Keith Mack
What Can You Do With a Law Degree? is a book that offers pragmatic advice and career-building techniques for lawyers seeking career satisfaction. The book covers a wide range of topics, including self-understanding, career exploration, and alternative work arrangements. It is designed to help lawyers find meaningful goals and improve their long-term job satisfaction by aligning their careers with their identities. The book also provides insights into various non-traditional career paths for lawyers, such as becoming an author, speechwriter, or law librarian, and offers tools for inner reflection to aid in fitting skills with opportunities.
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What You'll Learn
Career alternatives for lawyers
A law degree is an incredibly beneficial qualification to have, providing a multitude of career options both inside and outside the legal profession.
There are several career paths that lawyers can pursue outside of traditional legal practice. For example, lawyers can utilise their analytical skills and knowledge of legislative history to become a law librarian. Law librarians assist lawyers, law students, and the public in legal research and understanding legal terminology.
Another option is to pursue a career in writing, such as becoming an author, speechwriter, ghostwriter, or content creator. Lawyers can leverage their legal knowledge and research skills to create compelling content and express their thoughts and opinions publicly.
Lawyers may also explore opportunities in the business world, including roles such as investment banker, financial manager, or personal banker. Their legal training enables them to objectively analyse complex information and make informed decisions, which are valuable skills in the financial industry.
Additionally, lawyers can find employment in human resources or business development within law firms or other corporations. These roles often require a combination of legal knowledge and business, accounting, or HR expertise.
Furthermore, lawyers can transition into education and teaching roles at law schools, colleges, and universities. They can share their legal expertise with the next generation of lawyers and shape the future of the legal profession.
Lawyers seeking to make a direct impact on their community may consider working for legal-aid societies or non-profit organisations. These organisations provide legal services to economically disadvantaged individuals, ensuring access to justice for all.
The options outlined above offer just a glimpse of the diverse career alternatives available to lawyers who seek to utilise their skills and knowledge in new and exciting ways. With a pragmatic approach to career development and self-understanding, lawyers can find fulfilling paths both inside and outside the traditional legal profession.
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How to decide whether to stay in law or leave
Deciding whether to stay in law or leave is a complex question that many lawyers grapple with. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Understanding Your Motivations
Firstly, it's essential to understand your motivations for considering a departure from law. Are you feeling unfulfilled, bored, or burned out in your current role? Do you dislike the day-to-day tasks, or do you feel underappreciated and underpaid? Identifying the specific reasons behind your desire for a change will help guide your decision-making process.
Exploring Career Alternatives
Before making any hasty decisions, take time to explore alternative careers both within and outside the legal field. Books like "What Can You Do with a Law Degree?" by Deborah Arron and "The New What Can You Do with a Law Degree" by Larry Richard and Tanya Hanson offer valuable guidance on career alternatives. These books provide self-assessment tools, pragmatic career-building techniques, and a comprehensive overview of career options, helping you identify paths that align with your interests, strengths, and values.
Evaluating Your Skills and Transferability
Lawyers possess a unique set of transferable skills, including analytical thinking, research, writing, public speaking, negotiation, and advocacy. Consider how you can leverage these skills in other fields. For example, you could explore roles in business development, human resources, consulting, education, or even non-legal positions within law firms or legal publishing.
Assessing Your Career Satisfaction
Evaluate your current level of career satisfaction and consider what changes could enhance it. The book by Larry Richard and Tanya Hanson introduces a unique five-part model based on the principle that alignment between your career identity and your job leads to greater long-term satisfaction. By understanding your career identity and values, you can make more informed decisions about staying in law or pursuing alternative paths.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Create a balanced perspective by weighing the pros and cons of staying in law versus leaving. Consider factors such as job security, income, work-life balance, intellectual stimulation, and personal fulfillment. Reflect on your long-term goals and priorities, and assess how your current career trajectory aligns with them.
Remember, deciding whether to stay in law or leave is a highly personal decision that requires introspection and careful consideration. By following the steps above, you can make a well-informed choice that aligns with your aspirations, skills, and values.
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How to market your special talents
Marketing your special talents is an important skill to master, especially if you are looking to branch out into alternative career paths. Here are some ways to market your talents if you have a law degree:
Identify your strengths and weaknesses
This is a crucial first step in marketing yourself effectively. Take time to reflect on your unique strengths and weaknesses, both professionally and personally. Understand what sets you apart from others and what you can bring to the table in different scenarios. For example, your analytical skills, intelligence, and motivation are valuable assets.
Develop a meaningful goal
Having a clear and meaningful goal will help guide your marketing efforts. Determine what you want to achieve in the short and long term. Do you want to transition to a new career, advance in your current field, or start a side hustle? Knowing your goal will help you tailor your message and target the right audiences.
Highlight transferrable skills
A law degree equips you with a diverse set of transferrable skills that are valuable in various industries. These skills may include research, analysis, critical thinking, communication, and persuasion. When marketing yourself, emphasize these skills and provide specific examples of how you have applied them successfully in different contexts.
Build a personal brand
Developing a personal brand involves creating a consistent and authentic image that showcases your unique combination of skills, experiences, and values. Utilize tools like websites, blogs, and social media platforms to establish yourself as an expert in your field. Share thought-provoking content, offer insights, and engage with your target audience. Building a strong personal brand can open doors to new opportunities and help you stand out in a crowded market.
Network strategically
Networking is a powerful tool for marketing your talents. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and participate in online communities related to your interests. Seek out mentors and build relationships with influential people in your desired field. By expanding your network, you increase your visibility and gain access to potential collaborators, clients, or employers who recognize your unique talents.
Stay adaptable
The legal field is constantly evolving, and so are the alternative career paths you can pursue. Stay adaptable by embracing new challenges, learning about different industries, and developing additional skills. This demonstrates your versatility and willingness to grow, making you more marketable in a rapidly changing professional landscape.
By following these steps, you can effectively market your special talents and create new opportunities to utilize your law degree in rewarding ways.
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How to establish a transitional financial plan
A law degree is a beneficial qualification to have when seeking a wide variety of career paths. However, the process of transitioning into a new career can be challenging, especially when it comes to finances. Here is a guide on how to establish a transitional financial plan:
Step 1: Assess Your Financial Situation
Before making any career changes, it's crucial to understand your current financial situation. Calculate your monthly income, including any savings or investments that can be utilized during the transition. Identify your essential expenses, such as rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries, to determine the minimum funds required to sustain your current lifestyle.
Step 2: Research and Plan Your Career Transition
Different career paths will have varying financial implications. Research the expected salary ranges for the positions you are considering within the legal field or alternative careers. Understand the potential costs associated with transitioning, such as additional education, certifications, or a possible pay cut during the initial phase of your new career. Create a realistic timeline for your transition, considering any training or experience required to enter your desired field.
Step 3: Build a Financial Cushion
If possible, start saving aggressively to build an emergency fund that can cover at least three to six months' worth of living expenses. This cushion will provide financial security during your career transition and ensure that you can cover unexpected costs or periods of reduced income.
Step 4: Prioritize and Budget
Prioritize your financial goals and create a budget that aligns with your transition plan. Allocate your funds efficiently to cover essential expenses, while also setting aside money for professional development, networking opportunities, or career-related resources. Identify areas where you can cut back on discretionary spending to maximize your savings.
Step 5: Explore Alternative Sources of Income
Consider ways to generate additional income during your career transition. This could include freelance work, consulting, or part-time employment related to your new field of interest. For example, if you're transitioning into a career in education, you could offer tutoring services or teach part-time while studying for a teaching qualification.
Step 6: Stay Informed and Seek Support
Stay updated with industry trends and network with professionals in your desired field to gain insights into the financial aspects of the career. Seek advice from mentors or career counselors who can guide you on financial planning specific to your chosen path. They can provide valuable information on salary negotiations, benefits packages, and career progression within the industry.
Remember, establishing a transitional financial plan requires a personalized approach based on your unique circumstances. Be adaptable and regularly review your plan to ensure it aligns with your career goals and financial situation.
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How to handle compensation negotiations
A law degree can be incredibly beneficial for a wide variety of career aspirations. Lawyers work in a variety of settings, requiring skills developed in law school, prior experience, and additional training.
Law graduates often work in law schools, colleges, and at other educational levels. Some go on to work in non-academic portions of colleges as Deans, Directors of Admissions, Alumni Affairs, and Development. Law school graduates may also work in bank trust departments, brokerage firms, insurance companies, development offices, hospitals, and universities.
Many public interest lawyers work for legal-aid societies, which are private, non-profit agencies serving economically disadvantaged people. In-house corporate lawyers advise companies on legal activities related to their business, and large companies often have large legal departments with attorneys specializing in specific issues.
Law graduates interested in law firm positions outside of legal practice usually have a business, accounting, or human resources background. They may work in areas of business development, clerk and attorney recruitment, law firm finances, or managing office workflow.
With that in mind, here are some tips on how to handle compensation negotiations:
Know Your Worth
Before entering any negotiation, it is essential to understand your value and the value of your skills in the job market. Research the salary ranges for similar positions in your industry and geographic location. Consider your unique qualifications, experience, and the demand for your skillset. This information will help you set a realistic and competitive target salary or salary range.
Prepare Your Case
Much like building a legal case, prepare your argument for why you deserve the compensation you are seeking. Gather data and examples that showcase your accomplishments, the value you bring to the company, and how your skills and experience positively impact the organization. Be ready to highlight any achievements that have resulted in cost savings, increased efficiency, or revenue growth for the company.
Practice Salary Negotiation Techniques
Salary negotiation is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to simulate negotiation conversations. Practice active listening, remaining calm and confident, and asking clarifying questions. Prepare responses to common objections and decide on your minimum acceptable salary and benefits.
Focus on Mutual Benefits
Approach the negotiation as a collaborative discussion, aiming for an outcome that benefits both you and the employer. Emphasize how your contributions can help the company achieve its goals, and be open to considering their perspective and budget constraints. Show that you are committed to finding a solution that meets your expectations while also working for them.
Consider the Entire Compensation Package
Remember that compensation includes base salary and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, stock options, performance bonuses, vacation days, and flexible work arrangements. Be open to negotiating these aspects to create a comprehensive package that meets your needs.
Be Prepared to Walk Away
If the employer is unwilling to meet your expectations, be prepared to decline the offer or propose alternative solutions. Salary negotiation is critical to ensuring you are appropriately valued and compensated.
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Frequently asked questions
The book helps lawyers and law students dissatisfied with their careers to find alternative career paths inside, outside, and around the law. It provides tools for self-reflection and information to match skills with opportunities.
The book is for anyone with a law degree or interest in law who is considering their career options. This includes law students, veteran practitioners, and new law graduates.
Some alternative careers for people with a law degree include teaching, working in law firms in non-legal roles, becoming a law librarian, or pursuing writing-based careers such as authoring books, speechwriting, or content creation.
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