ABOUT MONICA

An interview with Monica R. Parker, J.D.
Founder and Principal of LeavingTheLaw.com
Career coach and career change expert                  

Q: What’s your educational background?

MRP: I graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a B.A. in English and American Literature and earned my J.D. from Harvard Law School (“HLS”).  I served as a teaching assistant and then as a Lecturer on Law at HLS, teaching negotiation to students during the school year and executives during the summer at the Program of Instruction for Lawyers at HLS. 

Q. Why do you call yourself a career change expert?

MRP: I have been fortunate to be able to explore a number of career paths.  When I graduated from college, I joined Spike Lee’s development team at 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks to find films for Spike to executive produce.  Next, I went through a management training program at Winn Dixie, a Southeastern grocery store chain, and worked in stores in GA as an assistant manager.  After law school, I practiced intellectual property litigation at a large law firm in Atlanta, GA.  I left the practice of law to teach negotiation at Harvard Law and to conduct negotiation workshops all over the place, from Orlando, FL to Caracas, Venezuela.  I returned to the practice of law, but joined an employee benefits boutique in Atlanta, GA.  And now I’m a career coach for lawyers.   

Q:  Wow, you really are a career change expert.   

MRP:  That’s what a lot of people say!  More importantly, my clients see me as an example of someone who has successfully changed careers.     

Q:  Anything important we should know that’s not on your resume?

MRP:  I feel very strongly about chocolate.  If you’re one of those people who says, “Oh, yes, I like chocolate too,” that’s not the same thing.   

Q:  How did you decide to become a career coach for lawyers?

MRP: I’ve always been driven to find work that engages me.  And I’ve always been curious about why people stay in careers that don’t fulfill them.  Lawyers are notorious for doing that.  But as I found out once I became a lawyer, it’s really hard to let go of your professional identity.  I was lucky.  I hired a coach and discovered that coaching was my next career path.  After enrolling in a coach training program at the Coaches Training Institute, I thought about whom I really wanted to help.  I was deeply affected by a quote from Frederick Buechner: “The place where God calls you is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger intersect.”  I am grateful to be able to do coaching and career development, and I know so many lawyers who are desperate to find work that brings them joy.  So, I created LeavingTheLaw.com to help unhappy lawyers find and pursue fulfilling work outside of the law.  

I invite you to see how all of my experience and passion can help you make a career change!  Check out my products, workshops, and individual coaching.
 

Monica Parker helps lawyers change careers.