Create a new career out of your old resume

Several former legal professionals who have successfully reinvented their professional lives told their stories, offering suggestions for others who are considering a career change. The session, “Create a New Career Out of Your Old Resume,” took place during the 2008 Annual Meeting in New York. New careers included both legal and non-legal positions. One former lawyer switched to a teaching position before moving on to communications consulting. Another is now a headhunter, while one former Supreme Court staff lawyer now splits his time between serving as a judge and attending seminary.

Corrine Cooper, principal of communications consulting firm Professional Presence, emphasized self evaluation as a necessary part of the process when contemplating a career change. She laid out several questions individuals may want to ask themselves:

• What do you want to accomplish for yourself?
• What is your targeted market?
• How are you going to market yourself?
• What do you want to communicate about your work?

For those interested in starting their own business, Cooper urged consideration of economic issues. “What will it cost to live and run your own business the first year?” “How are you going to pay for health insurance?” and “What impact will the job change have on your retirement?”

Other business-related considerations include deciding the legal form the business will take as well as determining what licenses and filings are required.

Many people seeking new careers also want to continue the practice of law. Among other considerations, Cooper suggested researching what is needed to maintain licensure, whether the bar permits a practicing lawyer to engage in such a business.

Switching careers can be difficult. Experts encouraged attendees to contact their networks and law school connections.

For those not sure about making a career change, Diane M. Costigan, executive coach and consultant, suggests examining your happiness level. Think about your past professional choices, what has worked and what has not.

Hillary Mantis, a lawyer and career consultant, offered two Web sites for alternative careers within and outside of the legal profession:; http://www.nontradlegal.com and http://www.job-hunt.org.

The program was sponsored by the Section of Business Law Committee on Career and Practice Development, Section of Business Law Committee on Diversity, American Law Institute – American Bar Association and Young Lawyers Division.

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