Three Practical Ways Lawyers Can Stay Ahead in FY26
The start of a new financial year is the perfect time for lawyers to take stock — not just of billables, budgets, and KPIs, but of how you’re showing up in your role and career.
With FY26 shaping up to be a year of rapid technological change, evolving client expectations, and tighter margins, the lawyers who thrive will be the ones who focus as much on their professional development as their technical skills.
It’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter — and making deliberate choices that keep you relevant, resilient, and ready for what’s next.
Here are three practical strategies to help you position yourself for success this year.
1. Audit Your Professional Brand
Whether you’re a partner, senior associate, general counsel, legal counsel, or still finding your feet, your professional brand matters more than you think.
Clients and employers are looking for more than legal skills — they want problem-solvers, relationship-builders, and trusted advisors. Your brand is the perception others have of you based on every interaction, from your written advice to how you handle a difficult meeting.
Think of it this way: if you weren’t in the room, how would your colleagues describe you? Would clients think of you first for a complex matter in your area of expertise? Or would your name come up only because you were available?
Try this: Ask three colleagues (or even clients) how they would describe working with you. Then, write down how you would like to be described. Compare the lists. Any gaps you identify are gold — they point directly to where you can grow in FY26.
Pro tip: Don’t just focus on technical reputation. Soft skills, like being approachable, collaborative, or calm under pressure, often differentiate the most in-demand lawyers from the rest.
2. Invest in Future-Ready Skills
The law is evolving fast —AI, automation, ESG, and cyber risk are no longer “emerging” trends; they’re here. Waiting to adapt means getting left behind.
Future-ready lawyers look beyond their practice area and ask, “What will my clients need from me tomorrow that they’re not asking for today?”
This doesn’t mean you need to become an overnight expert in everything new. It means deliberately adding skills that will keep you relevant and broaden your value.
Try this: Pick one skill outside your core legal expertise and commit to developing it this year. For example:
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If you’re a litigator, sharpen your negotiation or mediation skills.
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If you’re in corporate, deepen your commercial acumen so you can advise beyond the deal.
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If you’re in-house, explore tech literacy or project management to lead more efficient legal functions.
Why it works: Small, consistent learning investments compound over time. A single course, podcast series, or mentoring relationship might not seem game-changing on its own — but together, they build a professional edge that’s hard to replicate.
3. Protect Your Energy
High performance isn’t about working longer; it’s about working sustainably. Burnout is still a very real risk in the profession, and FY26 will be no different.
Think of your energy like your billable hours — finite and valuable. If you spend it recklessly, you’ll have nothing left for when it matters most.
Try this: Book three non-negotiable recharge points into your calendar for the next quarter — whether that’s a weekend away, a short course, or time to work on a passion project. Treat them with the same respect you would a client deadline.
Practical tip: Protecting your energy also means setting boundaries. This could look like:
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Clarifying availability with clients.
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Delegating instead of taking everything on yourself.
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Creating device-free time at home.
Remember — recharging isn’t indulgence, it’s insurance. The lawyers who last in this profession don’t just manage their workload; they manage their wellbeing.
Final Thought
In FY26, staying ahead won’t just be about the hours you put in — it will be about how deliberately you invest in yourself.
By strengthening your professional brand, building future-ready skills, and protecting your energy, you will be better equipped to handle whatever the year throws at you.
The legal market isn’t slowing down. Neither are your clients’ expectations. But with a clear focus on personal and professional growth, you can position yourself not just to survive the changes ahead — but to lead through them.
What are you navigating in your career right now? I would love to hear from you — your challenges and questions could inspire future columns. Connect with me via LinkedIn or email me directly at
About the Author: Joseph Germano is an executive coach, former lawyer, and long-time legal recruiter with over 25 years’ experience in the profession. He now works with legal professionals, leaders and teams to help them navigate transitions, lead with authenticity, and reconnect with what matters most. You can connect with Joseph on LinkedIn or learn more at www.jlegal.com.au/executive-coaching