Nontraditional Legal Jobs Develop Transferable Skills

Today, there are many attorneys pursuing nontraditional legal careers for a number of reasons including the economy.  As a legal professional in a nontraditional career, you may wonder how your experience will translate and develop into future traditional legal career prospects.  The key is to seize every opportunity presented before you in order to become a more efficient and effective attorney.  While this list is not comprehensive, it serves to highlight a few traditional legal practices in a nontraditional legal position. 

Networking 

Although, attorneys in nontraditional legal careers may not be charged with the specific tasks of building a book of clients, developing good networking skills is essential to legal professionals.  Regardless of your work environment, there will be opportunities for you to network or build relationships for both you and your employer.  These networking opportunities may arise in a variety of ways, such as through the creation of private-public partnerships, project development, and other business opportunities.  Attorneys can also build relationships through involvement with bar associations and civic groups.  Developing these relationships will be valuable both now and in the future. 

Communication Skills

As attorneys, we are expected to communicate effectively through oral and written communication.  Nontraditional legal positions often present creative possibilities for oral and written communication.  This is beneficial because it allows attorneys to perfect their "keep it simple and straight to point" skill since you are most likely writing for non-lawyers.  In fact, if you are able to present legal jargon in a clear and concise manner for non-lawyers, then you are well on your way to strengthening your communication skills.  As such in nontraditional legal positions, you may have to give oral presentations to boards of directors, government officials, and business clients.  These experiences will be significant as you transition into a traditional legal position. 

Research Skills

As an attorney in any position, whether traditional or nontraditional you will inevitably be required to conduct research, more specifically legal research.  I have found that some nontraditional legal employers may be willing to purchase various legal research resources for attorneys.  Attorneys in nontraditional legal positions should use research assignments as a way to further develop their legal skills in both manual and computer assisted legal research.

Practice Civility and Respect for All 

In traditional as well as nontraditional legal careers we should treat everyone with respect.  As attorneys we are constantly reminded to be kind to staff, which is equally important in nontraditional legal positions.  Many times staff and fellow co-workers can serve as invaluable resources for maneuvering in our nontraditional legal positions.  I would also add that it is imperative that you treat other lawyers you encounter in your nontraditional legal positions with civility and respect.  Believe it or not the legal community is representative of the six degrees of separation concept.   

Professionalism 

Maintaining professionalism is the MOST important characteristic associated with the legal profession.  Attorneys in nontraditional legal careers should remember that they are lawyers first.  As such our profession is founded upon the idea that "your reputation precedes itself."  Furthermore, not only are you representing yourself but you are representing the profession.  Whether in a traditional or nontraditional legal position, lawyers are leaders and we must be magnanimous!

Think Like a Lawyer

Lawyers have been trained to analyze facts and think critically in order to craft legal arguments.  We have also been taught to advocate, negotiate, and persuade.  Use these skills in your nontraditional legal position.  Whether you are in a traditional or nontraditional legal position, each assignment presents the occasion for you to think like a lawyer.  We have the ability to assess legal and non-legal aspects of a situation.  As lawyers, we can bring a different perspective to the nontraditional position while at the same time preparing ourselves for a traditional legal position

Become an Expert 

Attorneys in nontraditional legal positions have the opportunity to develop an expertise in a substantive area outside the legal field.  Just as practitioners in traditional legal positions, attorneys in nontraditional legal positions should get into the practice of attending conferences, writing, and researching topics related to their current field or field of interest.  Additionally, I think it is also a good idea for attorneys that are in nontraditional legal positions to take time to analyze how their current assignment is impacted by the law.  In essence, learn as much as you can thus becoming a resource for your current and future employer.   

Provide Pro Bono Legal Services 

It is my personal belief that as lawyers we are called to give back to the community through pro bono legal service.  By providing pro bono legal service, attorneys in nontraditional legal careers can hone and maintain their traditional legal skills.  Additionally for those looking to transition into a traditional legal position, it is important to get used to providing pro bono legal services because there are some law firms that have pro bono requirements.  The experiences gained through pro bono legal service can lead to a traditional legal career.  Finally, for attorneys in nontraditional legal positions, participating in pro bono legal activities may also bring about a feeling of self-worth and confidence in your chosen profession. 

As you consider the legal skills of your colleagues in traditional legal positions realize that you too develop these skills on a daily basis.  Whether you are in a business setting, legislative or lobbying position, consulting or performing document review, be confident in knowing that you have traditional legal skills that can translate into future career opportunities