions, they have made the entire process far less daunting.
Preparation
I took some time to familiarise myself with basic concepts, industry terminology and recent legal developments. This helped me feel more confident in my early days and less overwhelmed by the sharp change to a new working environment. Furthermore, I spoke to people who had made similar transitions, as well as those already established in the field. Their insights were invaluable and provided me with realistic expectations and tips to navigate the tasks ahead. I also made a conscious effort to shift my mindset. I reminded myself that though there are large differences between my past career and my present, the core skills had plenty of overlap. Universal skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication would serve me well here just as they had done in the past.
Steps moving forward
To thrive in my new career, I plan to engage and commit to as many learning opportunities as possible. Whether it is a seminar, workshop or diving headfirst into anything that crosses my desk, I intend to grab it with both hands every single time. After having worked on something, I intend to regularly self-reflect to figure out what is working, what can be better, and how I can tweak my approach to get a little better every day. If (and inevitably when) I need help, I will utilise my mentors to provide guidance and help me answer questions. Fortunately, at Marriott Harrison, there is no shortage of potential mentors – so I have been spoilt for choice!
Carryover from one career to the next
Teaching has equipped me with a valuable toolkit to take into legal practice. First, the ability to break down complex ideas and jargon into clear, bite-sized pieces is a skill that is just as valuable here as it was in the classroom. Second, being able to juggle multiple tasks requires planning and prioritisation. My experience in staying organised and managing time effectively will be crucial in my role as a trainee. Lastly, whether it is to understand a student’s struggles, a parent’s concerns, or a client’s needs, empathy is key. The practice I have had building strong and productive relationships with a diverse range of people will put me in good stead.
Final thoughts
While the leap from teaching to law is certainly substantial, there are plenty of familiar little stepping stones to guide me through. For anyone considering a career change, don’t be afraid by the jump to legal practice. As recognised by Marriott Harrison, law is a field where diverse backgrounds can thrive and bring valuable perspectives.
The skills I have developed as a teacher have laid a solid foundation for success in law, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me.
