Leaving the Law

Taking a New Path: Leaving the Law

Do you really enjoy your work? If you don’t, you’re not alone. The number of lawyers who find their work unfulfilling is staggering. Perhaps this is because for many of us law school just seemed to be a good idea at the time. We had no clear idea of what lawyers really did or what we would end up doing after graduation. For others the reality of practicing law is at odds with the vision we had in mind. For still others the glamour just wears off or we are ready to try something new, have a different experience in lif

Is Law the Real Problem?

If you are considering leaving the law, the first thing to become clear about is whether the practice of law is the problem or if the real problem is in your law practice: your area of concentration, your job, the firm you are with, the case load, financial pressures, a lack of balance between professional and personal life, etc. Many clients, upon reflection, realize that the law is not the problem at all and, with effort directed toward the particular problem areas they have, they are able to continue their legal career.

If it becomes clear that a career change is what you need, you are in good company. Here are a few lawyers who decided to take other career paths:

Franz Kafka, Francis Scott Key, Rene Descartes, John Grisham, Scott Turow, Geraldo Rivera, Mahatma Gandhi, Erle Stanley Gardner, Charlie Rose, Bing Crosby, Howard Cosell, Fidel Castro, Ralph Nader, Studs Terkel, Rossano Brazzi, Otto Preminger, Hoagy Carmichae, lArchibald MacLeish

Steps to Take: If you decide to leave the law, understand that this it takes plenty of thought, planning and work.

1. Get to Know Yourself. Become clear on your values, talents, skills, especially transferable skills, and interests. I help my clients create a career criteria filter which clarifies wants and needs.

2. Research. Learn more about areas that seem to be a good fit and what the market is like.

3. Consider your Options. Bear in mind your values and life plan in evaluating your choices.

4. Make the Decision. You will reap the rewards of your hard work in the joy and satisfaction of a career that suits you.

How I Can Help:

The Lawyer’s Life assessment test I developed may provide some clarity as to your current situation and stimulate thinking about what you want in your career. I have coached attorneys through job changes and career changes since 1997. I can help you structure your career search, organize the research, plan step by step the actions you need to take and provide you with the necessary focus and accountability to ensure that you stay on track until you complete your career transition. If coaching isn’t for you, that’s fine. Contact me and I will give you some tips on how to proceed by yourself.