Lawyers- Public Policy Masters??

Non-Running Finance/Jobs

14 years ago 09/08/2009 7:12pm EDT

Sorry this is non-running related but I know there are a ton of lawyers out there.

I'm currently a lawyer (3+ years out of a top law school) and am on my second law firm. I managed to escape biglaw before the economy tanked and landed at a strong litigation boutique. It's better, quality of life wise, but I am coming to the realization (actually came to it a long while ago) that practicing law is just not for me.

I've thought for a long time that I'd much prefer a career in public policy and am considering going back and getting an MPP or MPA (and have seen some good schools with accelerated, 1 year programs). I know a JD is supposed to be flexible, but to be honest, I don't feel qualified to take a job outside of the legal field and don't even know where to start or who would hire someone without experience beyond summer internships in college. Is a public policy masters on top of a JD just a total waste of money? I've got a good amount saved up but still lots of law school loans to pay down.

I feel like my options are to be miserable as a lawyer but continue making a good salary, or start over altogether in another field. Maybe there's a better way to transition without the additional schooling...

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

14 years ago 09/08/2009 7:29pm EDT

re: adnama

Greetings!

So sorry to hear that you don't think law is for you.

Maybe it's just litigation that's not for you. Ever consider going in-house, especially for a public entity like a municipality or county?

I'm a solo patent practitioner with a municipal/admin background, half engineer, and would like to try moving into dedicated patent litigation! Go figure. Any openings?

Policy is a funny thing--have a friend who graduated from GW last year, after having an undergrad in architecture and working as an intern architect for 5 years. Got a job in DC with OMB in no time!

Like law school, you probably MUST go to one of the programs that is favored by your possible future employers, which means ivy league or somewhere on the east coast at some place like GW, George Mason, etc..

Everything is so balkanized now, the policy folks have their own little fiefdom and normative standards, into which ordinary lawyers do not readily fit. They've worked hard to differentiate themselves, and it will cost you to enter their club.

Be prepared for a cut in pay, but much better hours and a guaranteed pension.

By the way, where is that accelerated 1-year program?

14 years ago 09/08/2009 7:32pm EDT

re: adnama

do something of value with your life and go into business

14 years ago 09/08/2009 7:57pm EDT

re: f*** lawyers

As a patent prosecutor, that is exactly what I do.

I am, as a solo attorney, my own business.

And I help other individuals/businesses with business start-up, financing, entity formation, corporate law, and asset development and management.

You might never guess it, but intellectual property is very valuable to MANY businesses, and not just the tech people. Business marks like trademarks, and things like domain names are very important to ALL businesses.

With my clients, we develop, identify, and protect property and wealth, which serves the community by creating jobs, paying taxes, and bringing new products to market. And that is what business is all about in the USA.

BTW, all my clients are small-guys--no offshoring entities, no tax havens, no monkey business. Just small guys looking for the ever-harder-to-find American dream.

14 years ago 09/08/2009 9:20pm EDT

re: adnama

I'd suggest looking around for other alums from your law school who work in public policy and ask them. Perhaps your school has a career services person that could help you find these people.

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