Can You Tell Me What Six-Figure Alternative Careers Are Out There for Lawyers?
When I talk to clients, they often ask me this question sheepishly. Nothing to be sheepish about. If you’re currently earning six figures and that’s something that appeals to you, it’s not surprising that you’d like to maintain your current level of income. Financial constraints keep a lot of lawyers in the practice of law. Between law school debt and having grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle, it’s hard to imagine foregoing the money for a low-paying, albeit enjoyable, job.
I think the sheepishness comes from wondering whether you can walk out of your law office and right into a six-figure job based on the strength of your law school diploma. Great question really.
So what about that list? I don’t have it. Is there such a list or is it only a mythical beast? And if we had it, what would we do with it?
Let’s create a list. What are the six-figure jobs out there for lawyers?
I can think of a few off the top of my head that I discovered from research I did for my book "Unhappy Lawyer (Sourcebooks, July 2008)." Mind you, the lawyers who transitioned to these alternative careers didn’t start off making six figures but within a few years began earning that kind of salary:
Conflict resolution trainers/consultants, literary and sports agents, actors, editors, and entrepreneurs.
What other professions come to mind for you—-where you can earn six figures right off the bat or after a few years—-or who do you know who made such a transition? I’ll keep my eyes and ears open too, and we’ll come back to the question of what we would do with such a list once we’ve created it.
posted by Monica Parker @ 5:41 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
Monica -
I know several lawyers who make six figures in the following roles:
- Marketing Director
- Business Development Manager or Director
- Professional Development Manager or Director
- Diversity Director
- Outside Business Development Coach or consultant
- Client interviewer or surveyor
Mark Beese
www.leadershipforlawyers.typepad.com
Oh, boy. Here we go again. I want to tear my hair out whenever someone describes "conflict resolution trainer/consultant" as a six-figure career option.
It's a six-figure career option in the same way being a dog trainer is a six-figure career option -- if you're fiercely ambitious, possess talent and an entrepreneurial spirit, land the right kind of clients, and are really, really lucky. I mean, really lucky.
I'm a dispute resolution professional and mediation trainer who has met hundreds of people who thought that a career in dispute resolution would be a great way to make lots of money. Let's get something straight: it's not. People who do are the exception, not the rule. It's a tough field to break into, and even tougher to make the kind of money you're talking about here. Over the years I've seen numerous people try to break into the business and numerous people leave it after discovering it was much harder than they thought.
The reality is that mediation trainers like me are constantly asking themselves whether training more mediators and conflict resolution professionals is ethical, when so few opportunities exist for people to make a real living. For a tell-it-like-it-is polemic on this topic, visit visit this article at the SCMA Blog.
By the way, there's a grim joke that mediators like to tell -- a joke that reflects the harsh realities of the field. Here goes. Question: What's the difference between a mediator and a large cheese pizza? Answer: the pizza can feed a family of four.
Monica, I respect your work so very much, and I hope you can forgive my blunt comments here. But I don't want anyone to think that a career in conflict resolution is any guarantee, even remotely, of a six-figure lifestyle.
It's possible.
But it's no sure thing.
Mark, thanks very much for your response. We'll add 'em to the list!
Diane, no forgiveness necessary, I welcome your blunt comments! You're absolutely right that the conflict resolution world is a tough one to crack and to earn six figures in. Your dog trainer comparison is well put.
We'll explore your point and this elusive concept of six figures more in a future post, once we've got the list.
Thanks too for your kind words about respecting my work and I hope to hear from you whenever you've got something to say!
I would like to second Mark Beese's comment. I made the transition to executive coaching and leadership development, and then to a law firm director position. It takes time, patience, humility, stamina, and resilience -- and an investment in new thinking and some training -- but it's absolutely do-able if your keep your goal in sight.
Hi Kathleen, your response was both informative and inspirational, so thanks very much!
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