Navigating a sector switch: advice from five experts

Switching sectors can be an exciting yet challenging prospect for lawyers. Whether you’re moving from private practice to an in-house role, transitioning between industries or stepping into a completely new regulatory environment, the process requires careful planning, a willingness to learn, and adaptability.

To gain insights into how to successfully make the leap, we spoke with five legal professionals who have successfully navigated sector transitions: John Rowland, Legal Director at Elysium Healthcare; Patrizia Carrozza, General Counsel at Valentino; Lisa Maxwell, General Counsel at FE fundinfo; Adam Hirschovits, General and Commercial Counsel at The Roald Dahl Story Company; and Emma Dickie, General Counsel at Rain Cryptocurrency.

Leverage your network

One of the most consistent pieces of advice shared by our interviewees is the importance of networking. Whether you’re looking for opportunities or gaining insights into the culture and challenges of a new sector, your network can be a powerful tool in facilitating a smooth transition.

John Rowland’s sector switch to healthcare in 2021 was facilitated by years of careful networking. “I met the Elysium General Counsel at a networking dinner in 2014 and stayed in touch over the years. When she was looking to leave, I followed up, and it paid off. On paper, I wasn’t the ideal candidate, but the relationship I had built over time really made a difference,” Rowland shares. His advice? “Tap into your network. I was told as a junior lawyer to network, and it’s been invaluable. It might take years to pay off, but it’s worth the effort.”

Patrizia Carrozza also emphasizes the importance of leveraging connections. Having transitioned from the technology sector to the fast-paced world of fashion with Valentino, Carrozza notes, “Valentino was open to candidates from other industries, and that gave me a chance to show how my management and interpersonal skills could be of value. Building relationships with people in your network is key to understanding different sectors and finding the right fit.”

Adapt and learn quickly

A sector switch is rarely without its learning curve. Understanding new industry dynamics, regulations, and business practices can take time. However, as our interviewees explain, a commitment to learning quickly can ease this transition and ensure you remain effective in your role.

Lisa Maxwell, General Counsel at FE fundinfo, has moved across several sectors during her career, each time adjusting to new regulatory environments and business structures. “I spent a lot of time researching the sectors I was interested in and speaking to people within my network to gain a better understanding,” she says. “There’s always a steep learning curve, but being open to new challenges and learning from others is crucial.”

Similarly, Adam Hirschovits, who transitioned from corporate law to media and entertainment with The Roald Dahl Story Company, faced his own set of challenges. “The biggest hurdle was understanding US media law. I had to unlearn some ingrained habits from UK law and adjust to a completely different framework. Fortunately, I had great external counsel to guide me,” Hirschovits explains. The takeaway? Adaptation is key, but so is seeking advice from experts when needed.

Focus on transferable skills

While sector-specific knowledge can be important, many legal skills are highly transferable across industries. Our interviewees underscore the value of leveraging core legal expertise while adapting to new challenges and environments.

Emma Dickie’s move from the environmental services sector to cryptocurrency trading exemplifies this point. “I had no previous experience in crypto, but my background in corporate law, handling greenfield projects, and navigating complicated regulatory environments all translated well into the tech space,” Dickie explains. “Focus on the skills you’ve honed, and consider how they can apply in new sectors. The substance of law remains the same, it’s just about understanding the context in which it’s applied.”

Similarly, Rowland’s move to the healthcare sector relied on his strong legal foundation. He admits, “Healthcare regulation was a surprise, but my legal skills in navigating regulatory environments in other industries helped me understand the challenges more quickly. It’s about understanding the broader principles and how they manifest in different sectors.”

Understand the motivations of your new sector

Every sector has its own unique drivers and motivations. Understanding what makes your new industry tick – from business models to the regulatory landscape – can significantly enhance your ability to provide legal counsel that aligns with the company’s goals.

For Carrozza, moving from technology to fashion required her to understand how the fast-paced, high-stakes world of luxury brands operates. “Fashion is so fast-moving, with constantly changing trends and new projects. You have to be able to adapt quickly and understand the pressures your business faces. While my legal skills were transferable, understanding the motivations behind business decisions was just as important,” she explains.

Likewise, Maxwell reflects on the change from her previous role at Informa PLC to her current position at FE fundinfo, where she is working in the asset management sector. “I had to quickly get to grips with the asset management sector and its regulatory environment, particularly since part of our business is regulated. Understanding these nuances and how they impact the business has been key to my success in this role.”

Be persistent and curious

Switching sectors is not an easy task, and persistence is often required to push through the inevitable challenges. Staying curious and willing to tackle unfamiliar territory will help you navigate the complexities of a new sector.

Rowland’s persistence paid off over the course of several years. “I stayed in touch with the Elysium General Counsel for years before the opportunity arose. Networking can take time, but the relationships you build will ultimately help you achieve your goals,” he advises.

For Hirschovits, his curiosity about the media and entertainment industry allowed him to immerse himself in the sector. “I’ve always been passionate about Roald Dahl’s work, and that genuine interest made it easier for me to understand the sector and its unique legal requirements. The key is to remain curious and open to learning from others,” he says.

Carrozza also highlights curiosity as a vital ingredient for success. “I didn’t have a deep understanding of fashion, but I was open to learning. Being flexible and persistent is essential when you move sectors,” she notes. “You’ll face challenges, but if you are truly curious and willing to listen, you will succeed.”

Switching sectors can be daunting, but as these professionals have demonstrated, the rewards can be significant. By leveraging your network, focusing on transferable skills, learning quickly, and remaining persistent, you can make a successful transition.

While each journey is unique, the common thread across all of these stories is a willingness to adapt, learn, and grow. As Rowland, Carrozza, Maxwell, Hirschovits, and Dickie all attest, the ability to embrace discomfort, seek advice, and remain curious is key to turning a sector switch into a rewarding career move.

Whether you’re considering a move to a different sector or are already in the midst of a transition, take these lessons to heart. The process may be challenging, but with the right mindset and a strategic approach, it can also be an exciting new chapter in your legal career.