| Topic Name: |
lawyer no more |
| Message Name: |
Switching to Writing/Editing |
| Date Posted: |
04/27/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Hi --
I am a full-fledged lawyer in Virginia, complete with degree and license, but I'm trying to make a career change. I am realizing that I need more creative work and that I want to spend more time working with the written word. I have experience as a reporter and editor, and my work since law school has allowed me to write a lot, but I am focusing my energy on escaping the legal arena and working with books, papers, newsletters and the like.
So far, I have had trouble making this jump. I have tried to highlight my experience as a writer and editor in my resume and letters, but several potential employers and recruiters see me as a lawyer, to the exclusion of my other skills.
How can I get people to see me as an experienced writer and skilled editor who just happened to work briefly in the legal world? Should I turn to a search firm that purports to specialize in lawyers changing careers (and charge their candidates a pretty penny)? Can anyone offer me a little advice?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Esq SKP |
| Message: |
Dear esq:
First: Before you pay "the pretty penny," get references from them! Ask them for names of satisfied clients who they have helped & check it out.
Next: You don't say how long you've been out of the field that you want. What's "briefly"? Apparently long enough for them not to take you seriously now. Or maybe your "legal" badge has them thinking that you now write dense, convoluted, incomprehensible prose that's the atty's trademark. Can you volunteer to do some writing (a newsletter?) for a nonprofit that would jump at your offer? Start thinking about what you CAN get now to demonstrate your skills & show recent exp., clips, etc.
Best of luck to you.
Jane
|
|
