Careers Outside of the Law
Many of the skills that you have developed throughout your legal practice and education are relevant for non-legal positions as well. Consider which of your skills are most relevant for your targeted audience. Also, consider what skills you may need to acquire to increase your marketability for a non-legal position.
If you are considering leaving the practice of law, you should conduct market research on your target position(s). Market research will allow you to:
Assess whether a particular option is a good fit, and one you wish to pursue
Develop a job search strategy or career plan
Prepare a resume or other application that fits the skills and substantive experience needed for a specific position or career
Generate answers to possible interview questions, as well as develop relevant questions you will want to ask employers
Your research should be done both the traditional way (websites and printed materials) and via informational interviewing, which has been discussed at length earlier in this section.
EXPLORING NON-LEGAL JOBS
Opportunities in Public Affairs (fee-based job board focused on Capitol Hill, legislative, public affairs and PR jobs in the Washington, DC area and nationwide)
Further reading:
Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type
By Paul D. Tieger
Do What You Are -- the time-honored classic that has already helped more than a million people find truly satisfying work.
Life After Law: Finding Work You Love with the J.D. You Have
By Liz Brown
Written by Harvard-trained ex-law firm partner Liz Brown, Life After Law: Finding Work You Love with the J.D. You Have provides specific, realistic, and honest advice on alternative careers for lawyers.
How to Pull Off a Career Pivot
By Nancy Carver
Have you ever been told, “You can do anything with a law degree”? Did you believe it? When lawyers ask me if they can change careers, I respond with a qualified yes. For those with determination, moving beyond conventional legal roles is certainly possible. I share an eight-step process to get you started and ready for a focused job search.