Can You REALLY do Anything with a Law Degree? [This Legal Life Newsletter]

Welcome to this week’s This Legal Life Newsletter! Here's your quick TL;DR before diving in:

• Career Spotlight: Sarah Irwin 's inspiring journey from barrister to building a thriving community for General Counsel who are reshaping legal functions.
• Law School Hacks: Brandon Friedman shares his unconventional strategy to land in the top 10% of his law school class—are finals the real key to success?
• Culture Matters: Stefanie Costi 's viral post with over 3,800 engagements highlights the ongoing importance of workplace culture in law firms for 2024 and beyond.
• Alex Su Always Delivers: Another week, another fire post from Alex Su talking about the in-house culture shock—don't miss it!

Plus, I'm diving deep into the emotional and financial complexities of transitioning out of traditional legal practice. From overcoming identity hurdles to reframing perspectives, this week's insights are for anyone considering a non-traditional path in law.

Finally, tune into the latest This Legal Life Podcast where I chat with Craig Budner of K&L Gates about mentorship, curiosity, and the evolving role of lawyers in today’s world.

Get it all below!

?? TRENDING ON LINKEDIN: Workplaces, Legalpreneurs, and In-House roles.

Loved this post by Sarah Irwin on your career journey from barrister to now running her own community where she helps GCs start, scale and run a modern, well-liked legal function along with a community supporting same! Legalpreneurs continue to be a huge post-2008 trend in legal. What do you think? Ever thought about becoming a legalpreneur?

This post from Brandon Friedman about strategies he took to get to the top 10% of his law firm class, specifically by focusing on your finals vs the actual class assignments. What do you think - smart strategy? If you had to do it again would you use some of Brandon's strategies yourself?

This post from Stefanie Costi had over 3,800 engagements which tells me workplace culture is still a huge issue in 2024. I'm always interested in where law firms are moving and in what direction here. What's your take?

....and of course some Alex Su fire!

?? DEEP DIVE ARTICLE: Transitioning out of law

"You can do anything with a law degree" is a common refrain heard by law students and recent graduates. However, the reality of transitioning out of traditional legal practice can be far more complex and challenging than this optimistic phrase suggests

For many lawyers, the profession becomes deeply intertwined with their sense of identity. After years of rigorous study and professional development, the idea of leaving law behind can feel like abandoning a core part of oneself.

This psychological hurdle is often underestimated but can be one of the most significant barriers to career change.The financial implications of a law degree also loom large. With the average law school debt in the U.S. exceeding $160,000, many lawyers feel trapped by the need to maintain a high-paying legal job to manage their student loans

Exploring lower-paying or non-traditional career paths can seem financially irresponsible or even impossible. Family expectations and societal perceptions add another layer of complexity. For those from cultures or families that highly value the prestige of a legal career, pivoting away from law can bring feelings of shame or disappointment.

This emotional burden shouldn't be underestimated when considering career transitions. Despite these challenges, there is hope for lawyers seeking new paths. Many former attorneys have successfully transitioned into fulfilling careers across various industries. From entrepreneurship to public policy, education to technology, law graduates are leveraging their skills in diverse and unexpected ways

Resources like the This Legal Life podcast showcase inspiring stories of lawyers who have found meaningful work beyond traditional practice

These examples demonstrate that while the path may not be easy, it is certainly possible to build a rewarding career that aligns with one's values and interests.For those questioning their legal career, it's important to:

1. Keep exploring options and stay curious about different fields
2. Network with lawyers who have made successful transitions
3. Seek career counseling or coaching specialized in legal career changes
4. Be patient and persistent in the search for fulfilling work

Remember that your law degree equips you with valuable skills like critical thinking, research, and communication that are prized in many industries. Transitioning out of a law career can be challenging, but it doesn't mean you're failing. Here's how you can approach this transition positively:

Acknowledge Your Feelings

It's normal to experience a sense of grief or conflicted emotions when considering leaving law. This often stems from:

• The idea of who you thought you'd become
• Comparisons with peers who seem "successful" in legal careers
• Family expectations and societal perceptions

Reframe Your Perspective

Instead of viewing the transition as a failure, consider it a courageous step towards personal growth and fulfillment.Recognize your transferable skills:

• Critical thinking
• Research abilities
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving

These skills are highly valued in many industries beyond law

Take Strategic Steps

1. Self-reflection: Identify your core strengths and passions
2. Explore options: Research alternative careers that align with your skills and interests.
3. Prepare your narrative: Craft a resume and cover letter that highlight your transferable skills
4. Network: Connect with lawyers who have successfully transitioned to other fields

?? New....This Legal Life Podcast

In this episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga sits down with Craig Budner, Global Strategic Growth Partner at K&L Gates, to discuss his 33-year journey in the legal industry. They explore the power of mentorship, the importance of curiosity, and the evolving role of lawyers in today’s dynamic legal landscape.

About Craig:

Craig W. Budner is the Global Strategic Growth Partner for K&L Gates LLP. In this role, he manages the global recruiting and integration functions for the firm. He also manages the firm’s Client Growth department, which provides business development, marketing, and media relations services. Additionally, he plays a key role in managing the firm’s business and operations as a member of the management and advisory committees.

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