Alternative Careers: Where Else Can Your Law Degree Take You?

ALTERNATIVE CAREERS: WHERE ELSE CAN YOUR LAW DEGREE TAKE YOU? A guide for legal graduates

Congratulations. You’re ready to kickstart your legal career. But maybe you’ve wondered if being a lawyer may not be on the cards for you?

There are many non-traditional pathways available to legal professionals beyond entering private practice or becoming an inhouse counsel.

That’s because your legal expertise is transferrable to a number of related fields – fields where it will be recognised as hugely valuable.

What’s more, the legal sector is going through a shake-up (and not just because of the coronavirus pandemic). With the rise of new technologies and dramatically changing client needs, there’s never been a more relevant time to explore the many other domains your legal training could take you.

Although your cross-sector career options are wide and varied, this guide focuses on the following four: 1. Legal technology 2. Legal business 3. Legal operations 4. Legal politics & government You’re entering a market that no longer follows the status quo. So why not jump in and embrace the opportunities?

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CONTENTS WHY FOLLOW A NON-TRADITIONAL PATH? How to determine if an alternative career is right for you.

ALTERNATIVE CAREER 1: LEGAL TECH AND INNOVATION When technology meets law, will you disrupt or be disrupted?

ALTERNATIVE CAREER 2: LEGAL BUSINESS Help your firm thrive by bringing in new clients – and retaining them.

ALTERNATIVE CAREER 3: LEGAL OPERATIONS Streamline processes to deliver higher quality services with a shorter turnaround time.

ALTERNATIVE CAREER 4: LEGAL POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT If you have the desire to invoke change, show us what you can do.

WHERE ELSE COULD I GO? None of these career paths grabbing you? Other paths to consider.

NOW WHAT? Let this knowledge excite you and open your mind to the possibilities.

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1. WHY FOLLOW A NON-TRADITIONAL PATH? It’s an exciting time to be a legal graduate now.

Why? Because there are genuine career options out there – options that extend beyond a linear path of leaving law school, entering private practice and rising the ranks to partnership.

While this may still be the dream for many newly qualified lawyers, not every graduate is passionate about this pathway.

Here are some reasons a non-traditional legal career may be right for you.

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1. YOU’VE GOT A PASSION OR TALENT IN ANOTHER AREA Is there another field you’re passionate about – such as sales, marketing, technology, politics or social justice? Or perhaps you even have a double-degree specialising in one of these fields?

If so, you will be reassured to know that legal professionals with expertise and interest in complementary areas are highly valued.

More importantly, it may catapult you into a surprising new career direction within the legal sector, or outside it.

2. YOU WANT A CAREER WITH VARIETY The traditional career path towards becoming partner means staying in one firm from graduation to partnership; a path that takes 10 years at least.

But if this picture conflicts with your desire for a dynamic and varied career, you’re far from alone.

According to the 2017 Foundation for Young Australians report, it’s likely that Gen Z’ers will have 17 different jobs over five careers in their lifetime.

This is great news for those wanting to explore alternative careers.

3. YOU’RE EXCITED BY THE CHANGES TAKING PLACE What it means to be a lawyer is changing thanks to technological advances, more sophisticated clients and a rising demand for holistic business solutions.

Law firms need to pivot to match this changing landscape. And that means changing their delivery models and the services they offer.

If all these changes intrigue and excite you, this is a sign that you could find a world of opportunity still awaits you in the legal arena – in a non-legal practising role.

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ALTERNATIVE CAREER 1:

LEGAL TECH & INNOVATION Transforming the legal sector to face digital disruption Insights for this section provided by Terri Mottershead, Executive Director, Centre for Legal Innovation

WHY LEGAL TECHNOLOGY? Digital disruption is transforming the legal sector.

Technology and AI are changing the way the legal profession makes decisions. And data is changing the way we practise law.

Meanwhile, clients’ expectations around services have also shifted. They want more control over what they’ll get, when they’ll get it, and at what price point they’ll get it.

Because of these forces, savvy firms and companies today are seeking innovators who can champion new technologies internally and embed an agile approach. This means a new breed of legal professional is emerging – along with a whole host of career options for the digitally-minded legal grad.

At its core, working in legal tech means using innovative thinking and technology to deliver a better client experience. So if you’re keen to be at the forefront of digital disruption and lead the charge for change, read on.

LEGAL TECHNOLOGY TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Big data

Artificial intelligence

Technology is allowing us to gather greater volumes of data than ever before. And it’s giving us the means to interpret this data with ever-increasing accuracy and insight.

AI is a computing system that can perform jobs that have historically needed human intelligence. It uses algorithms to process large amounts of data and provide insights, such as predictions.

This means lawyers are no longer providing solely reactive advice. Rather, they can make forecasts and advise based on predictive analytics. For example, advising clients when something might go wrong, or when a legal intervention may make sense.

Other emerging technologies

Agile and innovative thinking

There are technologies beyond AI that are fundamentally changing the legal landscape, such as cloud computing and blockchain.

Being innovative in the legal profession isn’t solely focused on technology.

These technologies are shifting traditional in-person activities into the digital realm and offering new ways of working.

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Incorporating AI makes sound financial sense for legal services. It can complete tasks, such as contract review and extraction, at a rapid speed and often more accurately than a human.

It’s also about bringing new ways of thinking into the traditionally risk-averse legal sector.

This means embracing risk, building resilience, and utilising skills like ‘design thinking’ to improve processes.

HOW TO KICKSTART YOUR LEGAL TECHNOLOGY CAREER I’m still studying...

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Join your university’s law-technology student group or subgroup within your student law associations. et involved with legal hackers G and attend hackathons.

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I mmerse yourself in the seminars, events and clubs available in your university’s Business School.

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ursue electives that focus on P technology or innovation.

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et involved in Work Integrated Learning G at your university, such as through your Law Clinic – particularly to take on work related to law and tech.

I’ve finished my Bachelor of Laws...

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The College of Law’s PLT program has innovation built into every course subject.

This makes it a great next step towards your legal technology career.

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While undertaking your PLT, look for work experience opportunities that will give you exposure to legal tech.

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Consider looking at additional degrees or short courses that can complement your legal degree. Technology- and data-focused qualifications are natural avenues.

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Build relationships through LinkedIn with people in fields you want to work in. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask them about the steps they took to land their role.

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Join tech legal associations, such as the Australian Legal Technology Association or The Legal Forecast, and build your network.

CAREERS IN LEGAL TECHNOLOGY Legal Technologist Often with a degree in law and computer science, a legal technologist is a kind of ‘translator’ between lawyers and techies.

Predominantly, you will help automate legal processes by creating or acquiring new tech tools.

Data Scientist or Data Analyst Analysing large swathes of data, you will leverage technology to help with interpretation.

This could include creating and using AI, managing algorithms, checking that the outcome is unbiased – and modifying it accordingly.

Privacy Engineer Responsible for developing and implementing solutions that ensure privacy policies are met, your primary goal will be to develop technical solutions to help mitigate privacy risks.

Legal Technology Entrepreneur Built a chatbot during your degree and enjoyed the experience so much you want to make a career out of it? Or perhaps you have a burgeoning idea for a documentation automation process?

If you’ve got the legal know-how, tech abilities and an entrepreneurial spirit, you may have what it takes to start your own business. You could follow the footsteps of other successful Australian legal start-ups, such as Josef Legal, Family Property and Check Box.

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ALTERNATIVE CAREER 2:

LEGAL BUSINESS

The crossover between law, business development & marketing.

WHY A CAREER IN LEGAL BUSINESS? The role of marketing in the legal sector is changing. Traditionally, firms relied on word-of-mouth to acquire new clients. This might have been supplemented with other soft marketing tools such as corporate brochures, newsletters and public signage.

But these passive tactics don’t cut it in today’s competitive landscape.

With online marketplace exploding, clients are becoming a lot more powerful, sophisticated and discerning.

And that means firms need to do a lot more to win and retain business.

So how can you help a firm stand out in a crowded market?

It all comes down to smarter branding, market research to better understand your clients – and a more proactive approach to relationship building.

With all these changes taking place, it’s no surprise that firms recognise the need for legally trained business development professionals. In fact, some firms even make it mandatory for their graduates to rotate through a business development role.

This is promising news if you think you have what it takes to work in legal business development. And you could find yourself in a rewarding role using your interpersonal skills, legal skills and business acumen to build a firm’s success.

LEGAL BUSINESS TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Creating a tailored client experience

Clients are accessing legal solutions online

Exceptional client service without a hefty cost is becoming essential.

There’s a plethora of websites that allow anyone to create their own legal documents such as wills, service agreements and other contracts.

Firms that can offer a personal experience at a competitive rate will lead the way of the future.

To keep up with these expectations, firms are investing in systems to facilitate targeted relationship building.

They’re using CRM systems and information capturing to automate communication processes for a seamless and tailored customer experience.

Investing in market analysis & segmentation Firms today are taking a harder look at their client relationship processes, undertaking market research – and investing in market analyst roles.

Why? Because they now recognise that it’s better to not be ‘all things to all people’ – but to focus on the client segments that offer the most value.

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So what’s the value of consulting a lawyer and paying their fees?

Those in legal business development are constantly looking for ways to offer clients a superior in-person experience over a digital one.

Firms as brands Word-of-mouth advertising is no longer enough to keep a law firm viable. Market competition is tough, and with the in-house counsel sector growing rapidly, it’s getting even tougher.

Firms need to differentiate themselves from their competitors. This means creating a strong brand and refining their point of difference in the market. It’s also about ensuring that every touch point a client has with a firm upholds the integrity of that brand.

HOW TO KICKSTART YOUR LEGAL TECHNOLOGY CAREER

CAREERS IN LEGAL BUSINESS

I’m still studying...

Business Development and Marketing Manager

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Attend events and seminars run by your university’s Business School.

Your role will be to oversee the firm’s brand and safeguard its reputation.

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Take electives that focus on marketing and business development.

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Get involved in Work Integrated Learning at your university. You’ll get to work alongside experienced practitioners while learning about business.

You will have oversight over every point of contact clients have with the firm, ensuring their experience is consistent and seamless.

You’ll also focus on tactics to drive new business and execute integrated marketing strategies.

I’ve finished my Bachelor of Laws...

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Enrol in The College of Law’s Legal Business Skills Series, as part of your PLT. The series covers topics such as financial literacy, client service and communication, leadership and business development.

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Build relationships wherever possible – through legal associations, LinkedIn and at industry events.

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Take on leadership roles within bar associations or volunteer for relevant roles within non-profits.

Client Relationship Manager Utilising your marketing, business development and relationship building skills, you will manage client accounts and drive relationships to achieve profitable growth for the firm.

PR Executive Developing innovative ideas for marketing campaigns, your key responsibilities will involve coordinating PR events, securing media coverage, developing client communications and publishing legal articles.

Client and Market Developer Your goal will be to convert business initiatives into revenue sources. This typically involves extending into new markets and developing strategies to retain existing clients and uncover new prospects.

HR Operations Manager You will attend industry events and conferences, identify business development opportunities and provide support in HR and recruitment.

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ALTERNATIVE CAREER 3:

LEGAL OPERATIONS Streamlining processes for higher quality services Insights for this section provided by Steven Walker, Managing Director of Elevate’s law department and contracts consulting business in APAC

WHY A CAREER IN LEGAL OPERATIONS? The legal industry is in the midst of a shake-up. Yes, COVID-19 is disrupting every industry, but lawyers are staring down changes that have been on the horizon for some time – specifically:

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More sophisticated clients A rapidly rising inhouse counsel sector Demand from clients for holistic business solutions

The combination of all key factors means law firms have to operate more like businesses.

However, it’s not easy for firms to revolutionise the way they work. That’s why having dedicated people is essential – professionals that don’t work in the business, but on the business.

Enter: the legal operations specialist.

Roles in legal operations typically sit at the intersection of project management and the introduction of new technologies, systems and processes. Well versed in Six Sigma, lean processes, systems thinking and change management, legal operations professionals are reimagining the law firm to suit contemporary market needs.

Although legal operations specialists don’t need to have a legal background, lawyers are arguably best placed to fill these roles because they understand the domain first-hand.

It’s still early days for the legal operations specialist to take hold in Australia. This is an exciting fact, because without a blueprint, our industry can make it what we want and need it to be.

LEGAL BUSINESS TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Clients are becoming more sophisticated

The inhouse legal sector is growing rapidly

The law is no longer a sector where the experts have all the knowledge and data and buyers don’t.

Most large organisations now have an inhouse legal team of some sort.

Customers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They’re demanding greater empowerment and personalisation. And they’re more attuned to the service experience.

Lawyers therefore need to change their delivery models and package products in ways that clients want to consume them.

And to provide more for less, they need to optimise speed and scale through innovative thinking, new technologies and streamlined processes.

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This migration of workforce inhouse has a trickledown effect. Many inhouse counsels use smart processes and modern technologies themselves – like document automation. This means when they go outside their organisation for specific legal expertise, they expect the same efficiencies to be in place.

And that means firms need to run as efficiently as their clients.

Client interaction is becoming automated

Clients want a one-stop-shop

Many lawyers are trained to believe their role is to sit in a room and deliver legal advice directly to clients. While this form of lawyering will persist, it will only be about 20% of what the legal role of tomorrow entails.

We’re living in an age where clients want broader solutions from their professional partners. Perhaps they’re looking for business growth advice with legal consultancy alongside.

Or maybe they want to come to your firm for a complete M&A solution.

Why? Because this one-on-one approach of working with clients isn’t scalable. In other words, it can’t be delivered ‘better, faster, cheaper’, in the way that today’s clients demand.

This means we’re heading towards a model of one-to-many. Under this model, clients will spend less time interacting directly with lawyers – and more time interacting with digital forms and automated processes.

HOW TO KICKSTART YOUR LEGAL TECHNOLOGY CAREER I’m still studying...

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Take electives that focus on operations, technology and management.

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Get involved in Work Integrated Learning at your university.

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Join your university’s law-technology student group or subgroup within your student law associations.

I’ve finished my Bachelor of Laws...

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Take courses and extend your learning in operational processes like systems thinking and lean methodology.

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Consider looking at additional degrees or short courses that can complement your legal degree. Technology- and datafocused qualifications are natural avenues.

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Build relationships through LinkedIn with people in fields you want to work in. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask them about the steps they took to land their role.

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Join tech legal associations and build your network.

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Once you’ve got your PLT qualification under your belt, consider further enhancing your skillset through a Masters of Legal Business qualification.

Accordingly, firms need to consider integrating more into their offerings and bring in multidisciplinary professionals.

This shift or realignment to client needs requires strategy and planning – and strong project management throughout the transformation.

CAREERS IN LEGAL OPERATIONS Operations Manager or Coordinator This is operations management in its purest form. Your role will be to remodel firms to focus on the collective and discover ways to reduce internal wastage. Roles range from junior or entry level, to very senior.

Technology Manager or Coordinator In this role, you will be putting new technologies and systems in place that ensure firm processes run smoothly. While the role is technology focused, its overall aim is to streamline processes and deliver services faster and more efficiently.

General Manager or Practice Manager These roles are a lot broader than purely operations – and are typically held by senior legal professionals. You will focus on stakeholder management, business development, and of course, ensuring the firm is operating in a way that’s sustainable into the future.

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ALTERNATIVE CAREER 4:

POLITICS & GOVERNMENT

Where the law intersects with policy and government

HOW YOUR LEGAL TRAINING AND EXPERTISE WILL HELP YOU The law and politics overlap in many ways. So the good news for legal graduates is that the skills and knowledge you acquire in your degree will be incredibly helpful if you are keen to venture into politics.

Legal practitioners involved in government and politics are often on the frontline, providing legal advice and representation. The policy decisions they make will be backed by their sound understanding and knowledge of the law. And they might be involved in anything from litigation, advocacy and advice to statutory interpretation, legislative review and drafting.

A problem-solving mindset Legally trained professionals are well accustomed to adopting a problem-solving perspective. They know how to build a strong case in favour of or against a particular policy or course of action.

An understanding of legal ramifications As a law graduate, you have greater awareness of the implications of what parliament does.

You are also aware of the application and different interpretations of policy within society – which is key to understanding the influence and limitations of politics.

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The ability to think critically and without bias As a lawyer, you will have the ability to remove yourself from your own ideologies and ways of thinking to see both sides of an argument. You can look at issues objectively to ascertain right from wrong.

These ways of thinking are critical when it comes to contributing to policy.

Public speaking skills Public speaking with confidence, and the ability to debate and formulate an argument, are key skills you’ve honed during your degree.

CAREERS IN LEGAL OPERATIONS Parliamentary Researchers for MP

Policy Analyst

You will be primarily responsible for running the office, providing practical support and briefings on legislation. The job requires you to be able to process large amounts of information and data.

Influencing political and social decisions, you will make recommendations to government officials. You will also analyse potential policies and evaluate the effects of proposed legislation.

Political Strategist/Consultant

Policy Officer

You will be responsible for advising politicians during a campaign. This will require you to determine what people want from their leaders and how this might be implemented as new policies.

Responsible for developing and implementing policy, you will provide specialist advice on policy matters, identify areas for improvement and implement policy in line with legislation and regulation.

Diplomatic and Foreign Policy Officer/Advisor

Legal adviser

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade often recruits legal graduates for these positions.

Your skills in policy analysis, negotiation, dispute resolution and mediation are prized here.

Lobbyist With excellent persuasion and communication skills, you will act in the interest of a client to influence public policy. You will engage elected officials and encourage them to vote favourably on an issue – or oppose legislation that isn’t in the organisation’s best interests.

Compliance Officer You will help a firm ensure that its entity complies with and maintains policies within regulatory framework, while identifying and managing regulatory risk.

You will provide legal counsel to a government body or politician, draft and negotiate contracts, ensure compliance with corporate laws and advise on legal matters.

Policy Communications Specialist Your role may involve analysing and evaluating policy and legislation, developing policy submissions, reports, articles and briefing papers – and engaging in advocacy strategies such as lobbying activities.

Law Reformer Legal reform is the process of examining existing laws and advocating and implementing change in a legal system. Working in the government sector, your aim will be to enhance justice and efficiency.

HOW TO KICKSTART YOUR LEGAL TECHNOLOGY CAREER I’m still studying...

I’ve finished my Bachelor of Laws...

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Select your major in political science, international relations or comparative politics.

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Undertake activities outside of coursework that relate to politics, such as academic clubs, activist groups and leadership roles.

Join programs such as the Y’s Youth Parliament or the Foundation for Young Australian’s Local and Vocal.

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Volunteer for political organisations that you’re passionate about – and network, network, network.

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Join programs such as the Y’s Youth Parliament or the Foundation for Young Australian’s Local and Vocal.

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Consider internship opportunities in a parliamentary office or on a political campaign. And be sure to forge relationships with those you work alongside too.

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WHERE ELSE COULD I GO? None of those career paths grabbing you? There’s unlimited opportunity with a legal degree – here’s a taster of some of the common routes graduates choose to take.

Academia

Human resources/recruitment

Consider teaching law or doing research to look at ways to improve or update the law.

A career in HR could mean working as an inhouse recruitment consultant in a law firm. Or for a recruitment agency that specialises in law placements and employee relations.

Banking and finance There are certain fields where a law degree is beneficial including estates, tax and small business.

Journalism or writing

Consulting services

Law graduates can find work as legal analysts, which can also turn into a writing career.

In management consulting firms your skills will be valuable in:

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Corporate financial services

While you don’t need a law degree to work as a mediator, legal knowledge can help during the mediation process.

Human resource management services

Not-for-profit

Information management

Roles may involve:

E-commerce strategy development

Having a law degree helps to gain an understanding of and negotiating business-related contracts.

• • • • • • •

Health services

Public interest advocacy

In both the private and public health sector, your role could include:

If you feel strongly about an issue and want to influence policy decisions, then consider public interest advocacy.

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Strategic business planning

Contracts administration This career path involves negotiating contracts, interpreting plans and ensuring contract specifications and commercial goals are met.

Entrepreneur

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Strategy Policy and program development Evaluation Exploratory research Quantitative research Social marketing Social planning

Campaign planning and strategy Communications Political advocacy Program management Community development Corporate social responsibility Environment and sustainability

NOW WHAT? Countless career opportunities are knocking at your door. While you may have thought that choosing your degree was the most important career decision you will ever make, it was simply the first of many.

Let this knowledge excite you and open your mind to the possibilities.

And remember, the legal sector is placing greater value on a diverse skillset. So don’t be afraid to pursue an area that is complementary to law. If you decide you want a more traditional path as a lawyer later, your broad skills will likely be viewed as an asset to future employers.

Be proactive, get involved in as many initiatives as possible – and partake in something you are passionate about.

We can’t wait to see what you achieve.

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collaw.edu.au/PLT

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