Life Outside Traditional Law

It can be quite daunting finishing university and having to decide what path to take. For some of us (myself included), I thought I had to have everything figured out in my early 20’s. Now in my 30’s – I can safely say to everyone who is in that boat now… it is not the case!

Over the last few months, I have been lucky enough to chat with some key players within the alternative legal space. On reflection, I thought it would be useful to share with the graduates and junior lawyers in my network, what opportunities there are available, outside of what is said to be the “normal” legal career trajectory. If you are like me and have a curious, wondering and creative mind you will soon discover that the field of law is home to so many new and innovative solutions.

My main area of focus and an area I am truly passionate about recruiting in is Legal Technology. Now, I didn’t come from a legal background myself, in fact, I couldn’t have come from anything more opposite to where I am today (but that’s a story for another day). What I’m getting at is that this industry is one that wears many hats and people with all skill sets can find a place. Having an understanding of Law is of course a bonus, but also people with technical and IT backgrounds, even Engineering, can find a career in Legal Technology and the like!

Here are some avenues you can look at:

• eDiscovery – there are three main areas to consider here. Collections, Processing/Analysing and Consulting.
• eHearings – this is a hands on, in the thick of it role. If you want to be rubbing shoulders with the judges and play a key role in live trials, then this is a role you want to be asking questions about.
• Forensics – this can include Investigations, Forensic Accounting, Incident Response and Forensic Technology services.
• Project Management / Legal Operations – identify opportunities to drive efficiencies and embed them by building and influencing a culture of continuous improvement within a law firm.
• Innovation / Transformation – this could include anything from app developments to workflow capabilities to streamline processes
• Business Development & Sales – Businesses need to make money… how do you do this… by selling! As glamorous as being a lawyer can seem, clients don’t just knock at your door… you have to build those relationships and sell your brand and your services, this is the same for Legal Technology. Client’s need to understand how technology can help them without costing them the earth. 

Now, of course, this is a very high-level overview to give you an idea and get you started on thinking about your next step (exciting, huh?!). One thing I will also add is how important it is to network. You’ll be surprised how far you’ll get and the doors that will open by simply sending a LinkedIn request to a professional within one of the above industries and asking for a chat. Go on… I dare you!

To discuss any of the above in more detail or to talk through your potential options, please get in touch with me directly on 0403 121 043 / aimee.forde@sonderconsultants.com for a confidential discussion.

“Just try new things. Don’t be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and soar, all right?”
– Michelle Obama