20 year LEO with young kids preparing for retirement and second career
Good morning.
Long time lurker. 20 years in LE, approximately 14 of those so far in mid-upper management of large agency. I have most likely reached my career ceiling and have been struggling with a plan for a second career. I was hired young and now have young kids who will be middle and elementary aged kids when I can retire with a full pension in 5 years.
Solid amount of courtroom experience on the criminal side testifying as an LEO. Used as an expert witness many times and the thrill of being in the courtroom has been awesome as long as I can remember. I loved doing my job to help true victims and am trying to figure out if I can parlay that into a potential second career as a prosecutor.
Also was unfortunately a defendant in a federal civil case for a deadly UOF incident. We were successful to jury verdict and I developed a sincere interest and understanding of all my counsel did to prepare us for success over a 3 year litigation period.
A good friend went through Syracuse JDi program as a nurse, married and with kids and is thriving in PI litigation. I have discussed my potential interest with him and he has encouraged me to seriously consider it.
I have zero interest in a second career in another LE agency. My back is shot from 20 years of body armor and gunbelt days. I have had a few close friends killed in the line of duty, one fatal OIS and tired of toxic upper management. Ready for a change. I am fairly well rounded with patrol and major crimes experience.
My wife is supportive of an undertaking a large endeavor like this.
My ask is - any current prosecutors on board here that are former LEOs?
Looking into Pros/cons of a second career with a JD.
Thank you in advance.
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