| Topic Name: |
Alternative Careers for Attorneys |
| Message Name: |
Moving with Law |
| Date Posted: |
11/22/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Purple,
I know a number of women attornies that have successfully moved out of the practice of law, including my wife. It was incredibly heart wrenching for all of them. They had studied hard throughout college and law school to reach the point where they were successful laywers. Many were driven by the dream of being a partner in a big name firm. Many were attracted to the law from television shows such as LA Law, The Practice, Law & Order etc.
The reality was brutal. My wife went from being a kind hearted person who wanted to help people (Corporate and bankruptcy law) to being a ruthless and hard nose attorney. But, she had to in order to survive and move up. She eventually made partner, then started her own practice. But, the pressures, the commitments, the schedule got to be too much.
Two years ago, I took a job promotion and we left Boston and her law practice behind. She took a job in a non-profit as Associate General Counsel and loves the job to death. Few preassures, great people to work with, an organization that really appreciates her work. They tell her all the time how lucky they are to have someone with 15 years of legal experience. She works 40 hours a week, gets paid decent money (more than $100K) and gets 4 weeks vacation.
Look into the non-profit sector. There should be many opportunities for someone with your background. Granted, we live in DC where the opportunities are plentiful, but I'm sure if you research it well, you'll come up with something fulfilling. Good luck! |
| Message: |
Dear velvet,
Thanks for the great story! Yes, it's possible to still have a career in law, but doing what you really want to do. Find a group that speaks to your passions/interests & create a new job for yourself.
Congrats to your wife!
Jane
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