I help lawyers step back, think clearly and move forward with confidence - whether you’re questioning your direction, preparing for change or ready to take the next step in your career
For law firm and in-house lawyers who want clarity, perspective and control over their career decisions
WORK WITH ME
I work with private practice and in-house lawyers at key decision points in their career to develop their confidence, career strategy & action plan,
whether you want to:
You know something needs to change in your career, but you're not sure what your next strategic step should be..
Whether you're a couple of years out or on this year's slate, you want the inside track on what partners are looking for and how to persuade them to vote 'yes'!
It's time to find your next challenge, but you're not sure how to find the role to progress your career and give you the fulfilment you deserve.
Moving in-house can be more of a challenge than private practice lawyers may think. Don't waste opportunities - learn how to show you're ready for the pivot.
You want to advance with your current employer, but you're unsure how to navigate the politics, or show your worth to decision-makers beyond your immediate team.
You want to make a great impression and establish credibility in your new role, or build your influence and impact where you are,
EXPLORE YOUR CAREER OPTIONS
EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP COACHING
Explore moving in-house support
Explore in-house career progression
Explore executive presence coaching
Explore support for your job search
You know something needs to change in your career, but you're not sure what your next strategic step should be..
It's time to find your next challenge, but you're not sure how to find the role to progress your career and give you the fulfilment you deserve.
Moving in-house can be more of a challenge than private practice lawyers may think. Don't waste opportunities - learn how to show you're ready for the pivot.
Learn more
You want to advance with your current employer, but you're unsure how to navigate the politics, or show your worth to decision-makers beyond your immediate team.
You want to make a great impression and establish credibility in your new role, or build your influence and impact where you are,
Learn more
Learn more
Whether you're a couple of years out or on the slate for the next round of promotions, you want the inside track on what partners are looking for and how to persuade them to vote 'yes'!
Learn more
Learn more
Personalised coaching for lawyers at all stages of their career who want structure, direction and a well thought-out plan.
in-depth support for lawyers ready to make progress
On-demand courses and resources designed to help you weigh up your options, plan your strategy and develop your confidence.
Practical tools you can work through in your own time
Choose the level of support that BEST fits where you are right now
A 90-minute one-to-one session designed to help you step back, get clarity and make informed decisions about your career.
A focused starting point when you’re unsure what to do next
I’m Paula McMullan, a former City lawyer, legal recruiter and learning & development professional turned career coach.
I help lawyers in private practice and in-house get clear on what they want from their careers, make confident decisions and develop a practical strategy for moving forward.
Whether you’re considering a new role, positioning yourself for promotion or partnership, moving in-house or wanting to make a bigger impact where you are, I bring first-hand insight into how legal careers really work — and what it takes to progress.
Accredited Executive Coach · Former Head of Recruitment at Slaughter and May · Founder of Allen & Overy’s internal career coaching service
MORE ABOUT Paula
Hi, I'm Paula
“I would certainly not be where I am today (professionally and personally) without Paula:
I am proud, confident & happy.”
NEWLY-PROMOTED PARTNER
“Paula’s advice enabled me to find a job in a new sector in a far shorter timeframe than I’d have managed in my own!”
Senior In-house Head of Legal, now GC
“Paula's expertise transformed me from being consumed by work to becoming more self-aware,
confident & empowered. ”
10 years' PQE in-house legal counsel
“Working with Paula has made me feel confident and optimistic about what lies ahead. It’s been a brilliant investment in myself.”
6 PQE financial regulation associate, US firm
“Paula's coaching empowered me to take control of my career, shift my mindset and tackle challenges.
3.5 years' PQE associate, West End firm
Still not sure if this is the right move for you? Here are some of the most common questions lawyers ask before they decide to work with me.
Career coaching for lawyers combines career strategy with an understanding of how legal careers actually work. It helps you get clear about what you want, understand what's getting in the way and develop a practical strategy to move forward - whether that's securing a new role, positioning for promotion or making a bigger impact where you are.
Not at all. Many lawyers come to me knowing that something needs to change, but without a clear picture of what that change should be. We'll work out what matters to you, explore your options and develop a direction that reflects what you actually want from your career and life. You don't need to have the answers before you start.
That depends on where you are and what you want to achieve. We might work on making a career decision, securing a new role, positioning for promotion or partnership, strengthening your professional brand, preparing for interviews or increasing your confidence, visibility and influence. The focus is always on developing a practical strategy that fits you and your career.
Yes. I work with lawyers in private practice and in-house, at different stages of their careers. Although the context may differ, many of the challenges are similar: deciding what comes next, communicating your value, navigating progression and building the confidence and influence to take greater control of your career.
I bring more than 25 years' experience working with and for lawyers, including experience as a practising lawyer, legal recruiter, learning and development professional and executive coach. I've worked alongside senior lawyers and partners in global law firms and understand the pressures, politics and often unspoken expectations that influence recruitment, promotion and career progression in the legal profession.
The Career Strategy Consultation is a focused 90-minute session for lawyers who want expert input on a particular career decision or challenge. My 1-to-1 Career Coaching programme provides more sustained support over three months, giving us time to work through your direction, positioning and career strategy in greater depth.
No. I’m a career coach, not a recruiter, so I won’t find or apply for roles on your behalf. What I will do is help you get clear about what you’re looking for, position your experience effectively and develop a practical strategy for finding and securing the right opportunities.
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“How early on in my career should I be working towards partnership?” What would you say - 6 PQE? Later? Earlier?
I regularly share practical insights on career strategy, confidence and professional development for lawyers.
To be notified of my LinkedIn posts, follow or connect with me, visit my profile and click the bell icon.
To receive my weekly newsletter direct to your inbox, subscribe to my Career Success Strategies for Lawyers Substack newsletter.
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MY MISSION
by building clarity, confidence and a deliberate strategy - Whether that’s for A promotion, partnership or a well-judged next move
I don’t offer generic advice or quick fixes.
I work with people who want to engage thoughtfully, challenge their assumptions and take responsibility for the decisions they make.
If this way of working resonates, the next step is to understand how I work before deciding how to proceed.
If you’re already confident that you want ongoing support, you can apply for 1-to-1 coaching.
Prefer a focused, one-off session to get clarity first? You can book a Career Strategy Consultation instead.
WORK WITH ME
APPLY FOR
1-TO-1 COACHING
BOOK A CAREER STRATEGY CONSULTATION
Recognised as:
one of THE
top 21 coaches in london by
Included in:
As featured in:
the 2024 O List
Awarded by the
O-shaped lawyer
Trusted by lawyers across UK and international
law firms, corporates & government organisations
city lawyer · Legal recruiter · Career coach
with 25+ years’ experience working with and for lawyers