Alternative Careers for Lawyers: The Ultimate Guide

Career transition and how to begin an alternative law career

Updated 10/6/2024

Are you an unhappy attorney struggling to live the life you truly want?

Do you feel like you're hopelessly trapped in the practice of law?

Are you not clear on the next steps you can take to leave the law and find an alternative career that you like (or even love)?

Rest assured, you're not alone

Like many lawyers, you've likely found yourself searching for terms like 'alternative careers for lawyers,' ' nonlegal jobs for lawyers,' 'second careers for lawyers,' or 'jobs for lawyers who don't want to be lawyers'. You've landed in the right place, no matter what you searched for! We understand the challenges you're facing and are here to provide the guidance, support, and clarity you're seeking.

That's what we do here at Leave Law Behind – we help lawyers who are unhappy with the practice of law explore a different, "non-law" and "alternative" career path. We help lawyers seeking a career they love and look forward to every day to find that non-law job they wanted before they decided to attend law school.

Career alternatives inside

In this article, we will (1) explain how you can take your first steps out of the law to become a "former lawyer," (2) highlight and prepare you for some of the challenges you will encounter as you begin this process and (3) share with you some real-life stories and examples of Leave Law Behind graduates who have moved into non-law careers they love, are good at and that pay them well.

Let's be clear, we're not asking you to make a drastic change right now. We're not asking you to leave the law tomorrow. We're encouraging you to take one small step toward understanding how to land an alternative, "non-law" career. One small step to explore what's possible for you. One small step to becoming the person you likely had in mind for yourself before you took the LSAT. This is a gradual process, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

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Are There Really Second Careers for Lawyers?

One question you may ask at this point is some variation of "Are there really, truly good alternative jobs for One question you may ask at this point is some variation of "Are there really, truly good alternative jobs for lawyers out there that might be the right fit for me?"

And the answer is absolutely! There are many promising career alternatives for lawyers out there for you, especially given the versatile skillset you've developed through your legal training. Whether you realize it or not, many law firms emphasize the professional development and importance of business skills, client relationships, and client development, which you've no doubt used as a lawyer and – here's the good news – are all transferable to various industries outside of the legal industry.

Furthermore, law degrees equip you with critical thinking, problem-solving, and negotiation skills that are in demand in new-to-you job sectors such as corporate management, consulting, operations, recruiting, sales, compliance, strategy and even entrepreneurship. By leveraging the expertise you've honed within your legal practice, you can transition into new roles that not only call for these skills and strengths but also align more with your personal, moral and professional aspirations.

And we want you to remember: The transition from a law firm to an alternative career doesn't mean starting from scratch; instead, it involves leveraging your law degree and the extensive array of skills and strengths that come with it.

How to Transition from Practicing Law to an Alternative Career

For lawyers who are not happy being an attorney and want to make a change in their lives, the idea of making a career shift might initially seem daunting. This is natural, and we often see this initial hesitation at Leave Law Behind. But the good news is leaving the law is actually a well-trodden road by many who have gone on to find fulfillment in alternative careers outside of the legal industry. Take, for instance, the South Florida lawyer who transitioned from her estate planning practice to an Account Management role with a legal tech company. Her story below is a testament to the possibilities that lie beyond the legal field.

What's exciting about this process is that exploring alternative careers for lawyers can be a liberating and enlightening journey, especially for those looking to break free from the law altogether. As we've mentioned earlier and will continue to reiterate, with the versatile skill set you've developed from your legal background, bolstered by years of rigorous training in law school, you are uniquely positioned to excel in various roles beyond the legal profession. Your legal skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong negotiation abilities, alongside your well-honed writing skills, are assets attractive to many employers in the business world and beyond. For instance, corporate management and innovation strategy consulting positions often value the structured thinking and analytical prowess that comes naturally to those with a legal background. Additionally, your experience crafting arguments and navigating complex legal frameworks can make you a standout candidate in fields such as compliance, human resources, and project management.

From miserable law practice to high-flying legal tech

The South Florida lawyer, who Leave Law Behind helped transition from her estate planning practice to an account management role with a LegalTech company, remarked on how her company looks to her as a natural leader . Not only does she excel at the responsibilities of her role – nurturing relationships with customers, actively listening to their pain points and aspirations, upselling products and services, negotiating statements of work, putting out fires, and managing teams – but she's also relied upon within the company to help define the organization's vision and purpose. Her critical thinking, IRAC skills, and ability to "keep the end in mind" are essential to helping the company stick to its strategic plan. She's been promoted and enjoyed salary increases!

Furthermore, the professional development aspects emphasized during your time at a law firm or private practice – such as client relationship management and strategic planning – directly apply to other non-traditional careers. As an example, Leave Law Behind has helped a number of these former lawyers to become business founders, using their legal knowledge to navigate the regulatory landscape of starting a business, or they have moved into the tech industry, applying their problem-solving skills to technology product management. Your expertise in contract analysis, risk assessment, and legal writing can also fit well in policy development, governmental affairs, or legislative consulting roles.

And if you're a law school student and a recent graduate with a law degree, you can also be encouraged by the diverse opportunities available outside traditional legal careers. By recognizing the broad applicability of your schooling, you can proactively seek non-legal positions that align with your passions and long-term goals. Whether it's transitioning into the world of academia, striving for a position in a think tank, or stepping into public relations, the path away from law altogether can lead to a fulfilling and prosperous career. It's important to note that this exploration doesn't happen overnight. Begin with small steps – research potential roles, network with professionals in fields of interest, and perhaps take on a side project, "side gig" or course that aligns with your new career goals. These small steps can lead to big changes in your career trajectory.

More prepared than he needed to be!

One Leave Law Behind member recently sat down over Zoom with someone he met over LinkedIn, who is a practitioner in the field he wants to pursue: Strategy Consulting. The Leave Law Behind member was nervous to meet with someone he did not know to discuss his career. Still, with our preparation, he had a great call: the Leave Law Behind member learned more details about the job role, gained confidence that he could do this role, and he hit it off with the practitioner he spoke with and now considers him part of his network. The practitioner will now help introduce the Leave Law Behind member to others to talk with and get more job opportunities. This is how true networking works: organic, authentic, and productive!

Lastly, entering an alternative career doesn't mean leaving behind the legal profession entirely; instead, it means redefining how you use your legal knowledge. The legal skills you've developed are invaluable and will continue to benefit you in any professional development setting. Your comprehension of legal concepts and ability to distill complex information can aid you in crafting policies, developing business strategies, or even in more creative pursuits like writing or media. Fostering a mindset that views this shift as an opportunity to grow and adapt will serve you well. Remember, the skills and discipline you have acquired through your practice are a solid foundation for building a successful and satisfying alternative career. We know this is true because that's been the case for both of us!

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But What If You're Skeptical if You Can Successfully Land an "Alternative Career"?

Or you may ask, "I'm just an attorney - how could I land any of the non-law jobs for lawyers?"

Skepticism is understandable, but we'd question its beneficialness

This doubt originates in belief systems you have bought into throughout your life. You accept belief systems as self-evident, but upon deeper review, they could be holding you back from your ideal life.

Debunking these non-beneficial belief systems and myths can set you free to pursue the career and life you wanted for yourself before you decided to become a lawyer. In short, you have options. There is hope. There is opportunity out there. For example, at Leave Law Behind, we have identified and curated over 300 "alternative" jobs that align with and call for your "lawyer" skills and strengths — over THREE HUNDRED "non-law" jobs for lawyers like you looking to leave the law.

You don't need another degree

Rest assured, these are not lofty, unattainable jobs that require you to go back to school for a new degree. These are real-world opportunities that we've identified, and you have the background and experience to apply for them right now. They are within your reach, and we're here to guide you on your journey.

Before we delve into how your 'lawyer' skills can be applied in these new careers, let's take a moment to understand the root cause of your dissatisfaction with practicing law. This self-reflection is crucial in guiding your career transition and ensuring that your next career choice is a fulfilling one.

The Usual Suspects

Have you ever loathed being an attorney so much that you said out loud or to yourself:

"My anxiety level is through the roof!"
or
"I am not cut out to practice law!"

We consistently hear comments like this from the 3,000+ members of the Leave Law Behind community – how either anxious, burnt out, or just flat out unhappy they are as an attorney.

One Leave Law Behind reader wrote to us recently that he was burnt out because of the "unpredictable hours" and that lawyers have the management skills of "toddlers."

You know that you're unhappy as an attorney. And there are several reasons you'll point to as the source of your unhappiness. Some of the obvious ones on the list are:

You don't like other attorneys
You don't like your clients much
Your lawyer work feels like it is non-stop 24/7
You don't have any free time
You have no quality time with family, spouse or your kids
You don't have the time to go to the gym, exercise, or take care of yourself
You feel that there is no creativity in the law
You hate the whole idea of billable hours
You hate that you're working more than 2,000 hours a year

At Leave Law Behind, we've identified these reasons as the "Usual Suspects." We understand that you're likely nodding your head in agreement as you read through this list. And we're certain that you could add more of these frustrating, happiness-sapping reasons that you encounter daily in your legal career.

These are all valid reasons to point to as the cause of your unhappiness as an attorney.

We'd also like to surface another, more fundamental reason why you don't like being an attorney.

You don't like the work

It took both of us many years to find out exactly why we didn't like being attorneys and to uncover the root cause of our unhappiness with the law.

The main fundamental reason you hate being an attorney is because you don't like the work you do all day. Full stop. Mic drop. That's it.

Once you've grasped this core reason, you can liberate yourself from the burden of your attorney job and explore a more rewarding and profitable alternative career for lawyers. Recognizing that it's the nature of the lawyer work you dislike can propel you towards a lawyer career change that's both engaging and financially rewarding. The possibilities are endless.

The Challenges of Changing Careers and Landing Non Legal Jobs for Lawyers

Leaving the law behind is easier than you may imagine. At Leave Law Behind, we have helped hundreds of attorneys make this positive transition in their lives and continue to do so today.

But we'd be remiss if we didn't reiterate that finding a non-law job for lawyers is not without its challenges to overcome. Uncertainty and the general unknown of it all can scare you off. Fear of failure, embarrassment, risk, and ridicule from your friends, family, and colleagues can stop you in your tracks unless you know what these challenges are and how to overcome them.

While the prospect of a career transition may seem overwhelming, it doesn't have to be. Over the past decade, we have established ourselves as the go-to career transition coaches for attorneys worldwide. We have the expertise and the tools to guide you through these challenges, and we've successfully helped thousands of attorneys like you to conquer their fears and move forward in their lives.

Shining a light on the challenges

This article details the top 3 challenges you're facing right now regarding this change and provides you with actionable steps to begin overcoming them.

Our insights are not just theoretical-they come from the extensive research and work we've invested in our Leave Law Behind online coaching course and monthly live trainings. We've identified over 25 of the most common obstacles attorneys face when transitioning out of the law. As you engage in the inner work to overcome these challenges, you'll discover that you have all the necessary tools to leave the law in a methodical and structured manner.

Now, let's dive into overcoming some of the challenges that are getting in your way!

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The Top Three Challenges You Face in Leaving the Law as an Unhappy Lawyer

Challenge #1: Overcoming the belief that you will make less money out of the law and will cap your lifetime earning potential

When it comes to money, you likely feel that if you were to leave the law for an "alternative" career, you would not make as much money as you do now as a lawyer. And so you worry and become anxious that you will not be able to pay your bills, handle your expenses, and cover your law school debt payments.

Ergo, you do not begin on your path out of the law that you desire. You let this perceived money challenge keep you stuck.

It's crucial to dispel the myth that leaving the law means sacrificing your income. This is a belief that many of our successful Leave Law Behind graduates have proven to be false time and time again. Their stories serve as a testament to the potential for financial success in alternative careers.

Understand this—we coach our members not to leave the law until they have a job offer that pays them what they need or want. As you fine-tune what we call your "transferable skills," get your "non-law" job resume in a good spot and learn more about the alternative jobs for lawyers that your skills are a fit for, you realize that there is so much opportunity out there for the strengths you possess.

Joining our Leave Law Behind coaching program will open your eyes to a world of possibilities. The sheer number of over 300 jobs we've cataloged in the course that align with your legal expertise is a testament to the abundance of opportunities waiting for you. This realization is not just a pleasant surprise, but a source of hope and excitement for your future career.

You may also fear that if you leave the law, there will be a ceiling on your lifetime earning potential. You probably can estimate what you will make over the next 20 to 30 years if you remain a lawyer. But you don't have the same income insight into alternative careers for lawyers. You might even think you will make less if you leave the law.

We understand that the thought of a potentially lower salary in a new career can be unsettling. It's natural to worry about maintaining your current lifestyle, meeting financial commitments, and planning for the future. That's the rabbit hole of financial fear you let yourself go down. This makes sense. Money is a very personal, worrisome, taboo topic for many. Below are some ways for you to overcome these money-related challenges and fears.

However, it's important to remember that many successful career transitions have been made, and with the right approach, you can too.

First, leaving the law does not involve putting you in financial jeopardy.

We encourage our Leave Law Behind course members to begin the leave the law process while they keep their current lawyer day job so they can continue paying their bills and enjoying their current lifestyle. We know you're busy at work, but when your desire to free yourself from the lawyer grind outweighs your excuse not to move forward, you then find time each week (we don't ask for much of your time do the Leave Law Behind process) to work on leaving the law, and within a few months, you'll have gained the momentum to create a new life for yourself out of the law. This happens time and time again with our Leave Law Behind course members.

Second, it bears repeating that there are so many other ways to make money in the world beyond the billable hour

You can derive an income from your initial salary, any bonuses you can earn, commissions, licensing, equity, profit sharing, passive income, joint ventures, and many more.

Third, lawyers don't actually make that much money

That may sound strange or different from what you've been taught to think. However, a 2014 NALP survey found that $62,000 is the annual salary for half of all US lawyers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calculates that the average salary for a lawyer is $144,230, and the median salary is $120,910. And BigLaw salaries overall aren't as high as they traditionally have been (see Biglaw Investor for a great analysis of lawyer salaries).

Once you do begin to leave the law and start to research alternative careers for lawyers in-depth, you'll find that many of these "non-law" jobs your skillset is a fit for all pay well into six figures—jobs like Account Management and Project Management and Business Development and VP Operations and Head of Logistics. Many Leave Law Behind course members gain a well-paid salary, bonuses, stock options, and many perks and benefits, and they often make more money than they did as attorneys. Leave Law Behind grad Mike Chestnut is now making more money in his non-law role than in his average years, and he's matched with his highest years' earnings as a lawyer!

A great, wealthy life is waiting for you once you commit to leaving the law. Don't let this idea that you cannot make money block your path to your ideal self. It is just a story you continue to tell yourself, and it turns out to be false! You only know if you start on your path out. When you join us in the Leave Law Behind coaching course, you will have access to hours of recorded exercises where we will teach you precisely how to have a different relationship with money. Go from lack consciousness to prosperity consciousness with the inner work we can help you with.

You have more control than you think

Remember, deciding to transition from your lawyer salary is entirely in your hands. You only move to an alternative non-lawyer career when it aligns with your values when you find the organization and job description appealing, and when it offers a competitive salary. This is about you taking control of your career and shaping your future.

Challenge #2: You think you need certainty and require the need to control everything in your life

Lawyers are over the top in trying to control our lives. You know this all too well. You fear what you are not able to control. You're afraid of what you don't know. You push away anything uncertain and avoid these things at all costs.

This belief system can spiral out like this:

"When I leave the law for a non-lawyer 'alternative career,' I fear that I won't be good at that job, and soon I'll get fired by this job, and I'll have burned all of my professional bridges, and I'll then be a source of social disapproval and mockery, and I'll lose all of my money and then my spouse will give up on me and will take the children, and my family life will fall apart and I'll suddenly then lose my home and I'll end up on the street and I'll die alone, cold, miserable and forgotten."

We have taken our clients through this same (somewhat exaggerated) hypothetical at our Leave Law Behind live events. Everyone, ourselves included, sheepishly nods to this: "You read my mind ... this is what I fear as the worst."

You can leave the law, so there is nothing to fear. You can let go of control. We have set up the Leave Law Behind course so there is tremendous certainty. We hold your hand (virtually) and walk you through how to do all of this step by step. We set it up so you can relax, do all the steps in each module, one by one, and possibly create a career you could enjoy (or even love!)

Challenge #3: The idea that if you leave the law, you'll disappoint all of your friends and family

This third challenge holds so many of us back and is loaded with so much emotion, family dynamics, guilt, and power struggles that it can often be extremely difficult to unwind.

Yet, this is just another myth! You think your family and friends will judge you harshly for leaving the law. You may think something like the following:

If I leave the law, I am afraid I won't please everyone in my life that I'm used to pleasing
If I consider alternative careers for lawyers, I'm afraid of disappointing my mom and dad
I'm afraid of my attorney friends mocking and abandoning me
I'm afraid of making people I care about mad
I am afraid that if I leave the law, I will disappoint those close to me and whom I care about
I'm afraid that if I stop being a lawyer, I will have wasted all of this work, time, money, and effort to be an attorney.

Even though you know your life is to be lived for yourself, you likely stay in the law for other people's reasons. Guess what? It is your life! In the Leave Law Behind course, we teach you how to succeed at these conversations with your loved ones. We make it easy and painless. We show you how to do this from the heart, not your ego mind.

Everyone to whom we teach this comes back to us and says they encountered little to no issues talking to their family and spouse when they used our heart-based techniques in the conversation. Honesty is the way to go here. Most, if not all, of your network, friends, and family will be completely accepting of your choice to leave the law since it is your right to be happy! And most, if not all, of your network, friends, and family already intuit how unhappy you are and want you to make a change 🙂

Leaving your law practice and changing careers is not that big of a deal! We all make things more complicated than they need to be. You can leave the law and be excited about your career.

Casey wrote an article as a contributing writer for Above the Law, the leading news website about law, law schools, the legal profession, and career change. Click here to download a pdf of this article, "The Three Main Fears That Keep You From Leaving The Practice Of Law."

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Exploring Alternative Careers: What Are Your Career Alternatives?

It turns out that most unhappy lawyers look at their situation as being wrong. The one barrier between you and your ideal alternative career path outside of the law is the doubt that you can overcome these challenges. These doubts are reasonable; if you don't have the solutions to these challenges, they will stop you cold. And the good news is that this is avoidable – we can help you let them go and overcome them ALL.

This can be a tricky proposition for anyone wanting to make a career change. But it doesn't need to be! You are not alone; we have done all the heavy lifting for you in the Leave Law Behind course. Our work is just for you, just for unhappy lawyers. Who would have thought an entire coaching course would be dedicated to unhappy attorneys? You are in the right place at the right time in your life. You don't need to make this difficult because we have made it easy for you.

Here are the two main reasons why a career change isn't as complicated as you think to find your "Second Career":

First off, as we've reiterated before, the experience and skills you bring from our profession are in huge demand in jobs out of the law.

Think about all that you regularly do in your role as an attorney:

You speak and communicate clearly
You listen well
You show empathy
You are the "adult-in-the-room"
You write persuasively
You have interpersonal skills
You "connect the dots" for people and clients to see a desired future state
You strategize
You manage large projects (and lots of them)
You meet deadlines
You meet budgets
You present to high-level stakeholders
You upsell clients
You manage client relationships
You mentor younger lawyers and liaise with the firm's human resources department
You put out fires
You are the psychologist for your clients
You drive new business

As well as many others not listed!

Casey has written how your "transferable skills" as an attorney can help in your new career in much more detail as a contributing writer for Above the Law, the leading news website about law, law schools, the legal profession, and career change. Click to read his article "Seven Skills Attorneys Have That The Rest Of The World Would Die For" (downloadable pdf here).

What you do well is more than just helpful and needed to practice law. This experience can be translated and utilized in the universe of jobs that have nothing to do with your law license or being a lawyer.

Estate and trusts attorney became the executive director of planned giving

Take inspiration from one Leave Law Behind course graduate, Tyler Hinz, who left behind his estate planning law practice to become the Senior Director of Gift Planning at a top-ranked university in California:

"The Leave Law Behind course helped me realize that my background was not specific to the law or even one aspect of the law but was general and exciting enough that non-law employers would be interested in my candidacy. And they were interested! I had several interviews for roles I assumed I had no business being considered for - roles that required 5-10 years experience in fields and professions I had never been near. But I felt confident about who I was, and they took me seriously. I landed a non-law job that I'm excited about."

Casey has written extensively about how you are a fit for "jobs for lawyers who don't want to be lawyers" as a contributing writer for Above the Law. Click here to read the article "Nine Non-Legal Jobs You Can (Really, Truly) Do With a Law Degree."

Second, you can learn what you don't know very quickly

Sure, if you were to leave the law for a new "alternative" career, you would not be 100% proficient in all the required skills for that job from the beginning.

And that's perfectly fine because, as an attorney, you can ramp up on the subject matter very quickly.

This reminds us of how Gabe Rothman used the Leave Law Behind course to find his "alternative" career (see his LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gprothman).

Gabe practiced construction litigation in San Francisco and did not enjoy being a lawyer (read: he hated it!).

Gabe was an associate at a construction litigation firm. Through the Leave Law Behind course, he understood what he was good at (what we call your "Unique Genius"): Gabe loved creating and maintaining procedures and processes. He enjoyed mapping out the steps to attain a particular goal and getting clear on all of the "if A, then B" steps.

He let this skill set inform the jobs he began researching and applying to. He focused on software consulting roles. He landed an interview with Blue Wolf, a system integrator who aided companies in launching their recently purchased instances of Salesforce solutions.

The Blue Wolf executives loved Gabe's interpersonal skills and quick thinking, and they understood how his "attorney" skills could be transferrable to the consulting role for which they were hiring.

However, their one objection was that Gabe knew little about the Salesforce platform.

As we taught him in the Leave Law Behind course, Gabe didn't try to argue this point away. Instead, he acknowledged it and focused on the strengths he gained in law school and as an attorney. Gabe pointed out how he passed the California State Bar on the first try, with two months of prep time, a bar exam with a pass rate of only 40%, and one of the most challenging to pass. He assured the Blue Wolf executives that he could become proficient in Salesforce in a month and close to an expert in three months.

They hired Gabe. Gabe loves his new career and has progressed to becoming a VP of Operations for a cloud technology company. Be like Gabe!

As an attorney, you are constantly called upon to learn quickly and become an expert on a new fact pattern, case, or transaction. Outside of the law, you can know any new industry and subject matter quickly. So many of our graduates tell us this over and over again!

The fact is you have lots of choices and many new career alternatives available to you!

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*Be Wary of Articles That are Just Listicles

When you choose to change careers and explore the possible alternative career paths out there, it's common to come across articles listing alternative careers for lawyers written by a wide variety of legal publications, brimming with job ideas like software engineer, cupcake store owner, mediator, or even legal tech specialist. While these lists can be a helpful starting point, they often miss the mark for several reasons.

Make sure the job calls for your skills and strengths

Firstly, just because a job appears on that list doesn't mean you have the necessary skills right now. Transitioning to a new field isn't merely about fitting a square peg into a round hole; it involves assessing your current skills and how they apply to the new role (what we at Leave Law Behind call your "Unique Genius").

Make sure the job is one you're interested in

More importantly, these lists gloss over the most critical aspects: personal satisfaction and fit. You might stumble upon a job title that sounds interesting, but you must delve deeper to know if it aligns with what you enjoy and excel at. A more tailored approach requires reflection on your strengths, interests, and career goals. Rather than chasing job titles, focus on understanding what you genuinely like doing and where your skills shine. This strategy makes the transition smoother and ensures you're stepping into a fulfilling role that genuinely resonates with you. We help you with this critical analysis and guide you through at Leave Law Behind.

Do the inner work, and speak with friends and contacts

The transition from a traditional practice to alternative careers involves more than just looking at job titles; it requires a comprehensive self-evaluation and active engagement with one's network. Instead of merely reading about careers, lawyers seeking a way out of the firm should leverage their connections with non-lawyer friends and acquaintances to gain firsthand insights into those roles. Discussions with people in varied fields can provide a practical understanding of job satisfaction, daily responsibilities, and career progression in non-legal professions. This interaction is akin to legal discovery, where thorough investigation and evidence gathering are crucial before making strategic decisions.

Law school students beginning their careers can benefit immensely by networking with alums who have already moved into business or other non-traditional careers. Senior lawyers with years of legal experience should connect with peers who have transitioned successfully to new careers. This allows you to reconcile their legal skills, such as legal writing and analytical thinking, with the demands of new roles.

Understanding the nuances of non-lawyer jobs can ensure that your legal background is appropriately framed to show how your skills are valuable for new professions. Networking also aids in professional development, helping you to build a support system and gather recommendations that might not be evident from listicles alone. By aligning your interests with the realities of alternative careers, unhappy lawyers like yourself can make informed decisions and choose paths where your legal knowledge is an asset rather than a mismatch. Through this approach, you can break free from the confines of your current legal profession and explore fulfilling, non-traditional career avenues that align with your passions and strengths.

Shift the dynamic - make sure this new career aligns with you!

Ultimately, while listicle articles provide the framework for alternative career options, more profound, relationally driven exploration equips lawyers to successfully navigate their career transitions, land in roles that offer professional satisfaction and personal fulfillment, and become that "former lawyer." Exploring alternative careers for lawyers is not just about escaping the stressors of law firms but about consciously moving towards a path that aligns with one's aspirations and values. Through such thorough exploration and informed decision-making, lawyers like yourself find success and happiness beyond the courtroom and boardroom.

*The Problem with Looking at Job Postings

When considering leaving law for an alternative career, it's tempting to read the job listicles and then dive straight into the job description postings. Unfortunately, this approach has its pitfalls.

Job postings aren't written well

First off, job postings often need to be written better. They can list a long and intimidating set of requirements, which might deter you from even applying. These listings can make you feel under-qualified or overwhelmed, as they often focus on industry-specific experiences and skills. This can be particularly discouraging for lawyers, who might not possess the exact qualifications but have highly transferable skills.

Moreover, job postings sometimes convey a partial story about what the job actually entails day-to-day. They can be generic and fail to highlight whether the work environment or company culture would be a good match for you. Thus, relying heavily on job postings can limit your perspective and prevent you from exploring various fulfilling career opportunities.

Focus on what interests you

Instead, take a step back to first understand what drives you and where your unique strengths lie. While job postings can be directional and provide some idea of what alternative careers for lawyers entail, as mentioned earlier, please tap into your network, seek informational interviews, and gather insights from professionals already working in fields you're interested in.

It bears repeating: Leaving the legal profession for an alternative career is an increasingly common desire among attorneys who find themselves unfulfilled in their roles. For those unhappy lawyers looking to make a substantial change in their lives, it is only natural to look first at the non-law job boards on platforms like Monster.com, Indeed.com, Google, and LinkedIn, which can serve as initial sources of inspiration. These resources display a multitude of alternative careers for lawyers like yourself, spanning different industries and professions that utilize your highly transferable skills.

There is more than just applying online

However, browsing these listings should be just the starting point. While they can ignite interest, relying solely on online applications might not yield the best results. Applying online is only the first step; to truly stand out, you must actively engage with prospective employers. After applying, the next crucial move is one we've reiterated throughout this article – to leverage your networking. At Leave Law Behind, we call this creating the "second flank." Make it a point to search for individuals who currently work at the company for the applied job, proactively contacting them via email or LinkedIn message for an "informational interview." This step is as essential as legal research in a traditional practice, allowing you to gather in-depth information about the company and role while introducing yourself and making a positive impression. At Leave Law Behind, we call them "coffee chats." And a good tip – our members have had great success sending folks a Starbucks eGift card to set the stage for a good talk.

During these conversations, you can effectively communicate your unique legal background, highlighting your legal writing, analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and any other pertinent legal skills. Shining in these talks can shift perceptions and help prospective employers see beyond your specific industry experience, recognizing the value that a former lawyer like yourself can bring to the table.

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"Interview" the hiring company as much as they interview you

Understanding the company culture and daily job responsibilities through these talks can also be far more insightful than any job posting. It can help validate whether this new path aligns with your career aspirations and values. Approaching these interactions with curiosity and genuine interest can foster meaningful connections for you that might have yet to be evident from reading job listings alone. Moreover, doing well on these calls can leave a lasting impression on the company's employees, who might become internal champions for the unhappy lawyer's resume and job application. Such endorsements can be invaluable, increasing your chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing the "non-law" job.

Let people you know help you

As we mentioned earlier, for law students and senior lawyers alike, exploring alternative careers beyond their legal practice should be a proactive and relational process. Law students should consider networking with alums who have ventured into the broader business world or non-traditional careers, gaining insights and mentorship from those who have successfully transitioned. Seasoned attorneys should also be quick to connect with peers who have moved out of the legal profession and into varied, fulfilling roles. These conversations are instrumental in translating one's legal knowledge and skills into contexts that might not be immediately apparent but are equally valuable in non-lawyer jobs. Seeking mentorship and guidance through these networks supports professional development and helps build a support system crucial during career transitions.

You're in the driver's seat

Ultimately, the journey from a law firm to an alternative career is not just about escaping from the demands of private practice; it is a deliberate movement out of the legal industry towards roles that resonate more deeply with your interests, skills, and strengths. By embracing a comprehensive approach that couples online applications with informed networking, unhappy lawyers like yourself can navigate their career transition out of law firms more successfully. This strategic shift allows for a more profound alignment between your legal skills and new non-law job roles, ensuring that your legal background is seen as an asset rather than a hurdle. Thus, through detailed exploration and dedicated networking, a soon-to-be former lawyer like you can break free from the confines of a traditional legal job and pursue alternative careers for lawyers that promise greater professional satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

*What are some ACTUAL jobs that ex-lawyers have found with our work?

When considering a career change, it’s natural for many lawyers like yourself who are seeking job satisfaction to wonder what other ex-lawyers have done successfully. Our Leave Law Behind course and personalized coaching have helped hundreds of former attorneys transition into a variety of rewarding “non-lawyer” careers.

Rather than relying on generic lists, we believe in showcasing real-world examples of where Leave Law Behind graduates have landed to create for themselves new careers for lawyers. They are like you - they did not want to be a lawyer anymore. With this approach, you can better understand the possibilities available to you and see firsthand how the skills you’ve honed as an attorney can translate into new and exciting alternative careers.

Below are some real-life “non-law” career alternatives that our Leave Law Behind graduates have successfully transitioned into to become a “former lawyer,” demonstrating how the skills you’ve honed as a lawyer can lead to new and exciting opportunities:

A 44-year-old mother of two left the federal prosecutor’s office to become the Director of Operations and Vendor Management at a San Francisco public e-commerce technology company.
A BigLaw attorney left his litigation job after 12 years to become the Editor and team leader of a leading intellectual property magazine in New York City.
A Boston-based Big Law litigator has moved into a Chief Operating Officer role for a Legal Tech startup, supporting the company’s Chief Executive Officer’s growth plan.
A solo attorney left the law to become an Executive Recruiter in Los Angeles.
A business attorney moved into a Project Manager role at a San Francisco SaaS marketing startup.
A mid-sized firm litigator moved into her dream career as a law librarian in Library Science.
A 55-year-old former family law attorney moved to Seattle from New York for a MarTech Strategy and Account Manager role.
At 40, a criminal defense attorney became the Editor of a major online publication based in Berkeley, California.
An Indiana-based criminal and family law attorney left his practice of 30 years and, at 57, became the Head of Operations and Project Management at a medical services company.
A BigLaw attorney left the firm grind behind to found his own business, a cultural, legal, and data-driven Creative Strategy practice for Hi-Tech companies.
A Philadelphia criminal defense attorney transitioned into a Customer Success career at a Federal government agency.
A 40-year-old trial attorney left the law to become a Strategy Consultant with a major professional services firm.
A death penalty appellate attorney of over 30 years left her practice to lead a governor-appointed commission to repair Idaho’s Social Services Infrastructure.
A data privacy attorney left the law to become an Associate Consultant for a major advisory firm specializing in pharma and biotech.
A 42-year-old North Carolina attorney left corporate law and moved into Asset Management for a major US bank.
A Big Law corporate transactional attorney left the firm to follow his passion as an Executive Director of a Washington DC non-profit.
A Maryland city attorney became an Investigator for the federal government.
A cyber-security lawyer left her job to start her own business focused on Data Privacy consulting.
A Utah-based natural resource attorney left his comprehensive acquisition, drilling, and division order title opinion practice to leverage his property title background and become the Title and Escrow Manager of a tech-enabled title agency and closing firm.
A successful Los Angeles-based litigation attorney, first as a partner at a large national firm, then as senior counsel at one of California’s preeminent healthcare finance litigation firms, left the law to found and lead business development for his own Copywriting and Content Marketing Agency serving B2B tech and SaaS clients in the fintech, health tech, and legal tech industries.
A BigLaw Antitrust & Competition litigator left his American Lawyer Top 15 firm to become the Compliance Senior Officer, Anticompetitive Behavior at a major global bank.
A Philadelphia-based zoning and land use attorney left the law to become a Trust Officer at a rising financial services firm.
A BigLaw attorney left his 30-year corporate practice to found his own Business Consulting firm, which offers virtual GC opportunities with promising startups and matchmaking for M&A and financial transactions.
A Washington DC transactional attorney became the Senior Manager of Program Development for a highly respected, nationwide professional association, where he is responsible for developing world-class substantive in-person and online programming to educate, develop, and connect their members at the various stages of their career cycle.
A ten-year San Diego-based non-profit attorney who provides legal services for seniors moved from her frontline attorney role to become the organization’s Director of Fund and Program Development. “I absolutely love my new position and look forward to working each day.”
A Miami-based family law attorney left her practice to become an Account Manager for a rising legal tech company.
A San Francisco-based employment law attorney who had been practicing for six years left her firm to become Head of People Operations and Human Resources for a very well-funded climate tech startup.
A Utah-based in-house counsel for an automotive retail software company who was the primary negotiator on complex enterprise, customer, and vendor contracts, as well as integration agreements with other software vendors, left his lawyer role to become Chief of Staff for a global real estate group, which also included overseeing the legal, insurance, financing, compliance, and risk management teams.
A Denver-based insurance defense and probate trial attorney left his practice to become an Author, Commentator, and Founder of an American policy & history blog and YouTube channel.
An Atlanta-based litigator left her BigLaw firm to become a Recruiter and Talent Management Executive with a nationwide legal recruiting firm.
A long-time upstate New York family law and real estate attorney left her practice to become the Employee Relations, Resource, and Satisfaction manager for a cutting-edge provider of innovative behavioral health services.
A San Francisco litigator at a mid-sized firm just left the law to become a Senior Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) Data Analyst role at the leading provider of large-scale, aerial monitoring of methane emissions to oil and gas operators across North America (which helps improve operational excellence for the oil & gas industry cost-effectively.)
A New York City Big Law litigator left the law and landed a Management Consulting position with a global financial software, data, and media services company.
... and many more!

Professional happiness = job description calls for your skills

One of the common themes among lawyers like these Leave Law Behind graduates who were unsatisfied with their careers and made a successful transition to a non-lawyer job they love is their ability to identify roles where their existing skills and strengths matched what the job description called for. Whether it’s as a Strategy Consultant, a Compliance Senior Officer, or a Head of Operations and Project Management, these former attorneys leveraged their analytical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving capabilities to excel in their new positions. Many of them found that the skills they honed during their legal careers, such as critical thinking, negotiation, and clear communication, were highly applicable to alternative careers for lawyers. These individuals felt confident that they could quickly fill any gaps in their knowledge.

Another hallmark of these successful careers-for-lawyers shifts is their self-assurance in their ability to perform well and impress their new employers. They knew they possessed the intellectual rigor, work ethic, and adaptability to thrive in their new roles.

Removing the ankle weights

One attorney that Leave Law Behind helped transition from her legal practice to a non-lawyer role described the experience as feeling like a runner who had been running with ankle weights for years, and now, having taken them off, she felt so light and free. In her new position, she was no longer burdened by the relentless pressure and constraints of legal issues, billable hours, contentious court battles, and the constant need for perfection that typifies the legal profession. This newfound freedom allowed her to harness her skills more creatively and effectively, unshackled from the rigid expectations that had previously defined her professional life. She found that her days were filled with purpose and joy, engaging in meaningful work that resonated with her values and talents. She could also leave the office some days around 3.30 pm or 4 pm and walk to the nearby farmers market! That was unheard of during her lawyer days.

Many attorneys who have transitioned to alternative careers for lawyers echo this sentiment, highlighting how the symbolic removal of “ankle weights” significantly reduces stress and increases job satisfaction. They often discover that their legal training provides a robust foundation for excelling in various fields, allowing them to thrive in environments where their analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and superior communication skills offer a distinct advantage.

Sky's the limit for you

Lastly, there was an underlying confidence that this career shift did not have to be their last. They recognize that if needed, they could repeat the process and smoothly transition to another non-lawyer job (“non-law job #2”, “non-law job #3”, etc.), thereby creating a progressive career path made up of fulfilling and well-paying roles outside the traditional legal sphere.

Having a law degree isn’t a scarlet letter; in fact, for an unhappy lawyer, it’s quite the opposite—it’s a badge of honor.

Take the example of a Leave Law Behind graduate who left his current job in a firm and transitioned into an operations and compliance role. Initially apprehensive about leaving the legal profession, he soon discovered that his law background was highly valued and even praised.

In his new role, he found himself in charge of overseeing compliance reviews and licensing negotiations. His legal expertise allowed him to tackle these tasks with remarkable efficiency, saving his legal department valuable time and resources. The legal team was thrilled to offload routine compliance work to him, which freed them to focus on more intricate legal matters. Meanwhile, he relished the negotiation aspect of his job. In this space, he could use his legal skills without being bogged down by the parts of attorney work he disliked, like drafting and researching complex legal theories.

His ability to seamlessly handle compliance reviews and licensing negotiations became his standout quality. Both the legal department and the company benefited enormously. The legal team appreciated the reduced workload and the precision he brought to compliance issues. The Leave Law Behind grad, in turn, enjoyed his work more because he could focus on the negotiations and people skills he loved and delegate the less enjoyable legal issues and tasks back to the in-house lawyers. His law degree, once a potential burden, transformed into a symbol of his unique and valued skill set, proving that legal training is indeed a badge of honor.

These stories reinforce the notion that alternative careers for lawyers are not only viable but can also be immensely satisfying and successful for people who no longer want to be lawyers.

"Jobs for Former Lawyers" - Your Path to Becoming a Former Lawyer!

So you do not want to be a lawyer anymore! We get it, and we feel your pain. Your legal education and all your past and current jobs can open doors to many opportunities in the non-law firm world. When you change careers, you can be happy for once! The skills you honed in law school – critical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, writing skills, and effective communication – are highly prized in a corporate setting. These abilities allow you to navigate complex transactions, draft clear and enforceable contracts, and provide strategic advice rooted in a thorough understanding of the law.

Furthermore, your experience in your current job with client management and negotiation means you can excel in roles that require diplomacy and problem-solving. Former lawyers often succeed in leadership positions, business development, and corporate governance, where their analytical skills and ethical grounding set them apart. The transition to the non-law world can be seamless and rewarding, leveraging the expertise acquired through legal training to drive innovation and growth in various industries.

It really makes no difference whether you are in private practice, a large law firm, or an in-house lawyer; your law degree, legal education, and legal background mean you have lots of transferrable skills outside of the legal world.

Your next step can be easy and undaunting

We got our law degree, practiced law, and worked in law firms, and we know how it feels to be you. As we mentioned before, you might think your experience as a lawyer means you cannot do anything else. This is not the case! All you have to do is begin the process; we are here to help. Take the next step!

As mentioned earlier in this article, we are not asking you to make a drastic change right now, quit your job today, or leave the law tomorrow.

What would it be like to give your notice and shut the door on your law office for good? It is possible!

We are only asking you to take one small step to know more. One small step to see what's possible for you. One small step to becoming the person you likely had in mind for yourself before you took the LSAT.