Can’t Find a Legal Job, Either Could These Successful Entrepreneurs
By Benjamin Blascoe
Lawyers have the illustrious opportunity to essentially be two people at once, both hated scoundrels and loved soldiers of the law. The career itself is lucrative and can often be the voice behind an excellent cause all while continuously facing the blunt-end of jokes, puns and knee-slappers. While we are all the instigators of such blithe remarks, there is just as much discontent within the practice and many are taking the fall of ‘big-firms’ to start a career of their dreams.
Whether by force (lay-off) or mere self-induced psychosis (stress of the job), the resiliency of the law community is something to applaud. Many are heading towards careers that couldn’t be further away from practicing law but are finding new and creative ways to keep food on the table.
In June, both the Washington Examiner and abovethelaw.com (a legal tabloid) featured a story about Gordon Chin. Chin, an American University graduate, had a great career at Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell before being laid off in November of last year. Since then, Chin has followed his passion of interior design and is making quite a name for himself in the D.C. area- accomplishing anything from interior design to stage/set planning.
And the list goes on….
The superstar of the ex-lawyer community is probably David E. Kelley. The one-time successful lawyer turned Hollywood writer is responsible for some of the highest grossing sitcoms around. He is responsible for the timeless ‘lawyer-friendly’ shows such as “The Practice,” “Ally McBeal” and “Boston Public.”
The trend is even hotter for fresh graduates of law-school. Facing the grim outlook of potential unemployment, many students are seeking other means. A perfect example being New York Law School Grad Lev Ekster who turned entrepreneur and founded Cupcakestop.com – a mobile cupcake service offering delectable sweets to New Yorkers on the go. Ekster keeps his loyal followers updated on location via twitter and is slowly establishing himself as a New York icon.
As history would prove, innovation always comes out of necessity and the law community is definitely not an exception. Everyone is being hit hard right now, but in the end it is what we make with what we have that really judges success.
Are you an ex lawyer facing a new career? In a field you never thought you would be in? Join the discussion! I want to hear your thoughts…
