| The author Lawrence Sanders created a fictional | | | | life truly involves a lot of writing, so why not think about |
| character whose stint at Yale law school ended | | | | writing your own books instead. If you think you are |
| somewhat prematurely. Not surprising given his | | | | not the creative type remember they say that truth is |
| streaking prank, but luckily his daddy had a law firm | | | | stranger than fiction so write about something you |
| and appointed him a kind of private eye. This got me | | | | know, like Martha Kimes did in her Ivy Briefs. If you do |
| thinking about the possible paths that failed law | | | | believe that there is a writer inside of you, you have |
| students, law students like Mike, disgruntled lawyers or | | | | lots of success stories of lawyers turned writers like |
| lawyers who migrate might consider in their search for | | | | Scott Turow, John Grisham and Neeraja Viswanathan |
| an alternative. | | | | so don't dismiss it. If you aren't into fiction think about |
| * Politician | | | | writing fact based articles as a journalist or legal writer. |
| Many of our Politicians are lawyers. In fact 25 US | | | | You could end up as a blogger on a blawg (law blog) |
| presidents have been trained lawyers. Some consider | | | | even, who knows? |
| the training and talents of those who choose law are a | | | | * Editor |
| natural match for the world of politics so we will let | | | | If you really aren't convinced that writing is your thing |
| that be the first option. Some of you may wonder | | | | but you enjoy the world of books and law, then |
| how you can enter this field. It means as a start getting | | | | maybe you should contemplate entering the field of |
| involved in your communities, networking with | | | | legal editing. I have heard of law firms hiring full time |
| established politicians, joining the youth wing of political | | | | legal editors to edit law firm articles, briefs, motions and |
| organizations, joining ongoing political campaigns, letting | | | | so on. Legal editors are also required to interpret, |
| your voices be heard through the press about | | | | analyze, organize legal information for the purpose of |
| problems in your community and putting forward your | | | | case law publication. Sometimes they are hired by |
| recommendations for solutions. | | | | quasi legal magazines or journals to research, edit and |
| * Trust Officer | | | | analyze articles or even to contribute towards columns |
| This position could be perfect for the lawyer who | | | | involving legal issues. |
| craves a less aggressive and competitive atmosphere | | | | * Business |
| than the typical law firm. If you work in estates or | | | | So many of you corporate law practitioners enjoy the |
| trusts but are seeking to leave the bar, this could be | | | | thrill of the deal coming to fruition; but the drudgery it |
| ideal for you. Trust officers typically manage assets | | | | entails such ad the dotting of the I's and the crossing of |
| which are held in banks or act as executors in the | | | | the T's and the need to anticipate every eventuality in |
| estates of deceased persons. If you are one of those | | | | the contracts just contribute to your boredom and |
| lawyers who have a knack for detail but find the life | | | | general dissatisfaction with your job. So use the talents |
| inside the firm too demanding then you could think | | | | developed in your area of specialization and either |
| about this. | | | | start your own business, buy into an existing business |
| * Actor | | | | or seek work in a business environment like |
| My friend who blogs under the name Law Student Hot | | | | investment banking. |
| Mama gave me this idea. She reminded me that like | | | | When considering a change of career you may or |
| lawyers actors supposedly have high levels of | | | | may not have to retool or go back to school. |
| testosterone. So how about it you lawyers battling | | | | Remember that many lawyers especially those |
| over in the real life courtroom? Why not show those | | | | qualified in the States acquired a degree prior to law |
| guys over at Law and Order how it's really done. Can | | | | school so you have skills and knowledge of areas |
| you imagine even making more money and getting | | | | outside the law. In any event try to think of the skills |
| better perks without the real life hassle of brown | | | | that you already possess and where you can apply |
| nosing with clients you really despise. | | | | them in a way that gives you more satisfaction than in |
| * Writer | | | | your current job and you will agree that you do indeed |
| You write enough on a daily basis, whether it's briefs, | | | | have the power to leave the bar. |
| contracts, wills, trust deeds or legal opinions a lawyer's | | | | |