Careers
Tips on Re-Entering the Legal Profession After a Hiatus
Posted Jul 1, 2009 6:41 AM CST
By Molly McDonough
In a column this week posted at examiner.com, working mom and practicing New York lawyer Amy Impellizzeri writes about a Web-based company aimed at helping women re-enter the workforce after spending time rearing children.
After interviewing a co-founder of the company iRelaunch, Impellizzeri posted several tips for women lawyers looking to get back into the profession, including checking out career re-entry programs like the ABA's Back to Business Law pilot project.
Among the re-entry tips:
• Volunteer to write legal briefs for a local appeals bureau.
• Teach an adjunct class at a local law school.
• Set up career re-entry events for the local bar association.
• Check with local law firms to see if there is overflow work that you can do on a per diem basis.
Share in the comments if you have other tips for successful career re-entry.
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Comments
Nicole Black
Jul 1, 2009 7:09 AM CST
Start a blog. It shows that you’re on top of recent changes in the law, showcases your writing skills, and serves to “legitimize” you after a hiatus.
Worked like a charm for me back in 2005;) I have 5 blogs now—the first was Sui Generis-A New York Law blog.
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tim
Jul 1, 2009 7:25 AM CST
my tip - DON"T
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Julie Shifman
Jul 1, 2009 7:48 AM CST
As an attorney and women’s career re-entry coach, I have two recommendations 1) stay involved with your local bar association, serving on committees in your area of expertise. This will not only keep your knowledge current, but also you will be a known commodity to other lawyers at the point you decide to look for a job. 2) Stay in touch with your former partners and associates. As they move around to other firms, they can keep you informed of job openings.
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BigLaw
Jul 1, 2009 10:00 PM CST
Don’t go back to law—-the profession is more messed up than ever, the jobs are scarce and the billing rates are terrible right now. Clients want everything for a low fixed fee instead of the rates we’ve been charging. I may go into medicine!
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