When “Coasting” Early in Your Career Can Hold You Back
In the first few years of practice, the single most important thing you can do for your career is build experience. Law school sets the foundation, but it is the matters you work on that determine how you grow as an attorney.
We often hear from associates who are “coasting”: they have manageable hours, not too much pressure, and plenty of breathing room. Many of these associates are not in a rush to leave. In the moment, it can feel like a gift. But over time, a light workload can quietly create challenges for your long-term trajectory.
Why Firms Look Beyond Your Class Year
When reviewing lateral candidates, firms do not just look at your graduation date or your transcript. They ask a deeper question: Does this associate’s experience reflect their seniority?
A second-year associate is expected to have the reps of a second-year: drafting, research, taking on increasing responsibility.
A fourth-year associate is expected to have the reps of a fourth-year: running smaller matters, handling key portions of larger ones, and showing signs of judgment and independence.
If your experience does not match your class year, firms notice. Even stellar academics or a prestigious JD cannot always outweigh a gap in substantive work.
Why Moving Earlier Can Help
The good news is that career progress is not always linear, and a lighter year does not doom your trajectory. But the timing of a lateral move matters.
It is far easier to reposition yourself as a second year who wants more exposure than as a fourth year still seen at a second year level. Firms are much more flexible when you make a change earlier in your career.
What You Can Do Now
If you recognize yourself in this situation, here are a few steps worth considering:
Take stock of your experience. Look at the past year’s matters: are you building toward the next level, or circling the same ground?
Seek out new opportunities internally. Sometimes, raising your hand for a new type of work can help fill the gap.
Consider exploring the market. Even if you are not ready to make a move, having a sense of what other firms can offer in training and experience gives you options.
The Bottom Line
Early career experience compounds over time. One light year may not set you back (especially if you make a change), but several in a row can. The key is to stay proactive about your growth. If you are not getting the reps you need, it may be worth considering whether another environment could better support your development.
