GigLawyer and/or BigLawyer? A grounded theory study of lawyer career craft

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the emergence of new gig working routes in the legal industry. Drawing on the nascent concept of ‘career crafting’, I crafted a constructivist grounded theory of ‘Craft My Own Way’ from the experiences of 15 lawyers. Participants’ experiences reflect agentic and emergent perspectives as part of inter-connected transition processes. A main finding of this study is that, whilst seeking change, participants experienced a paradoxically conflicting and synergistic relationship with their pasts. The findings offer a discussion framework for career professionals to help clients reconcile tensions by considering ‘craft’ as a theoretical lens to frame career transitions.