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Judgment Reversed: Alternative Careers for Lawyers

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This book is not for the person who has been out practicing law for several years. It is probably somewhat helpful for those who realize that practicing law is not for them either while in law school or shortly afterward, but there are better resources out there. The book consists of some introductory material which says that if you don't like law or cannot find a decent legal job, you are not a "loser," followed by a large collection of "sample" letters and resumes. You get the idea after one or two, but as this book really has nothing else to say, the many samples serve as redundant filler.

Are you a lawyer who has grown tired of the practice of law? Or perhaps you are a career consulting professional who works with tired lawyers. In either case, you will find this a most helpful book. The author is a lawyer who has successfully made the switch and is now serving as Director of Marketing for a Fortune 500 Company. Interviews with key decision makers about the qualities they look for in hiring for high value positions supplement his own personal knowledge and experience in providing advice for the legal job changer.

Strausser covers the entire territory of a career change, beginning with the question, "Are you sure that you really want a change?" He recognizes that an attorney who has invested so much time, money, and effort in legal training will want to assure him or herself that the business sector can provide careers with similar material and psychic satisfactions. He lists the characteristics possessed by business leaders, and shows how law school and legal practice develop those very same characteristics. He emphasizes the importance of finding a position that will utilize the job seeker's personal and professional strengths, and provides worksheets and a plan for identifying strengths and career preferences.

Strausser recognizes that most lawyers have limited familiarity with the business sector, so he provides the reader with an introduction to "three point" careers: high value positions in growing companies that are within expanding industries. He lists nine alternatives, but is careful to point out that others exist. There is no substitute for the career changer's own careful research into the business sectors and roles that are of the most interest. He refers the reader to the wide variety of information that is available to help the job seeker target appropriate companies, and provides a list of suggested reading for further information gathering.

Finally, Strausser shows how to make the connection between legal training and experience, and business practice. He takes the reader through the "how to's" of composing an introduction letter that highlights the career changer's key skills and experiences, and shows how these apply specifically to the position desired. He then shows the reader how to write a resume that will complement and expand on the introduction letter. He thoroughly covers the importance of follow up, and shows how to use the interview to best advantage.

The legal career changer who reads this book will be better prepared to identify a high value career in the business sector and speak to the hiring manager in a way that shows how the job seeker's legal training will provide unique benefits to the hiring company. Such preparation is invaluable in making a successful career transition.