Alternative Legal Careers and Your Legal Job Search: How Can I Learn More?

o you have more questions than answers? You are not alone. The lawyers with quasi-legal, alternative legal and non-legal careers are here to help. Literally.

Question: How can I learn more about different types of alternative legal careers?
Lawyers are trained to research, to think critically and to ask questions. Use your legal skills to learn more.

 ♦ Research – Learn about your target industries and about yourself. Read current news about your target industries. Learn as much as you can to determine if the area is right for you. LinkedIn is a crucial resource for information on companies, job titles and groups within which to participate on a variety of legal and non-legal topics. Once you have narrowed your options, begin to think like a lawyer. Analyze the information you have collected. You are the client. How well do you know your case? How well do you know yourself and your professional needs? What type of office environment do you prefer: large or small? Cubicles or closed doors? Do you work best alone or as part of a team? What about the practice of law do you not enjoy? What will you miss? It is important to know what you need to succeed.

 ♦ Think Critically – How will your skills fit into this new work environment, new industry, new practice area? Still not sure? Ask those who know…

 ♦ Ask Questions – Informational Interview. Do not ask to meet with professionals in your target market until you know more about the industry. People will always be happy to talk about themselves and help those who are interested to learn more, but you must know enough to ask informed questions and appear genuinely interested. Ask what path they took to get where they are, what qualities are necessary to thrive in that field, and what industry groups, resources and publications they find most helpful. Always ask for more people to talk to. Start building your alternative-legal network early.

One way to show your interest is to tailor your resume to your intended field. Resumes are different in different industries. A legal resume is not the same as a resume in banking, for instance. Speak to a professional about the best way to modify your resume.

Lawyers, even those who do not practice law, are still helpful members of the community. Lawyers can help make your life more fun. Lawyers are actors, jewelers, cupcake innovators and wine connoisseurs. Be creative, reinvent yourself and use your legal skills to do so.

As Principal of Attorney’s Counsel she counsels attorneys regarding their job prospects and how their interview skills, resumes, and social media profiles can be used as effective tools to reach their career goals. As a legal recruiter and career counselor, Jessica Silverstein reviewed and revised countless resumes in addition to interviewing attorneys at every level of their career. She has lectured on topics including the current economy and its effect on attorneys as well as alternative legal careers and how to best market oneself for a job search. She is Chair of the Law Student Perspectives Committee at the New York City Bar Association.

Jessica Silverstein

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