Q: I've been working contract positions since law school to pay my law school loans—and often change jobs for more money. Is this job hopping bad for my career?

A: You're in a tough spot. Given that you were unable to secure a permanent position out of law school, you've had to make some hard choices in order to honor your law school loan obligations. I commend you for “making it work” in this legal market. That's not easy. But lemonade can be made from these lemons if you are strategic. If you are not, I'm afraid your career will be like a buoy in the ocean: aimless and nowhere to go.

The first thing you need is a plan. The immediate priority with these contract positions should not be the dollar signs, but building cohesive experience. Cohesive experience will help you create more value to offer a future employer—and allow you the messaging you will need to compete effectively for permanent positions. So, each project you take on should build your skills in one practice area like tech/commercial transactions, general corporate or commercial litigation. If you're not sure what you prefer, look to see which practice areas are in high demand and pursue accordingly. If you want to preserve the in-house option, I recommend pursuing a transactions practice. And try to stay in these positions as long as possible. Now is not the time to chase the money. With the right plan and execution, that will come. You've got to think medium to long term here.