The Limitless Lawyer

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.

Cool Job for lawyers who still have love for it.

Every once in a while, I run across a legal job that excites me - not usually because it is a law job but it is working at a cool company.

"The ideal candidate has top flight credentials, loves the law (ouch!), and is dedicated to the cause."

If this describes you, read on.

Corporate Counsel - YELP

Lawyers and the search for meaning

comic by Todd Zapoli

Non-lawyers - yes this is how lawyers sometimes come to view the world - us (lawyers) and them (humans non-lawyers) have a difficult time understanding why we spend so much time talking about transitioning from or leaving the practice of law. They wonder, on the offshoot that we cross their minds at all, why this subject consumes us, fueling a growing industry of legal career counselors and meetups throughout the country?

To a certain extent, lawyers are self-involved. But with good reason.... Just hear me out.

In most professions from architecture to medicine, there is a sense that all one needs to do is pay her dues and then the big payoff will burst forth into existence. The legal field, however, appears to lean more toward an indentured servitude where just when you think you have paid enough, BAM!, new dues appear. Some see this as proof that lawyers have an enormous sense of entitlement and should be happy no matter what happens. I don't see it that way.

The big payoff for many lawyers isn't so much about the money as it is about the meaning (or lack thereof). Imagine choosing medicine as a career and never having direct contact with a patient throughout four years of residency. Or imagine studying to become a landscape architect but never being allowed to view the landscape you have helped to research and design. This is certainly the life many attorneys in law firms live, which compels them to initially seek out smaller firms or solo practices. Often that is just the beginning of the search for meaning because what these lawyers discover is that even in smaller firms or solo practices, the legal system itself creates barriers that oftentimes prevent us from serving our clients in a way that is meaningful. Lawsuits do not necessarily equal justice served.

Lawyers who leave the law are not so much running from the law as they are running toward something that provides them a sense of meaning. Recently Matthew B. Crawford, a Ph.D. turned motorcycle mechanic, released his first book, Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work where he imbues the reader with a sense of awe for craftsmanship that instills within the craftsman the satisfaction that comes from seeing a task from start to finish. This, he claims, is what is missing from the cubicle nation in which we live.

The further you are removed from seeing how your work impacts the lives of people, the less likely you are to find meaning and fulfillment in that work. Lawyers who leave the profession know this on some level. They whine and complain and host meetings to vent their frustrations about their profession because ultimately they want more from life but don't yet know how to go about getting it. So I'm just asking for a little understanding for all of us. I'm not excusing the behavior - no one likes a whiner. But I do think that there is more to it than narcissism and entitlement.

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! (2nd Year Law Student)

Photo by Sporadicity

I recently received a survey from a 2L that made me remember why I started this blog in the first place. Whenever I begin to think that this is too much work, I think about the prospective law students, the current law students, lawyers and lawyers in transition who are struggling to find their passion or simply to find a way to use their legal skills in a non-traditional career. So I'm posting this survey with the hope that it will encourage other lawyers in transition to take the survey and share your insights!

Many of us have been in the position where we knew that being a lawyer in the traditional sense was NOT what we wanted to do. But quickly realized that the harder part was figuring out what, in fact, we did want to do. That sounds exactly like where our 2L friend finds herself.

Alysha Hall (2L)

1. Why did you go to law school?

I cannot remember. I know that I want to help people, but I am not sure why I went to law school. It just sort of happened.

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

Probably the beginning of my second year I noticed that I was unhappy and not sure if law school or practicing law was where I wanted to be.

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

Since I am still in law school, I will comment on what made me go to law school. I think it was the track that I was programmed to take being a political science major. Also, because my aunt is a lawyer, she would always tell me that it was a worthwhile education, and while I agree, I no longer think it is for me. Actually, I'm not sure that it was ever for me. However, I don't think I took enough time to really dig deep and figure out what it was that I wanted.

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

Well I have been trying to figure out what it is I really like and who I really want to be when I grow up. I am also looking for ways to incorporate my J.D. with my other loves.

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

I have been praying a lot and talking to my closest friends and family about mu dilemma.

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

I am still dealing with that fear and uncertainty. I am upset with myself for not thinking more seriously about the choice to go to law school. However, at this point I feel like I cannot quit and I have the looming fear of debt hanging over my head.

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

I anticipate that the public speaking skills that I have learned, as well as the writing skills will prove the most useful. I also think that the ability to take in difficult and dense information, and break it down will also be a great skill in the career I choose.

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

N/A

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

I hope to live my passion one day. At this point, all I know is that law is probably not my passion.

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.