Lawyers are one of the most common professions in America, with around 1.4 million practicing lawyers in the country. However, as more people begin to realize that there is more to life than just focusing on making money, many lawyers are beginning to consider alternative careers as well.
If you’re considering becoming a lawyer, or have already begun your journey through law school, here are some alternative careers for lawyers you may want to consider:
- Personal Trainer: Personal trainers often work with people who need help staying fit or losing weight. If you’ve always had a passion for helping others improve their health and fitness levels, then becoming a personal trainer might be a good fit for you!
- Creative Writing: If writing has always been your passion and you’re looking for something new and exciting, then becoming an author may be just what you’re looking for! As an author, not only will you get to share your stories with others but also make money from them!
- Fashion Designer: If fashion has always been your dream job then becoming a fashion designer might be the perfect fit for you! Not only will it allow you to showcase your creativity but also earn money from it!
- Computer Engineer: Computer engineers are responsible for designing
Alternate Careers For Lawyers
Merge your current skills with your new passion
Along with considering your current skill set, it’s important to determine your passion. Make a list of jobs that blend both your newfound passion and your current legal expertise. For example, your analytical skills or attention to detail can help you become an investigator, law professor or risk manager. Merging your current skills with your new passion can help you find a job you’re not only good at but one you enjoy doing, too.
Be analytical
Use your analytical skills to consider jobs you hadn’t previously considered. For example, if you just graduated from law school, you can find a company you want to work for, get hired to their legal department and eventually move to a non-legal role. Also, certain legal roles can help you move into communications or another industry or role.
Use your network
Having been through law school and possibly some form of employment, you may have valuable contacts in your network. Use them to your advantage and ask if anyone knows of nonlegal opportunities that may interest you. Even if your connections are in the legal industry, they may introduce you to employers in other fields.
Related: Learn About Being a Lawyer
Alternative jobs for lawyers
Once you’ve decided you no longer want to be a lawyer, it’s important to consider what you want your next profession to be. Similar jobs, in particular, allow you to use what you learned in law school in a different capacity. Looking for a similar role can also increase your chances of employment since you may already have the skills a hiring manager is looking for. Here are 16 alternative jobs for lawyers, their national average salaries and primary duties:
1. Paralegal
National average salary: $51,455 per year
Primary duties: Paralegals use their knowledge of the law to perform various legal tasks for lawyers. Employed by lawyers, corporations or other entities, paralegals draft legal documents, do legal research and attend client interviews. They also conduct investigations, though they don’t represent clients in court as a lawyer does.
Related: Learn About Being a Paralegal
2. Investigator
National average salary: $58,561 per year
Primary duties: An investigator or detective collects evidence and information regarding a crime. They have many responsibilities, including speaking to witnesses, searching databases and arresting criminals. They have strong attention to detail and use their analytical skills to help them solve a variety of cases.
3. Investment consultant
National average salary: $59,171 per year
Primary duties: Investment consultants are investment professionals who help companies and individuals with their financial goals. Using their financial skills, they also develop investment strategies. Investment consultants work in a variety of workplaces such as banks, investment firms or simply on their own.
4. Mediator
National average salary: $64,623 per year
Primary duties: Mediators help two parties agree on a conflicting matter. They aim for civil communication and a timely and cost-effective agreement. Mediators also inform both parties of the mediation process, interview both parties, facilitate communication and answer questions.
5. Fund manager
National average salary: $66,110 per year
Primary duties: Fund managers oversee the management of a company’s funds. They also manage analysts, perform research and make various strategic financial decisions such as those regarding stocks, bonds and other fund securities.
6. Financial analyst
National average salary: $73,073 per year
Primary duties: Financial analysts perform various duties related to the analysis of a company or organization’s finances. They identify financial trends, offer advice to the management team, reconcile transactions and maintain a company’s database.
7. Realtor
National average salary: $79,106 per year
Primary duties: A realtor is a licensed real estate salesperson who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. Realtors guide their clients through the transaction process of buying real estate. They also answer client questions, serve as a point of communication between buyers and sellers and keep the transaction process moving along.
Related: Learn About Being a Realtor
8. Labor relations specialist
National average salary: $79,486 per year
Primary duties: Labor relations specialists work within a company’s human resources department. Some of their primary responsibilities include interpreting employee contracts, implementing labor relations programs, developing policies and promoting compliance with various contracts.
9. Real estate agent
National average salary: $84,108 per year
Primary duties: Real estate agents represent the buyer, seller or owner of a real estate property. They attend client meetings, show the property to various parties and complete various office work.
Related: Learn About Being a Real Estate Agent
10. Contract manager
National average salary: $87,963 per year
Primary duties: Contract managers create, manage and oversee a company or organization’s various contracts. They are the point of contact between companies, employees and third parties and help settle negotiations. Ultimately, they see a contract through from fruition to execution.
