If Not a Lawyer, What Would You Be?

Question of the Week

Posted May 15, 2008, 09:41 am CDT
By Molly McDonough

We learned this week that Boston med-mal lawyer Karen Ristuben is, in her spare time, a recording artist.

Then there’s Jennifer Blum, who when she’s not scoring against her competition as a civil litigator is racking up points for the New York Sharks, which is part of the Independent Women’s Football League.

This made us wonder what other lawyers are doing in their “free” time. So tell us …

If not practicing law, what would you be doing full-time?

Answer in the comments below.

Read last week’s question and lone answer about nurturers in your lives. Seriously, no one else wants to pay tribute to mom or other significant mentors?

Answer from last week:

Posted by Einstein: Sorry, I can’t limit it to one, because there were two.

My mother died when I was ten years old, and my grandmother took over the feminine aspect of raising me and my brothers and sisters. She cooked and cleaned and mended, and it was just expected at the time. She was not always the easiest person to live with, but looking back on it, I certainly could not be the person I am today without her.

The other nurturing person in my life has been my wife. Again, not the easiest person to live with, but VERY motivating, got me through college and law school, even though she was in school at the time as well. And now, thirty years later, still a great source of motivation, she gleefully spends every penny we both make.

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Posted by MSG - 3 months, 2 weeks, 18 hours, 16 minutes ago

Almost anything but one. I became a lawyer for all the wrong reaons (and no money wasn’t the reason). I had more idealistic reason - like changing the system in domestic law, not wanting what happened to me to happen to any one else, male or female, child and adult. But dissillusionment and my own personal issues quickly took me to the dark side of our profession. I think the worst part of our profession is dealing with other unprofessional, mean, incompetent lawyers who take on their client’s case like it is their own personal vendeta and judges who lack the personal fortitude, common sense, and intelligence to enforce procedural rules and judge cases on the facts, not on a laziness or a hunch or favoratism. I am still in the profession but making a transition out of it - to what, that I am still discovering. It is a difficult process. The JD on your resume scares off a lot of employers because they think you either want to run the show or someday down the rode you will sue them for some inoncous employment matter. But you can’t leave it off your resume after having been a practicing lawyer for 14 years. Sometimes it makes me want to put a disclaimer on my resume that I will not sue my new prospective employer! Any advice is well appreciated.
Posted by MSG - 3 months, 2 weeks, 18 hours, 14 minutes ago

BTW, sorry for all the typos…
Posted by Lauren Pope - 3 months, 2 weeks, 24 minutes ago

I would be a baker. Specifically, I would make wedding cakes. I love to bake, but I just don’t have the time to do it properly. My most recent favorite creation is Chocolate Chip Butter Cake with Baileys Butter Cream icing. Of course, being a lawyer, where there if often no time to eat, is probably better for my figure.
Posted by DMB - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes ago

I would love to open a yarn store, give lessons on how to do hand made crafts. I have been knitting, crocheting, needle pointing for over 30 years (I started young!!) - it is a lost art form. I find that I can get lost in a project, alone in my thoughts, and when I am done, I have a finished project that always brings a smile to whomever receives the gift.

And on the side - I want to rescue as many dogs as I can so I need a big house and yard to accommodate all my visitors!!
Posted by Dan - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes ago

I always wanted to open my own coffee shop. That’s just my dream. In reality I think I would probably have continued in my undergrad profession and been a research scientist. Most days I’m happy about my decision to become an attorney. Other days it’s the complete opposite. That’s with every profession.
Posted by DIana - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 23 hours, 29 minutes ago

Until Feb. 5, I practiced full time. On Feb. 6 this year I closed the deal on a yarn, knitting and fibers store. After practicing uncivil litigation for almost 20 years, I was fed up with the state of the profession, the lack of civility among attorneys and the power trip that many judges are on.

I now control my schedule. If I need to bring the kids to the shop, I do. And there is no such thing as a life-threatening knitting emergency. I have never been happier. While I will keep my license active, I doubt I will ever practice law again.

I’m not making nearly as much money, but I sleep well at night and am very, very happy.
Posted by Joan H. - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 23 hours, 23 minutes ago

I would have been a radio or television journalist. Before there was a Christiane Amanpour, that’s the kind of image and job I would have been shooting for: smart, clear, interesting, international reporting. Sometimes I have momentary regrets for not “going there,” but I have been able to use my International Relations and History undergraduate degrees for other purposes in my two law careers over the years (practice and teaching). So, unlike others who have posted here so far, I have been very fulfilled as a lawyer.
Posted by LMD - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 23 hours, 22 minutes ago

I’d be racing a Top Fuel dragster.
Posted by Ean - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 23 hours, 17 minutes ago

As a Judge Advocate, I have the best of both worlds: I am a Lawyer and a Soldier. Not only do I have the opportunity to practice law in a variety of legal subjects, but I get to wear the uniform for our country and defend our constitution wearing two hats. If I didn’t practice law, I would still be a military officer. It was my fallback if law school fell through and I am just fortunate now that I get to do both full time. Either way, to me there’s nothing better than serving alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in our country. DISCLAIMER: These are my personal views and not the official views of the US Government and US Army.
Posted by Steve Latimer - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 23 hours, 16 minutes ago

I would be a professional documentary photographer. People like Richard Avedon, Gordon Parks, Mary Ellen Mark to name a few are people who I would emulate.

I almost started on that road about 15 years ago, but my life partner was going to go into private practice and we decided to do it together. I’ve never regretted it, and still do photography. Maybe when I retire in a year or two I’ll try again to make a living at it.
Posted by PN - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 23 hours, 12 minutes ago

A Human Being!
Posted by Sara - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 23 hours, 6 minutes ago

I would open my own wellness center that would include physical exercise options for all ages, but also on-site nutrition, meal planning, and behavioral psychologist. I would also volunteer more time to work with disadvantaged youth.
Posted by JAF - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes ago

An anthropologist. I was an anthropology and sociology major at UCLA many, many moons ago but my direction was always law since I was a little kid - I’m the daughter of a lawyer and the only child that followed in my dad’s footsteps. My dream job was (and still is) to practice for a museum or socio-anthropological society. But then graduation came and the school loans went into repayment so here I find myself practicing as an in-house software licensing attorney in the Midwest which surprisingly seems so much farther away from my native California than when I lived in Boston while attending law school.
Posted by Alex - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 22 hours, 44 minutes ago

I’d open a bikes and boards shop (may need a lawyer when someone falls off their board, though).
Posted by Erin - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 22 hours, 32 minutes ago

I’d be a travel writer or a wedding planner.
Posted by Heather - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 22 hours, 15 minutes ago

In addition to law a own and operate a pet sitting business. If I wasn’t also practicing law, I would expand into doggie daycare, self washes for dogs and a pet boutique. I have also been an active e-bayer and would like to do that--again if not for law!
Posted by judy - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 22 hours, 9 minutes ago

Dana:

You are living my dream as I continue to practice law while dreaming of the other life I should be leading in the knitting world.
Posted by Angie - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 21 hours, 54 minutes ago

I would do show jumping (jumping horses over fences) full time as well as training others to ride and compete. After graduating law school last year and moving to WY I haven’t rode for nearly 6 months, but maybe someday. I still dream of competing on the U.S. Olympic Team for show jumping! Fortunately, age of the horse is the only thing that would dictate than my own age because it might take awhile! :)
Posted by Charity - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 21 hours, 53 minutes ago

Before law school I taught children’s ballet, creative movement, and did dance outreach in Flint, Michigan. That is what I want to do again. The thought of being greeted by fourteen four year-olds at 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning fora dance lesson brings a smile to my face. It was challenging in a different set of ways and rewarding. Plus, I got to skip whenever the mood struck me, which isn’t something I can do at my labor adjudicator/mediator job.
Posted by MommyEsq - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 21 hours, 7 minutes ago

When I graduated from college, I could think of no greater job than to be a policy analyst / lobbyist for Planned Parenthood. Defending women’s rights sounded like the greatest thing in the world. But it is such a niche that I couldn’t figure out how to get into that line of work. So I went to law school, thinking that perhaps I could work on the Hill for a while. However, after paying private-school tuition my loans were too high to afford to work in non-profit / public service. I’ve sold out and work for a private company that makes money when Americans overspend their paychecks at the mall. Whoopee.
Posted by Mario Molina - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 21 hours, 5 minutes ago

Definitely a chef.
Posted by beachbum - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 21 hours ago

A drug dealer. Just kidding, although I hear there’s a lot of money in that.
I would work on a cruiseline. Bartender would be good. Massage therapist. Lifeguard. Vacation while you work. Sounds absolutely perfect.
For mental stimulation, I’d Sudoku and pick up men. Like a celebrity, I’d work out like it was my job. My biggest task each day would be to paint my toenails. Once I was world traveled, I would write inane, but clever little articles about the best beaches, restaurants, and money savers.
Posted by dts - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 20 hours, 55 minutes ago

a chef
Posted by Andy the Lawyer - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 20 hours, 47 minutes ago

Remember Jason Statham’s character in “The Transporter”? I’d be doing his job and living in his house on the French Riviera—with or without Bai Ling.

This was a fantasy question, right?
Posted by KLM - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 20 hours, 40 minutes ago

I would operate an animal shelter and/or boarding facility, which I do on a strickly volunteer basis now. I also liked my prior career as an accountant.
Posted by Eric - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 20 hours, 37 minutes ago

Probably I would get an MFA or a PhD in English and teach at a small college with a big endowment.That was my “road not taken” twenty years ago and while, its appeal has never dimmed, I’ll probably “die with my boots on” practicing law.
Posted by Barbara Traub - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 20 hours, 13 minutes ago

I would be what I am - a law librarian. Law librarianship is a highly rewarding profession (although not necessarily in the economic sense). There is something new every day and it gives me the opportunity to keep learning, to teach, and to contribute to the endeavors of others. Many of us have transitioned from legal practice - and are eternally grateful that we did! For more information visit the website of the American Association of Law Libraries at http://www.aallnet.org/committee/rllc/rc-lawlibrarian/index.asp
Posted by Ka'Juel J. Washington - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 20 hours, 6 minutes ago

I would be in an African village studying traditional practices and training to be a Shaman. It would be fascinating to heal people with herbs, bathes and laying of the hands.
Posted by BJ - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 19 hours, 44 minutes ago

I would be a Chef. Be like Anthony Bourdain… get paid to travel smoke and eat…
Posted by Sheri Ann Forbes - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 19 hours, 16 minutes ago

A National Geographic photographer.
Posted by M - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 19 hours, 16 minutes ago

I graduated from law school over a year ago & kind of landed into my dream job due to BS delays in getting admitted, moving away from where I went to law school & knowing I didn’t want a traditional legal job. My fall back was entertainment since I did a lot of acting & singing in high school as well as kept it up in undergrad and law school (even won a prize in my law school’s yearly talent show one year & no one really knew me); people always told me how I’d become a famous celebrity. I went to law school b/c of having aptitude for it & to avoid living a life I’d hate in my hometown.

I applied for entertainment internships after passing 2 bar exams since I was bored, didn’t have to worry about getting pay & wanted to do something productive. I got opportunities with 2 companies, one allowing me to be in charge of the interns/many HR matters & be the CEO’s Exec Asst. It pays to take unpaid jobs seriously because when my CEO decided to restructure the company, he opted to make me a partner.

Still not getting paid since the company needs financing but once we do, I’m all set. I also get to work in the field I want with a great team, assist on all the legal matters in some capacity, utilize my entertainment skills w/out heavy media scrutiny, and be myself instead of a lawyer robot. I have to caution new lawyers that I was VERY LUCKY & my story’s an exception but that doesn’t mean one shouldn’t pursue things that are difficult.
Posted by MLL - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 17 hours, 1 minute ago

To MSG and Ean’s comments - I recently left active duty JAG to go into private practice, and I’ve found the world of domestic relations cases in state court to be a nightmare. After dealing with professional military officers and JAGs (although there were a few boneheads) I miss it because of the unprofessional behavior I see in State courts. No productive meetings about difficult clients going through a traumatic divorce, just motions, court dates on frivolous items and BS requests for spousal support from fully employed spouses. However, when I’m working on an employee discrimination case, or representing a special needs student, which I don’t make that much money but it balances the divorce practice, I like being a lawyer, some days are better than others. Back to the military, as I got promoted to be a senior JAG, they took me out of the courtroom, which was absolutely my favority job! To wear the uniform, work among professionals and get to stand up in court and argue legitimate issues AND get paid good money was GREAT! However, since I am out of that area for the time being, my dream job outside of the legal profession would be being a gardner or landscape artist. I could be outside, mak beautiful plants grow and stop and smell the roses. AHHH! that would be nice!
Posted by J-diva - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 16 hours, 42 minutes ago

A house/drum and bass DJ. Really. I got my turntables the Christmas before law school an was even going to join a dj group, until my dream got cut short by contracts and torts. I’m also an artist in my spare time (I’ve painted all my life and minored in art in college), but law has sapped my creativity and time an energy to paint lately. Like JAF above, in college I thought I was going to be an anthropologist/museum archaeologist, so I would love to work in the legal office of a museum like the Smithsonian, and realized late in law school there is a niche for art law practice, but it’s so hard to get into. As an attorney from the Smithsonian told me at an info session at the ABA conference last year, they dont hire anyone with “less than 15 years experience.” Sweet - only 13 years to go. So for now I’m working as a BigLaw staff attorney, slowly killing my soul and looking for other work in public interest or small firm litigation. I’ve also always wanted to design clothes and used to sketch fashion plates when I was young, so lately have started sketching bridal gowns in my “spare” time (something to do with my upcoming wedding Im sure). Essentially anything in the arts that doesnt involve document review.
Posted by cdf - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 16 hours, 21 minutes ago

I left computer programming to go to law school. I practiced for two years and now am back programming computers. I’m never going to get rich, but at least I have a chance to be happy. I do estate planning work by night (just to keep my hand in).
Posted by SA - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 16 hours, 5 minutes ago

I would open a record store—oh yeah, there are no more record stores.
Posted by oldcountrylawyer - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 13 hours, 56 minutes ago

Painter/sculptor....or chef...or interior decorator or writer/novelist/columnist on the visual arts, dining and home fashion.
Posted by Ingrid Larson-Alexander - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 12 hours, 1 minute ago

Easy. I’d be a professional harpist, with a degree in harp therapy to be a certified healing musician. This may not be quite a surprise, as I’m a harpist of 20+ years, but if my law practice fell apart, the next day I’d use my G.I. Bill to go back for a music degree.
Posted by Maria - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 11 hours ago

I actually love law. I hate the business side. So if I had it to do over again I would have studied harder so I could be a law professor.
Posted by Max - 3 months, 1 week, 5 days, 19 hours, 26 minutes ago

A pro bono veterinarian.
Posted by newb - 3 months, 1 week, 4 days, 20 hours, 42 minutes ago

A psychic, however, my plan was to specialize and limit my predictions solely to weather forecasts.

A close second is chiropractor. Then I could cure my patients of anything and everything simply by adjusting their spines. Perhaps I could have combined the two and been known as the amazing psychic chiropractor and weather prognosticator. Everybody needs a dream right?
Posted by ERS - 3 months, 1 week, 3 days, 19 hours, 50 minutes ago

I love to do interior decorating and landscape design. Preferably, in urban, historic districts undergoing revitalization efforts. I love the process of taking a beautiful old neighborhood suffering from urban decay, and helping people to invest their time and money in rehabbing it. Take Old North St. Louis for instance - they’re doing amazing work there. www.onsl.org—I hate suburbs. But truly - I love being a solo lawyer - my dream is to have my practice in a beautiful historic building or storefront - and walk to work everyday - best of both dreams.
Posted by LLL - 3 months, 1 week, 2 days, 21 hours, 27 minutes ago

In response to Ean and MLL comments, I am an Air Force JAG currently living my dream job of representing Airmen facing the Physical Evaluation Board (Disability Evaluation System). However, there have been times in my service that have been less interesting, to the point of becoming mundane while dealing with the “cats and dogs” of civil law (advising commanders and writing repetitive legal opinions for routine events). One day my boss, who enjoyed asking everyone what their plan was for each day, noticed my frustration at the never-ending pile of fundraiser requests and organizational bylaws reviews. He asked this same question, what would I do if not the law and/or the Air Force. I honestly replied that diesel mechanic was looking pretty good.
Posted by EBC - 3 months, 1 week, 2 days, 14 hours, 15 minutes ago

To MSG (#1): I have been through the nightmare you describe. I became a lawyer because my greatest mentor, my dad, was a very successful one. He truly made it look easy and glamorous. Unfortunately, he passed away during my first year out of law school, and things changed in many ways. I continued to practice law for 8 years, even though I had decided after 5 that I hated it. When I started looking outside of traditional practice, I think that most places where I applied were scared of the JD. Corporations generally don’t think about a lawyer’s transferable skills. When I moved away, things became much easier because the JD no longer mattered as much, since I am not licensed to practice in my new jurisdiction. Sure, there were questions about whether or not I would take transfer exams and seek a license to practice (answer not on your life!) But eventually, with a lot of soul searching, patience, and perserverance, I can say that I am finally happy as a Paralegal in-house for a major international company. With the potential for growth in nearly any area I choose, what’s not to love?!

And when I retire from my Executive VP job in 20 years, I will either get a big house in the country and run a dog kennel, or be an interior designer. :-)
Posted by JAD - 3 months, 1 week, 1 day, 21 hours, 1 minute ago

One or more of the following: Martial arts instructor; chef; accountant.
Posted by Julia - 3 months, 6 days, 22 hours, 34 minutes ago

good old-fashioned housewife, just a well-educated one who has the freedom to do anything, and does, but makes homemaking a top priority
Posted by Mary - 3 months, 5 days, 8 hours, 16 minutes ago

I’d like to co-host a TV cooking show with my son.

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