Designing Your Next Legal Chapter

A Strategic Reflection Worksheet for Senior Lawyers


This worksheet is designed to help you think beyond “succession” and towards professional continuity. How your expertise, reputation, and influence evolve over time.

Grab your notebook and give yourself 15–20 minutes.

Be honest. This is for you.

1. Your Authority Zone

What are you genuinely trusted for — not just competent in, but known for?

List:

  • Types of matters people bring to you first

  • Situations where your judgment carries unusual weight

  • Feedback or reputation themes you hear repeatedly

2. Your Future Role Identity

If someone introduced you five years from now, what would you like them to say?

Complete this sentence:

“You should speak to ……………. they are known for ……………………………………..”

Which of these roles most appeals to you? (Circle or highlight)

  • Mediator

  • Arbitrator

  • Expert Witness

  • Strategic Advisor / Consultant

  • Mentor / Leadership Figure

  • Other: ______________________

Why does this role fit you specifically?

Notes:

3. Network Positioning Check

How does your professional network currently see you?

Tick what applies most today:

  • ☐ Technical specialist

  • ☐ Trusted problem-solver

  • ☐ Commercial advisor

  • ☐ Leader within the firm

  • ☐ Industry authority

  • ☐ Other: ______________________

What would need to shift for them to naturally see you in your future role?

Notes:

4. Internal Legacy

If you stepped back from day-to-day work, who would feel the gap most?

Name:

  • Potential successors

  • Key clients

  • Internal teams

Notes:

What knowledge, relationships, or authority currently sit only with you?

Notes:

5. Your Value

My value in my firm is currently based more on:

6. Your Next Strategic Step

If you did one quiet, low-effort thing in the next 90 days to move toward your “next chapter,” what would it be?

Examples:

  • Repositioning conversations with key introducers

  • Mentoring a potential successor

  • Speaking or writing in your authority zone

  • Exploring accreditation or panels for mediation/arbitration/expert work

Your action:

Closing Reflection

Your career doesn’t have to end, it can evolve.

What do you want your professional legacy to quietly say about you?

Notes: