I feel like I’ve screwed up any chance for happiness by going into the law. I hate the law firm culture. It’s made me so depressed. But I can’t find time or energy to network or develop skills that could land me a non-law job with decent pay (I have student loans). It seems like the only options for getting out of the law are to become a career coach or a recruiter, which I don’t want to do. Can anyone share a success story to give me hope?

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Posting as :
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You are currently posting as works at

I care about you and I’m glad you’re here.

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How long have you been practicing? Have you tried applying for in-house roles? I also hate law firm life. Applying to every in-house role that interests me.

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What area of law are you in?

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I became an interior designer and then a mindset/business coach. I’ve had lawyers on my podcast who became high-end travel agents, authors, podcast producers, artists, PR agency owners, and on and on. I know it feels like you only have a couple of realistic options. But, there truly are so many possibilities if you allow yourself to consider them.

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I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. I hear you on the student loans. I’m stuck in either government or non-profit for 3 more years for the same reason (PSLF 🤞🏼). Could you focus on a faster repayment of loans to speed up the time when you would possibly leave the law? Cut back on lifestyle, throw more at the loans kind of thing. What is “decent pay” that you’d need to live comfortably + pay down loans?

Thanks everyone for the replies. I really appreciate it. I practice IP litigation (mostly patents) and I have been trying to explore ways out of it. I have been hoping to build up the energy to get a privacy certification and take on some business related pro bono work so that I can go in house, but because I’m only two years into my career I know it will probably take a few years before companies will seriously consider hiring me, which is disheartening. But that post about 2018 grads does give me hope.

This is how I feel! I hate civil litigation and law firm life so far. I go to bed hoping I don’t wake up because the pit in my stomach that wont go away since joining a civil litigation firm. Any recommendations for transactional law options for a new attorney? I did a clerkship in immigration court for three years and just left to try civil litigation but know it’s not for me. I love and miss legal researching, writing, analyzing, and advising judges. I’m wondering if there’s a position that values those skills. I hate civil litigation because it’s been focused on churning out copied pleadings and discovery and updating insurance carriers.

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likeupliftingsmarthelpful

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Additional Posts in Law Exit Opportunities

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Parents always wanted me to become a doctor, so did I. However, did not do very well around blood. :))

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likehelpful

Cross-posting: What was your narrative in interviews for wanting to leave biglaw? Presumably you didn't just say I hate working 60+ hours per week in a disgustingly inefficient, top-heavy organization.

likefunny

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