People ask me this question all of the time: What are the most popular alternative legal careers?
While the list of potential careers is virtually endless, a few come to mind that fit in well with the times we live in.
Have you considered these ideas?
- Web design and technical support for law firms: Law firms are businesses that need to market themselves. So, for every smart-looking firm website that’s designed to attract new clients, there is a person behind it designing the site. Who would know better how to best describe a firm than a lawyer? Especially one who is good with technology and familiar with how law firms work. That also goes for supporting all of the computer programs and technology that modern day law firms all use. Not to mention training all of the lawyers in the firm on how to use the technology. There are many possibilities to combine technology skills with your law degree.
- Post-election jobs in federal government: Are you interested in politics and government? When there is a new president in town, there is a lot of turnover in the federal government. People leave, and new people come in. Not just in Washington, but potentially in federal government jobs all over the country. For lawyers, this can mean both traditional legal jobs, and quasi-legal positions. A few positions I often see listed on government websites are contract administrator, policy analyst and compliance analyst. For those in D.C., there will be new openings for staff members on the Hill, as new positions are occupied in Congress and the Senate. This may mean that there are more internships available in both the D.C. and regional offices as well.
- Non-legal professional positions in law firms: There are many administrative positions available in law firms, especially the larger ones. In this competitive market, firms increasingly need to compete to garner the top clients and the best lawyers. They need qualified administrators to help them achieve their goals. Legal recruiting, legal marketing and professional development departments often hire lawyers as administrators. It’s the best of both worlds in some ways. You can work in a law firm and work with top lawyers, but not have to deal with billable hours. For the right person, it can be a great fit.
Hillary Mantis works with pre-law students, law students and lawyers. She is the author of “Alternative Careers for Lawyers” and the director of the Pre-Law Program at Fordham University. You can reach Hillary at altcareer@aol.com.
