Lawyers are facing an unprecedented period of transition. Good lawyers who’ve done everything right are now unemployed. Ambitious, bright law students have no jobs. Many other lawyers face reduced hours, reduced pay, and lateral options appear limited. In these challenging times, every lawyer should know any transition, no matter how difficult, can be turned into an opportunity. My own career includes transitions from private practice to corporate counsel to legal coach. Certain fundamental tactics give any lawyer the ability to make successful transitions. These tactics may appear disarmingly simple. However, if you execute them on a regular and consistent basis, you can create a positive transition.

First, take a deep breath and focus

In my 25-year career I have been downsized, right-sized and outsourced. In each case, taking the time to make a plan created a successful transition. Assess your skills, work your network, and be creative. Use resources available to you. Stay current in your area of law. Set realistic daily goals for your job search, and do your best to meet them. Develop a rhythm that works for you. Exercise. Enjoy your family. Hang out with friends. Read an absorbing novel. Remind yourself of the things for which you are grateful, your employment status notwithstanding.

Don’t bury your head in the sand

You are not alone. Thousands of lawyers are in the same situation. Avoid the temptation to isolate yourself. In challenging times, personal connections offer the most direct route to discovering opportunities. I personally use LinkedIn and Facebook as well as email and phone calls. Join groups on LinkedIn and contribute to the discussions going on. Use Facebook to keep in touch, locate old contacts, and expand and enhance your network. People prefer to hire and work with those they know, like, and trust. To become known, liked, and trusted, it’s critical to interact with the same people on a continuing basis.

Get smarter

Broaden your skill base, write articles, and seek out speaking engagements. Find CLE seminars or other training opportunities, read books and journals, or consider working with a professional coach. Your first response might be that you don’t want to spend money on education (formal or otherwise) right now, but that’s exactly the wrong response. Be selective, and choose learning opportunities that will give you the skills and knowledge to gain a competitive advantage.

Learn Business 101

Law is a business, and depending on the size of your firm you may need to develop basic business knowledge and management skills. Take charge of your career; learn to think like an owner, and focus on those things you can control. You must also learn about your clients’ businesses. One frequent complaint from clients is that their lawyers don’t always understand the context of a representation or how a certain issue fits into the bigger business picture.

Be a listener

You will be most effective in offering assistance to clients or network sources if you first ask questions and practice effective listening skills. Lawyers often take on the role of the expert too quickly, offering solutions before fully appreciating the depth of the problem or the desired outcome. Pay attention not just to the words but also to tone of voice, word choice, body language, and other nonverbal communication.

90 percent of success is just showing up

Successful lawyers understand the need to network with clients, potential clients, referral sources, and other contacts now more than ever before. They also understand the need to connect with one another. Building strong connections with reliable confidants offers an antidote to many of life’s challenges. My rule of thumb is to always have a full two weeks on your calendar of connections. Include breakfasts, lunches, or just-for-coffee get-togethers. When you show up with the right people in the right way, you become a top-of-mind presence with your contacts. If you are seeking a new opportunity, joining a group of lawyers with a similar goal can help you keep your focus without becoming discouraged about the inevitable disappointments.

These fundamental tactics will help any lawyer make a successful transition. Trust that all of your efforts will ultimately yield to a positive outcome, the only variable being precisely how long it will take. Present yourself to the market, to clients, and to your network by communicating a message of confidence and optimism. Remember, for those who plan with audacity and execute with vigor, progress is the magnificent byproduct.

Michael Moore, Lewis and Clark 1983, is a professional coach for lawyers and the founder of Moore’s Law, Milwaukee. He specializes in marketing, client development, and leadership coaching for attorneys at all levels of experience. Moore also advises law firms on strategic planning and resource optimization. He has more than 25 years’ experience in private practice, as a general counsel, in law firm management, and in legal recruiting. For more information, visit www.moores-law.com.

• Related: Lawyer resources in a down economy (WisBar.org)