If you’re a solicitor with between two and five years’ post-qualification experience, working in Cornwall, Devon or Somerset, there’s a strong chance you’ve had this thought recently:
“I’m not unhappy… but I’m not sure this is where I want to be long term.”
You’re not alone. We speak to Southwest solicitors every week who are quietly reassessing their careers — not because they want to jump ship, but because they want to move forward with purpose.
This Stage of Your Career Matters More Than You Think
The 2 – 5 PQE window is one of the most influential phases of a solicitor’s career. Decisions made now often shape:
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Your long-term specialism
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Your progression to Senior Associate
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The quality (and sustainability) of your workload
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Whether you feel valued — or overlooked
Many solicitors stay put out of loyalty or uncertainty, only to realise later that progression has stalled or options have narrowed.
Common Concerns We Hear from Southwest Solicitors
If any of these resonate, it may be time to explore your options — discreetly.
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“My workload has increased, but my support hasn’t”
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“Progression has been mentioned, but not clearly mapped out”
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“I’m doing good work, but it’s not the work I want long term”
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“I don’t know how my salary compares across the Southwest”
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“I don’t want to move unless it’s genuinely an improvement”
These are common and valid concerns, particularly in regional firms where structures and succession planning differ widely.
The Southwest Legal Market Has Changed
One misconception we still hear is:
“There aren’t many strong opportunities locally.”
In reality:
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Many Southwest firms are recruiting quietly
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Succession planning is driving off-market roles
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Hybrid and flexible working is now well established
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Regional salaries have become far more competitive
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Quality of work has increased, especially in Private Client, Property, Litigation and Family
Some of the most attractive roles never make it onto job boards.
Why 2 – 5 PQE Solicitors Speak to Us (Without Actively Job Hunting)
Most of the solicitors we work with weren’t actively looking to move.
They simply wanted:
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A confidential view of the market
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Honest insight into salary, progression and demand
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To understand their options without pressure
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To sense-check whether staying put still makes sense
A conversation doesn’t commit you to anything — but it often provides clarity.
What a Good Move Looks Like at 2 – 5 PQE
A well-timed move should offer at least one of the following (ideally more):
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A clear and realistic progression pathway
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Higher-quality or more specialist work
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Improved work-life balance
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Stronger supervision and mentoring
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Long-term stability and future planning
If a role doesn’t materially improve your position, it’s usually not worth making the move.
Speak to a Specialist — Confidentially
If you’re a 2 – 5 PQE solicitor working in Cornwall, Devon or Somerset, you don’t need to be actively job hunting to benefit from a conversation.
We offer:
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Confidential, no-obligation career discussions
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Insight into off-market and upcoming roles
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Honest advice on whether a move makes sense — or not
You can register your interest or request a confidential discussion via our website.
No CV is required at the initial stage, and all enquiries are handled discreetly.
Discover more about who we are and what it’s like to work with us. Visit our LinkedIn page; Legal Southwest Ltd | LinkedIn
Final Thought
You don’t need to be unhappy to consider your next step.
You just need to be informed.
If you’d like a confidential market insight or a quiet conversation about your options in the Southwest, we’re here to help – on your terms.
Please get in touch About Us – Legal Southwest