Cecily Zamora
What Can You Do With a Law Degree? is a book that offers pragmatic advice and career-building techniques for lawyers and law students. The book, authored by Deborah Arron, and later by Larry Richard and Tanya Hanson, provides a multitude of career options for law graduates, including traditional legal practice and alternative career paths. It is a valuable resource for those seeking career satisfaction, facing unemployment or burnout, or struggling with the decision to continue practising law. The book has received positive reviews from readers who found it useful in gaining a better understanding of their strengths and exploring alternative careers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Deborah Arron, Larry Richard, Tanya Hanson |
| Publisher | LawyerAvenue Press |
| Publication date | 1 September 2012 |
| Number of pages | 162 |
| Target audience | Law students, lawyers |
| Content | Self-understanding, career identity, career satisfaction, career alternatives, career-building techniques, self-assessment exercises, profiles of law school graduates, career exercises, 800+ ways to use your law degree |
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What You'll Learn
Career alternatives for lawyers
A law degree is an incredibly beneficial qualification to have for a wide variety of career paths. Here are some alternatives to working as a lawyer:
Government and Politics
Many lawyers go on to work in government and politics. For example, some work as prosecutors in District Attorney's offices, while others work for state agencies, commissions, and boards. Lawyers may also represent a state's executive and legislative branches. Judicial clerks are another subset of government lawyers, who research and draft memoranda and opinions for judges. These positions are often short-term, and recent law graduates typically spend one or two years clerking before moving on to other legal careers.
Public Interest Law
Public interest lawyers work for legal-aid societies, which are private, non-profit agencies that serve economically disadvantaged people. In many jurisdictions, courts contract with private practitioners to represent indigent people in criminal cases. Public interest attorneys, such as public defenders, also work in this field.
Corporate Law
Corporations, large and small, often employ attorneys. These in-house corporate counsels advise the company on legal activities related to the company's business. Large companies tend to have large legal departments with many in-house attorneys who specialize in specific issues.
Law Firms
Many law school graduates work in non-legal roles within law firms. These roles can include business development, clerk and attorney recruitment, law firm finances, human resources, or managing office workflow.
Education
Law school graduates often go on to teach in law schools, colleges, and at other educational levels. Some graduates also take on non-academic roles within educational institutions, such as Dean, Director of Admissions, Alumni Affairs, and Development.
Alternative Career Paths
Law school graduates can also pursue alternative careers in fields such as business, consulting, counselling, healthcare, technology, sports, arts and entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
The above examples demonstrate the versatility of a law degree. Whether you are a new law graduate or a veteran practitioner, there are numerous career alternatives to explore both inside and outside the traditional practice of law.
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How to conduct a self-assessment
The book "What Can You Do With a Law Degree?" is a guide for lawyers seeking career alternatives and satisfaction. It provides a pragmatic approach to career development and self-understanding, helping lawyers find meaningful goals and make good decisions.
To conduct a self-assessment using this book as a guide, follow these steps:
Step 1: Understand your career identity
Begin by understanding your career identity, or in other words, who you are as a professional. This includes reflecting on your strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals. Ask yourself what motivates you, what your interests are, and what kind of work environment you thrive in.
Step 2: Explore alternative career paths
The book provides an extensive list of career options inside, outside, and around the law. It covers fields such as business, education, government, healthcare, technology, and more. Research these options and identify the ones that align with your interests and values.
Step 3: Assess your skills and experiences
Evaluate your current skillset and experiences, including those gained during your law degree and beyond. Identify the transferable skills that can be applied to alternative careers. For example, lawyers often possess strong analytical, research, and communication skills, which are valuable in various sectors.
Step 4: Identify your goals
Define your short-term and long-term goals. Are you seeking a complete career change, or do you want to find more satisfaction in your current path? Are you interested in a specific industry or type of work? Prioritize your goals and consider how they align with your values and interests.
Step 5: Create an action plan
Based on your self-assessment, create a plan to achieve your goals. This could include further education, networking, gaining additional experience, or applying for jobs in your desired field. Utilize the resources provided in the book, such as web addresses for career-related resources and profiles of law graduates who transitioned into popular fields.
By following these steps and referring to the book's practical advice and extensive resources, you can effectively conduct a self-assessment to explore alternative careers and find greater satisfaction in your professional life.
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How to establish a transitional financial plan
A law degree is a beneficial qualification to have for a wide variety of career paths. However, the transition from law school to the working world can be challenging. Establishing a transitional financial plan can help ease the process and ensure a solid foundation for your future. Here are some steps to create such a plan:
Identify Your Goals and Priorities:
Start by defining your short-term and long-term financial goals. Do you want to pay off student loans, save for a house, or invest in your retirement? Prioritize your goals based on their importance and urgency. For example, clearing high-interest debt may take precedence over saving for a vacation.
Assess Your Current Financial Situation:
Gather all your financial information, including income, expenses, debts, and assets. Calculate your net worth by subtracting your total liabilities from your total assets. This snapshot of your financial health will help you measure your progress over time.
Create a Realistic Budget:
Analyze your spending patterns and identify areas where you can cut back if needed. Allocate your income across essentials (like rent and utilities), debt repayment, savings, and discretionary spending. There are many budgeting techniques available, such as the 50/30/20 rule or envelope system, so find one that suits your lifestyle and goals.
Plan for the Expected and Unexpected:
Ensure your budget includes room for emergencies and one-time expenses, such as car repairs or medical bills. Additionally, consider saving for larger future expenses like a wedding or your child's education. Insurance can also help mitigate the financial impact of unforeseen events, so review your options for health, life, property, and liability insurance.
Stay Informed and Seek Advice:
Financial literacy is key to making informed decisions. Stay up-to-date on personal finance topics like investing, tax planning, and debt management. Seek guidance from reputable sources, such as financial advisors or trusted personal finance websites. They can provide strategies tailored to your situation and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Remember, your financial plan should be flexible and regularly reviewed. As your career progresses, your financial situation will likely change, and your goals may evolve. By following these steps and adapting them to your circumstances, you can establish a strong transitional financial plan that supports your career journey.
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How to market your special talents
Marketing your special talents is a key part of career development. If you have a law degree, you will have developed a unique set of skills and strengths that can be applied to a wide range of careers. Knowing how to market these skills is essential for career satisfaction.
Firstly, it is important to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Self-reflection is a powerful tool that can help you identify your unique talents and how they can be applied in different contexts. For example, a law degree cultivates analytical and critical thinking skills, which are highly valued in many professions. Understanding and articulating how your legal training has developed these skills will help you market yourself to potential employers.
Secondly, networking is a crucial aspect of career development. Building relationships with people in your desired industry will increase your chances of finding the right role for your talents. For example, if you are interested in a career in education, networking with law school graduates who have transitioned into teaching roles can provide valuable insights and connections.
Thirdly, when marketing your talents, it is important to be pragmatic and adaptable. Understanding the needs of your desired industry and tailoring your unique skill set to meet those needs will make you a strong candidate. For instance, if you are interested in a career in business, highlight how your legal training has developed your negotiation and contract interpretation skills, which are highly relevant in a commercial context.
Furthermore, marketing your talents is not just about finding a job, it is about finding the right fit. A law degree can open doors to a diverse range of careers, and it is important to explore these options to find a role that aligns with your values and long-term goals. For example, if you are passionate about social justice, you may consider a career in public interest law or non-profit organizations, where your legal skills can be utilized to create a positive impact.
Lastly, do not be afraid to think outside the box. A law degree can be a launchpad for a variety of unconventional careers. For instance, if you have a passion for writing, you could consider becoming a legal author, providing insightful analysis and commentary on legal topics. Alternatively, you could combine your legal expertise with a background in publishing or journalism to find law-related employment in media organizations.
In conclusion, marketing your special talents effectively involves understanding your unique strengths, networking strategically, adapting to industry needs, finding the right career fit, and exploring unconventional paths. These steps will help you maximize the potential of your law degree and find career satisfaction.
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Career satisfaction
The book "What Can You Do With a Law Degree?" by Deborah Arron is a guide for lawyers seeking career alternatives and has been described as "groundbreaking". It provides a pragmatic approach to career development and a multitude of career-building techniques. The book includes self-assessment exercises, profiles of law graduates, and a test to determine the right career fit. It is a valuable resource for lawyers who are dissatisfied with their careers and are seeking other options to utilize their law degree.
Another book with a similar title, "The New What Can You Do with a Law Degree", is co-authored by Larry Richard and Tanya Hanson. This book introduces a unique, five-part model for career satisfaction. The model helps readers identify their career identity to find long-term satisfaction in the traditional practice of law or through alternative work arrangements. It includes practical exercises and techniques to help readers discover their preferences and values and how those relate to their current job and potential new careers.
Both books offer valuable guidance to lawyers seeking career satisfaction and exploring alternative career paths. They provide tools for self-reflection, helping readers gain a better understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. The books treat career satisfaction as a complex issue and guide readers through the process of decision-making and action planning for potential career changes.
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Frequently asked questions
The book by Deborah Arron is a guide for lawyers to find career alternatives and satisfaction, inside, outside, and around the law. It provides tools for self-reflection and information to match skills with opportunities.
The book offers a pragmatic approach to career development and a multitude of career-building techniques. It includes self-assessment exercises, profiles of law graduates, and extensive resources. It helps lawyers identify their strengths, weaknesses, and values.
The book is for law students and established lawyers who are dissatisfied with their careers or seeking new directions. It is also for those who are content but want more from their careers. It helps lawyers find meaningful goals and make better decisions.
The book discusses a wide range of career alternatives, including ADR, arts and entertainment, business, consulting, education, government, healthcare, international law, private practice, sports, and technology. It provides an exploration of jobs and careers beyond traditional legal practice.
