Originally published on August 17, 2009 in our free BigLaw newsletter.
For every large firm attorney recently laid off, another exists who probably relishes a pink slip. A layoff would provide the kick in the pants needed to leave the large firm world forever and pursue a more personally satisfying career. But with the economy (supposedly) turning around, that hoped-for layoff may never happen. But that doesn't mean you've lost your only valid excuse to leave.
With prospective employers more sympathetic to career changes and more open to applicants with divergent skill sets than in recent memory, now may be the perfect time for you to depart — voluntarily. If you're considering breaking away, note the following do's and don't's courtesy of someone who herself voluntarily made this transition — yours truly.
Don't Listen to Legal Recruiters
If your experience was anything like mine, you've probably heard from legal recruiters that you have two career options: lateral from your current firm to another similar firm where you would practice the exact same type law you've been practicing for the past few years, or go in-house.
None of the recruiters with whom I spoke placed lawyers in non-legal jobs or even knew of agencies that did so. I was told repeatedly that given the economy, my resume, and skill set, it would be extremely difficult to transition out of law. One recruiter even recommended that I call up my old firm and ask nicely to be reinstated in the job I had just quit.
Legal recruiters, of course, have a great financial interest in keeping you in the large firm world, and, therefore, little interest in recommending resources that might help you find your way out. Don't rely on them for guidance.
Do Take Classes
If prospective employers (and legal recruiters) tell you that you don't have the skill set they seek, don't lose hope. You can build a new skill set almost immediately by enrolling in business-specific continuing education classes or non-matriculating certificate programs.
Another easy way to boost your marketability is to take one or two day courses in Web design and graphic design from computer training companies. Listing "proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, HTML and inDesign" on your resume is more eye-catching than plain old "mastery of Microsoft Word." Employers often pay a premium for candidates with computer skills, even if such skills are only tangentially related to the job you seek.
Do Set Realistic Expectations
Unless you want to pursue a career in finance (specifically, investment banking or hedge fund management), you'll likely have to take a salary cut, at least initially. You may also have to enter a new career on the ground floor to get the experience needed to eventually command a higher salary. Don't waste time searching for an entry-level job that pays a large firm salary sans the hours and drudgery — it doesn't exist. Before you leave your cushy (financially speaking) law firm gig, understand that you may have to adjust your standard of living. What you lose in salary you'll (hopefully) make up for with better hours and/or more fulfilling work.
Do Keep Your License Current
In addition to having computer skills, another way to obtain a higher starting salary in your new career is to keep your legal license current. Even if a new position doesn't require you to practice law, most prospective employers (especially small businesses) prefer an attorney who can assist in a legal pinch, all else being equal. A current license also enables you to perform contract attorney work if you're between jobs or otherwise want to earn cash on the side.
Most Importantly, Don't Live With Regret
It took me a year and a month to find a full-time employment in a new career following my departure from a large firm. At times I thought no employer would ever give me the chance to prove that I had skills beyond analyzing ERISA clauses, but even as months of unemployment dragged on, I never regretted my decision to pursue more fulfilling opportunities. Leaving the large firm world is a major decision that involves being proactive and readjusting you financial expectations, but if you're unhappy in your career, you may find it worth the effort and sacrifice.
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