The Limitless Lawyer

GUEST POST: DISTANCE TEACHING FOR LAWYERS IN TRANSITION

Marie J. Smith, Esq. is an experienced Distance Learning Consultant. She has coached a number of attorneys (including me!) through the process of preparing a curriculum vitae and selecting viable online teaching opportunities. She has provided her guidance and online teaching expertise to me throughout my first years of teaching and is always happy to connect with others who may be interested. She can be reached at marie.smith1@yahoo.com.

THE CALL
In 2001, I left a litigation and management position at a non-profit organization where I had worked for three years to work at a mid-size law firm doing primarily transactional work.  As a result of my frustration and feeling of lack of fulfillment in the legal field, I started searching for other ways that I could use my legal education and experience to earn a living.  In 2004 I stumbled across the college level distance learning industry. The prior year a friend from law school told me about her part-time job teaching online so I decided to look into that.  That was in 1992 and at that time she had to actually go to the University to teach online courses. 

LIFESTYLE
As a mother, wife and law school student, the prospect of adding a commute to a university campus to teach courses was not attractive.  Ten years later, I took a fresh look at online teaching when I decided to change the direction of my career.  After months of research, I applied for an Adjunct Professor position at Strayer University and was accepted into their instructor training program. 

MONEY
Once I completed the training, I resigned my position at the firm.  The pay as an adjunct professor teaching only two courses per quarter certainly did not equal or surpass my salary as an attorney so I could not have made that transition without the benefit of the second income of my husband.

THE ANSWER
This is my fifth year teaching online and I still enjoy doing it.  I look forward to the interactions I share with students, fellow instructors and members of the administration.  I also enjoy the ongoing training opportunities that are available year round that allow me to update my distance learning knowledge base while learning online.  I now teach at more than one online institution and over the years I have had the pleasure of teaching at four institutions. 

SO WHAT IS ONLINE TEACHING ALL ABOUT?
Colleges and universities that provide online education use either synchronous or asynchronous platforms for student and instructors to communicate.  There are many course management systems available to colleges and universities but most of them are very user-friendly and intuitive.  Online learning is provided by both for-profit and non-profit institutions with programs for traditional students and adult learners.  Convenience is the main purpose of online learning programs as opposed to traditional on-location classrooms since they eliminate travel time and work can be done from home, work or anywhere that the learner/student chooses. Whether it’s in their own living room, at a local Starbucks or on vacation, students can complete coursework at whatever location is most convenient for them.  Even in the online environment, there are opportunities for live interaction with instructors and classmates through discussion areas and synchronous seminars that can be held within the virtual classroom. 

Course materials are usually in the form of traditional bound textbooks but some institutions provide students and instructors with electronic textbooks, which can reduce the cost of materials for students.  Other materials like video, presentations and audio are also used in online courses. 

HOW MUCH OF A TIME COMMITMENT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
Most online education programs offer part-time adjunct instructor positions.  Therefore many instructors work full-time in their professional field and teach online part-time.  If you have a full-time job, your time commitment  there is a partial determinant of how much time you can commit to online teaching.  Of course, the ability to effectively handle multiple work commitments varies from one person to another.  The time commitment for teaching online varies based on several factors: number of students; subject matter; synchronous teaching time required; student learning readiness; and one-on-one student communication time.  While the type of work that is assigned differs between institutions, on average, a part-time online teaching position requires a weekly commitment of 3 to 7 hours per week per course. 

IS ONLINE TEACHING FOR ME?
Teaching online is a great opportunity to work from home using the skills and experience that you bring from the legal field.  If you are thinking about transitioning to online teaching you first have to know whether it is an appropriate fit for you.  Ask yourself a few questions:

1. Do you enjoy teaching students?
2. Are you a good motivator?
3. Do you appreciate a flexible work schedule?
4. Are you open to internet technology?
5. Do you have time (varies from two weeks to several weeks based on the institution) for training?
6. Do you have time for teaching?
7. Are you willing to commit?
8. Do you have the required degree(s)?

Over the years I have observed that some online learners are intimidated by the asynchronous platform and the distance learning in general.  Often, the most fearful will include their concerns in their introduction in the early days of a class.  Those concerns include fear that they cannot adapt to the online learning environment, concern that their limited computer experience will have a negative impact on their performance and whether there will be easy and convenient access to the instruction.  All of these fears can be overcome with the assistance of a knowledgeable and caring instructor.  If you can provide students with the support and patience that they require to be successful and you are comfortable with the online learning environment and requirements, you are probably a good fit for online teaching.

WHAT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED FOR ONLINE TEACHING?
While my experience teaching online is limited to post-secondary institutions, there are also primary and secondary education institutions as well as certificate programs, tutoring services and professional continuing education programs that provide online teaching opportunities.  

For college level teaching, most institutions require a master’s degree or a terminal degree in the area of study that you will be teaching.  Experience in that field is sometimes required but if not, it is preferred.  In practice, experience in the area of study that you are teaching is very helpful to keep your classes interesting and make the teaching process easier.

HOW IS COMPENSATION DETERMINED?
Compensation for online teaching varies depending on the institution, the length of the course, the number of credits, number of students in the course and the instructor’s credentials.  College course lengths can vary from four weeks to nine weeks.  College level courses can be taught by master’s degree holders and terminal degree holders. 

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES?
Online teaching jobs are listed on the regular job posting websites such as newspaper help wanted ads, Monster and Yahoo Hot Jobs.  There are also sites that focus solely on jobs in higher education including Higher Ed Jobs and Education Jobs.  One of the best resources for finding online teaching positions is by going to an institution’s website.

I was first exposed to online teaching through a friend who was one of my references when I applied for my first online teaching job.  Since then, I have provided references for four colleagues who have become online instructors.  Word of mouth, references and persistent application for open positions are each good ways of seeking online teaching opportunities.

There are some challenges with obtaining an online teaching position.  References through a direct employer/applicant connection are rarely an option.  The time between application for a position and contact from the university can range from weeks to months.  

Despite the challenges, online teaching is an excellent way for an experienced attorney to use his or her knowledge and skills to transition into another career while educating learners in the legal field.

 

Intersections: Half Lawyer - Half Amazing

photo by brookenovak

A couple of years ago Marci Alboher began talking about slashes - people who pursue multiple careers or vocations simultaneously.

In an 2007 interview in BusinessWeek following the release of her book, One Person/Multiple Careers, where she spoke with hundreds of people maintaining dual careers, she outlined four essential reasons for this emerging trend:

• Flexibility & Portability - tools allow us to work anytime and anywhere
• Economic security - multiple streams of income can offer more stability
• No retirement - people are living and working longer, allowing for duality
• Search for Meaning - people want both meaning and livelihood, which dual careers can fulfill

Suffice it to say, the new global economy is less about retiring from a big corporation after 30 or 40 years of service than juggling multiple careers that hopefully fuel the success of one another. Some career counselors are calling this trend "Giganomics" - piecing together two, three or even four gigs to make up a career.

While this trend has always existed among artists, musicians and other creative types, increasingly lawyers and other professionals are entertaining this concept either by choice or by force.

Currently, I work with an educational consulting company and teach legal studies online. And while it is, at times, daunting to wear multiple hats, I can honestly say that the prospect of having one job (one stream of income) or career is far more frightening to me. I have many laid-off attorney friends who are just now beginning to think about alternatives to the traditional practice of law. The economy, in many respects, is forcing us to grow in the direction of our dreams.

There are a number of intersections in our lives and careers that, if we pay attention, can blossom into opportunities that provide us with the fulfillment we crave. So even if you are desperately seeking to shed the lawyer moniker, I urge you to begin by supplementing your livelihood with something you find amazing. You may find that to be just the balance you need.

From Lawyer to Matchmaker

Jasbina Ahluwalia, founder of Intersections Matchmaking, shares her story here.

New Lawyer Survey Results - Just In! (Anonymous JD)

Anonymous JD

1. Why did you go to law school?

Wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my career after college, didn't feel ready to go into the "real world", thought I was interested in a legal career after taking a law survey class, thought I'd like law school because I liked reading and writing and my undergrad degree was in a technical field so I was looking for a change.

2. When did you first think about leaving the practice of law or decide to quit law school?

About halfway through my first year of law school was the first time. Decided I had too many loans to quit and needed to see it through. Have been thinking about leaving the profession ever since. Have now been practicing 8.5 years and finally making solid plans to exit.

3. What thought, experience or event first inspired your current career choice?

I am planning to exit to pursue a culinary career. I grew up cooking and baking with my mom, then did a lot of cooking/baking/bartending/entertaining in college and really enjoyed it. I first thought about going to culinary school when I was a few months into my first lawyering job, but the timing wasn't right. During my 6th year of practice, after I switched to a different law job, I finally did go to culinary school, at night while working full-time during the day. I loved being in the kitchen. I feel like my passion for it keeps growing.

4. What was the very first action you took when you decided to switch careers?

Went to culinary school. Then paid off my undergrad/law school/culinary school loans and started saving money while I fleshed out business ideas.

5. What resources (people, books, money) assisted you most during your transition?

People: My husband who is very supportive of my finding and cultivating my passion in life;, certain members of my family who know I'm unhappy being a lawyer and know I have other talents; my cooking and nutrition professors in culinary school; my law school friends and best girlfriends who appreciate my passion for food and being a whole person; and my career coach. Books: Escape from Corporate America by Pamela Skillings, One Person/Multiple Careers by Marci Alboher, The Alchemist. Money: Used the money from my law firm job to pay off my school loans and to build up a "support" fund.

6. How did you handle fear and/or uncertainty during your transition?

Talked to supportive family and friends; talked with a career counselor; read books that triggered reminders of why I want to do this.

7. What skills from law school or your legal career have proven most useful in your new career?

Client relations; analytical writing and precise document formatting; socializing in law school; travel during legal career.

8. What advice would you give to someone trying to make the leap from law into your field?

Get some training; talk to people who do what you do; explore your passions and ask yourself whether you like something enough to think about it a lot and work really hard at it. Don't be afraid to try - you can always go back to the law if you miss it or if you want the paycheck back.

9. Any final words of wisdom? How has living your passion impacted your life?

Thinking about making the switch and doing the work to put the process in motion has been really thrilling and I am very excited to make the break and do something that I feel like I am meant to do.

New Lawyer Survey Results - Just In! (Ann Ritter)

Ann Ritter, Director of Health Center Development & Policy for a non-profit organization

1. Why did you go to law school?

I took two years off between college and law school to work. During that time, I worked as a legal assistant at two non-profit law offices. After that, I knew that I loved working in the non-profit sector. I wasn't as certain that I loved the law or the day-to-day routine of being a lawyer, but I respected the lawyers in those offices, and I recognized the power that non-profit lawyers have to improve people's lives. I went to law school to gain that power. ... Also, I'm not very good at math, and I was too lazy to re-learn middle school math for the GRE, so I took the LSAT instead because it was the path of least resistance. I know that many of my law school classmates felt the same way. This is a very stupid reason to decide to go to law school.

2. When did you first think about leaving the practice of law or decide to quit law school?

The first year of law school was hard for me. I struggled with the workload like everybody else, but I also struggled with this nagging feeling that I had made a mistake and I wasn't in the right profession. I saw classmates who were truly inspired, excited, and passionate about the practice of law, and their enthusiasm made me realize that it wasn't just the workload that was getting me down -- I was actually much less interested in becoming a practicing attorney than my classmates.

3. What thought, experience or event first inspired your current career choice?

Before I ever thought of being a lawyer, I planned to be a journalist. The work I do now allows me to write and communicate ideas to others while also using the legal research skills I learned in law school.

4. What was the very first action you took when you decided to switch careers?

I threw out the write-on packet for law review. This was after I ordered and paid for it, picked it up, and worked on it for 5 hours. I had a revelation when I realized I was applying for the journals for literally no other reason except that smart people in law school are “supposed” to be on a journal. I reflected for another day or two, and as soon as I was certain that I had no interest in law review – personally, professionally, or intellectually - I knew that I was off the normal lawyer track and that I had to start making my own career path.

5. What resources (people, books, money) assisted you most during your transition?

I was very lucky to have a generous scholarship for public interest students when I was in law school. It made it easy for me to be able to stay in law school and finish my degree while I was still trying to figure things out. Aside from that, I think it was crucial to network and volunteer with non-lawyer professionals. The legal education process has some very rigid norms that can place a lot of pressure on a non-traditional student, and it’s important to maintain your perspective. For example, between public interest legal fellowships, clerkships, and associate classes, it’s very easy to get swept up in the belief that all ambitious law students should have a full-time job lined up a year before their start date. I had to remind myself repeatedly during my 2L and 3L years that the hiring system for new JDs is really unusual compared to other professions –- and I was able to do that because I was around non-lawyers so often.

6. How did you handle fear and/or uncertainty during your transition?

See above. I’m still sort of fascinated by some of the legal profession’s norms. The blueprint for success as a lawyer is spelled out very clearly throughout the legal education process (it begins with going to the highest ranked school you can get into, and ends with you clerking for an appellate judge before taking a full-time job as a law firm associate). It places a lot of pressure on people to conform. In other professions, people come to their jobs and find their careers in a much less predictable way. Being around non-lawyers showed me that there’s always more than one way to get where you’re going if you’re resourceful, hard-working and curious. I reminded myself of this repeatedly in law school, when I was feeling anxious about doing different things than my peers.

7. What skills from law school or your legal career have proven most useful in your new career?

My current job is a mix of policy research, advocacy, grant-writing, and program management. Analytical thinking and persuasive writing help me in all of those areas, as does an understanding of how laws and regulations are created.

8. What advice would you give to someone trying to make the leap from law into your field?

If you’re still in law school when you decide to change professions, volunteer and intern with non-legal employers while you’re still in school. In Pennsylvania, the state makes it relatively easy for non-profit organizations to hire work-study graduate students for free (the students don’t get paid much, of course, but at least it’s something). Coming to a non-profit organization with your own funding already lined up allows you to get your foot in the door almost anywhere. In turn, this gives you many opportunities to begin to learn how to use your legal skills in a new field.

9. Any final words of wisdom? How has living your passion impacted your life?

I’ve never regretted my decision, not even for one second.

New Lawyer Survey Results - Just In! (Anonymous MD)

Anonymous MD

1. Why did you go to law school?

To ensure I would have a lucrative career (versus a dead end job out of college)

2. When did you first think about leaving the practice of law or decide to quit law school?

The first year of law school

3. What thought, experience or event first inspired your current career choice?

Caring for a sick friend; seeing other friends make the jump taught me it was possible.

4. What was the very first action you took when you decided to switch careers?

Took prerequisite courses after work hours.

5. What resources (people, books, money) assisted you most during your transition?

Friends to help me in class while I worked crazy hours at my firm. A great mentor who allowed me to work from home to juggle everything.

6. How did you handle fear and/or uncertainty during your transition?

Day at a time. You are always afraid, but you just take it in stride.

7. What skills from law school or your legal career have proven most useful in your new career?

Confidence in public speaking, writing and social systems in general.

8. What advice would you give to someone trying to make the leap from law into your field?

Be prepared to work longer hours and make less money while you have the adventure of a lifetime...

9. Any final words of wisdom? How has living your passion impacted your life?

I feel I am living a full life and not limiting myself based on fears. I will never "make up" the opportunity costs of my switch, but I will also not regret it.

New Lawyer Survey Results - Just In! (Margie Boone)

Margie Boone Career Guidance Manager (Formerly Career Services Ass't Director for Top 10 law school.)

1. Why did you go to law school? Nothing else to do 2. Boyfriend at time took the LSATs and it seemed like a good idea 3. Took the LSATs and then thought "why not apply?" 4. Applied and got in. 5. How can you say no?

2. When did you first think about leaving the practice of law or decide to quit law school?

Before I ever went to law school I was looking for a way out of law. Nevertheless, I was a successful lawyer (and found it quite satisfying) for 8 years.

3. What thought, experience or event first inspired your current career choice?

The fact that I didn't know what I wanted to do with my law degree.

4. What was the very first action you took when you decided to switch careers?

Informational interviews

5. What resources (people, books, money) assisted you most during your transition?

Having a husband who worked at a large firm and could support my transition from practice to working at a law school which cut my salary by more than 1/2. He basically subsidized my training.

6. How did you handle fear and/or uncertainty during your transition?

Knowing that I could always go back to practicing law.

7. What skills from law school or your legal career have proven most useful in your new career?

Knowing how a private practice law firm operates. Being familiar with the language of law. Understanding the complexities of making career decisions.

8. What advice would you give to someone trying to make the leap from law into your field?

Work in a career services office at a law school. If you cannot do that, get involved in recruiting at your law firm.

9. Any final words of wisdom? How has living your passion impacted your life?
I love my job and feel very very lucky to have found something that I enjoy and that keeps me connnected with the legal world and that (currently) pays me well.

New Lawyer Survey Results - Just In! (DannyT)

"DannyT" Senior Consultant - Technology @ FTI Consulting

1. Why did you go to law school?

I was running my own IT business at the time and wanted to take the business to a new level. I had a choice between and MBA and a Law degree. I realized I could learn everything that an MBA could teach me on my own, but it was clear that a JD really changes the way you think. However, in hindsight it is clear I had no idea what I was getting myself in to.

2. When did you first think about leaving the practice of law or decide to quit law school?

In my final year I spent 5 months on an externship writing appellate briefs. I was miserable. I hated the drafting, edit, review, rewrite process. Up to that point I had found law school intellectually challenging and a pleasure, but when I realized I could look forward to years of this type of writing, or even worse doc reviews, I realized I wanted something different.

3. What thought, experience or event first inspired your current career choice?

I realized that there must be an industry at the nexus of law and technology, so I took a weekend gig working as a sales person for a small tech company that needed a person to work at their sales booth during Legal Tech in Feb 2007. When I got there I discovered the multi-billion dollar industry that is in legal technology. I realized that with a law degree and a solid technical background I would have some interesting opportunities in this field. I always loved tech, anyway.

4. What was the very first action you took when you decided to switch careers?

I sent out resumes, reviewed product/service literature, and developed a initial understanding of the industry.

5. What resources (people, books, money) assisted you most during your transition?

Hmmm, just my own desire to get out and talk to people about the industry.

6. How did you handle fear and/or uncertainty during your transition?

Heh...still being handled. I often wonder if I am in the right career, I second guess my choices all the time. However, I am making more than I would at a small/mid-size firm (I was only in the middle of my grad class), and i definitely enjoy all my exposure to technology.

7. What skills from law school or your legal career have proven most useful in your new career?

A thorough understanding of the litigation life cycle and civil procedure.

8. What advice would you give to someone trying to make the leap from law into your field?

Meet people. If you have years of experience in litigation you have a big advantage in the e-discovery industry.

9. Any final words of wisdom? How has living your passion impacted your life?
I still have doubts at times about my career choice, however, I make more money than many of my classmates, far less than a few of them. I immensely regret the amount of debt that I am buried in, but i am slowly digging out. HOWEVER, knowing how miserable I would have been at a law firm drafting all day, I am very glad I got out. Oh, did I mention that I usually don't work on weekends? In the long run, I will go back to starting my and running my own enterprise, and I don't regret for a moment the education I got, because it will be immensely helpful in any career I pursue for the rest of my life.

The Nonprofit Surge

Follow-up on yesterday's article about transitioning into a nonprofit career.

Charities tap skills of jobless professionals
One woman featured was laid off and began volunteering at a local charity, which provided her the opportunity to network her way to an interview. And guess who is behind all this? Taproot Foundation

Excerpt:

Taproot saw a 171 percent increase in volunteer interest in January over the previous year, largely driven by the economy.

Three-fourths of those wanting Taproot volunteer positions are people who lost their jobs, said Taproot founder Aaron Hurst.

...

Collins, who also found her volunteer job through Taproot, is thankful to have a routine to keep her from the depression spiral. She's spent a lot of time thinking about aligning her passion and her work and has decided she's a better fit in the nonprofit world.

Many of the matching organizations have experienced such an overwhelming response that they no longer are equipped to handle all the professionals who want to be matched, but don't let that stop you. You can certainly directly contact organizations on your own.

Transitioning to a Non-Profit Job

I stumbled across a great resource on the Taproot Foundation's website. I have always admired this organization whose focus is on providing service-related skills to non-profit organizations to position them competitively in the marketplace. Oftentimes, these organizations receive money, but lack the necessary skills to complete the vision.

In recent months, many of my lawyer friends have spoken to me about wanting to transition into the non-profit sector. Of course, due to the drastic downsizing taking place in the legal sector, it is no surprise. However, many of us with enormous outstanding debt from law school have always wanted to be of service but were unable to do so, until now. One of the benefits I see stemming from this economic downturn is in our desire to find work that is fulfilling. When you get fired or "laid off" from a job you didn't really like in the first place and nothing comparable is readily available, your dreams and desires are forced to the surface. So now just may be the time to get moving!

Here is the article: Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector

Here is an excerpt, but I highly recommend reading the entire article.

Identifying Opportunities

Nonprofits post jobs on all the standard job boards plus a couple of sites dedicated to the nonprofit sector including idealist.org and Opportunity Knocks. These are good places to do passive searching and to get a feel for positions in the market.

For a more proactive search, we suggest that you explore the job openings at nonprofits that have the track record of hiring business professionals, are growing quickly and have cultures that will be most aligned with your expectations.

You can find lists of these organizations on a few websites including Fast Company, Draper Richards Foundation, Ashoka, Blue Ridge Foundation, New Profit and Social Enterprise Alliance.

You can also look for organizations that have shown an interest in working with business professionals by exploring our grantee list.

There are a number of nonprofit executive search firms that specialize in placing business professionals in nonprofit organizations including: Bridgestar, CommonGood Careers, 360 Group.