r/JDpreferred

I have been working as an attorney for children services since I passed the bar two years ago. I am so burnt out from this work & honestly think I hate being an attorney. I definitely hate being in a courtroom. That being said, I am so lost on what to do next & am just looking for advice or ideas on what may be out there for someone like me. I feel like my only options are to apply for other litigation roles & at that point I feel like I may as well stay where I am. Just feeling defeated & unqualified for anything.

I’m currently in ID litigation, but my long-term goal is to become the GC of a company. I was recently offered a staff attorney role, titled “Compliance Associate” at a very large company that I’ve accepted because it seemed to parallel with my interests; the position requires a JD and bar license.

The work would include helping the business comply with legal and regulatory obligations through research and internal policy drafting, negotiating contracts with clients, reporting to and working with the Deputy General Counsels, identifying matters involving PHI and Business Associate Agreements, handling client terms involving data privacy, and helping to implementation AI into the business.

The work seems much closer to an internal legal/associate GC position, but I am trying to understand how this type of role is viewed long term, especially since the substance of the work seems similar to what an in-house counsel does, but the role is titled “Compliance Attorney,” even though it appears I would be doing much more than legal compliance.

Would experience in this kind of experience be a good bridge to future associate counsel/in-house counsel roles, after a few years of experience? Or is there a risk that it gets viewed too narrowly because of the “Compliance” aspect of the position?

Hi Everyone!
I’m a lawyer & a mom - I currently do healthcare law /compliance. I’ve also done probate & estate and personal injury so I have a lot of experience dealing with insurance. My expertise is really in policy and regulation.

I’m coming here, because I’m looking for a new profession that matches my current lifestyle. I have no problem with busy hard work because honestly that’s all I know, but I’m hoping to be remote now that I have two littles. I need the flexibility of being home and keeping a similar salary.

I was looking into switching careers to underwriting because I feel that my skillset and education would easily transfer over, but I’m struggling to break into the market because so many applications require 5 years of specifically UNDERWRITING. Anyone have any experience in this?

TIA

Greetings! An LLB grad here who's just completed my degree and is now eyeing a JD in Australia. How are job prospects for international law graduates there? Is it a sound career move? Any guidance on pathways, the legal job market, or settling in would be invaluable. Any insight or information into this matter would be much appreciated!

I’m leaving my pretty cushy $120k salary in house counsel position to go back to an $88k state contracts negotiator role (that I worked in previously). I have $200k student loan debt from law school, so while PSLF is part of the reason, I’m also looking forward to a more chill environment (mostly remote, good benefits, etc.)

Being an attorney and having the attorney title stresses me out, as dumb as that sounds. I do feel a little crazy taking a $32k pay cut, but think the lower monthly loan payment and PSLF potential will be worth it. I have no kids, spouse and I have a healthy amount in savings.

Anyone else take the step down salary wise to get out of an attorney role and not regret it?

Background in biology but been out of the area for 10+ years. Considering a two year husbandry program for exotic animals. Has anyone done something similar?

So Im a law grad and completed the Bar course, and have forever been dreaming to become a barrister, until last year.

But recently I joined a paralegal job and I HATE it. It’s so micromanaged and the KPI targets just seem dystopian. On top of that, I feel so lost because I’ve spent my last couple of years building a career towards the Bar and now want to completely abandon it.

In all honesty, I want a “soft” career - something that gives me an amazing work life balance and where im not micromanaged so much. I love research and analysis and writing.

Anyone have any ideas on what direction I can take?

I’ve built my career in consulting and legal operations. About two years ago, I had the unique opportunity to step into a GC role. Before I took the role, I consulted mentors and peers. After tons of encouragement and being told that this was a great “opportunity” and being offered more than double my previous salary—I took it and I think I hate it. I don’t think it’s for me, but I make $300k.

But, the culture is toxic, the work is hard, and they’re definitely crossing legal boundaries as a company. I’m thinking of going back to a JD preferred job, but I just know I’ll have to take a salary cut.

The other silver lining with the GC job is there is a potential for Stock Appreciation Rights, but, like I said, the company is not doing well (financially as well). I also WFH and can pretty much make my own schedule. I don’t know if I’m being dumb by wanting to go back to a JD preferred job when I landed what is other people‘s “dream” job. Now that I type that out, I realize, just because it’s other people’s dream doesn’t mean it has to be mine. I feel like a fraud in this job. I have to research EVERYTHING.

Would you take a GC job if it was offered to you?

Hey everyone! Recent grad here and after careful consideration I’ve decided to sit for the February bar. Anyways, I’m looking to get a paralegal job. Has anyone gone this route with their JD? Any tips on how to land this position? Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I’ve been looking for jobs in the Los Angeles area and thought I’d see if anyone has some insight/guidance.

I’m unlicensed, but graduated in 2022. My bachelors is in finance, and I specialized in: contracts negotiations and transactional work in law school. My current role is in a contracts specialist role not in Cali.

If you have any leads or would like to connect, please feel welcome to send a message! 😄