Ten More Non-Traditional Ways to Use a Law Degree
Having a law degree doesn’t always mean practicing law in a law firm. I wrote an earlier list of 10 non-traditional ways to use a law degree. Here are 10 more.
Non-profit administration
Non-traditional job within a law firm such as recruiter, marketer, business developer
Consulting companies that serve law firms such as legal recruiting, marketing, public relations
Contract writing for legal newspapers and publications or writing legal stories for non-legal publications
Political – political advocacy group, think tank or research center, legislature, lobbyist for a law firm, lobbying firm or government agency
Health care – hospital, insurance company, new industries arising out of health care reform
Alternative Dispute Resolution – arbitrator, mediator, hearing officer, ombudsman, dispute resolution professional
Court administration – deputy clerk, clerk, pre-trial services officer, registrar, probation / parole
Environmental – environmental advocate, policy analyst, trade association, resource manager
International Trade – export administrator, export control specialist, import compliance, economic development
Make sure you talk to everyone as you consider your options after law school including your law school career services office, law school alums, undergrad university career services office and alums, mentors, career coach, and recruiting firms.
Here are some websites that may serve as references:
http://www.utoledo.edu/law/career-services/nontraditional.html
www.law2.byu.edu/page/catagories/csopublications/prodevhandbook/2012
www.moritzlaw.osu.edu/careerservices/careers
Here are some books that may serve as references:
Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams by Kimm Alayne Walton
America’s Greatest Places to Work with a Law Degree by Kimm Alayne Walton
What Can You Do With a Law Degree by Deborah L Arron
Job Quest for Lawyers: The Essential Guide to Finding and Landing the Job You Want by Sheila Nielsen
Breaking Traditions: Work Alternatives for Lawyers by Alan T. Ackerman
Many graduates fear their first job determines their entire legal career. You will have many jobs ahead of you and perhaps several careers. Considering a non-traditional approach may be the new normal.
Camille Stell is the Vice President of Client Services for Lawyers Mutual. With over 20 years of experience in the legal field, Camille has advised hundreds of paralegals, law students and lawyers on career development. Contact Camille at 800.662.8843 or Camille@lawyersmutualnc.com.
