New York Lawyer
May 1, 2001

Q:
I�m trying to leave the practice of law, but I�m having a problem figuring what to put on my resume. All of my experience has been in a large law firm, so how do I use the resume to find a different kind of position?

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A:
A major problem, indeed � and one that goes beyond the verbiage on your resume. The resume is simply the sales brochure; the question here is what the product is that�s being sold. The fundamental issue really is with your personal product profile: what are you selling . . . and to whom? How do you describe your new �product identity�? (You don�t see a lot of job ads that read, �Wanted, Ex-Lawyer�).

You may have mapped out what you want to do next, but remember that the job market tends to pigeonhole people according to their most recent employment and accomplishments. If your resume says � either explicitly or by inference � �I�m a lawyer,� the resume screener thinks, �Oh, this resume must have gotten into the �investment fund partner� pile by mistake. I�m not looking for a lawyer.� Boom. You�re toast.

When someone undertakes a significant shift away from a past career identity � particularly from one in a profession like law or medicine -- the question on everyone�s mind (including resume readers) is, �So, what do you want to do next?� Therefore, you may be tempted to respond to that question with an objective statement at the top of your resume. That may, however, create a problem: the word, �objective,� translates into �I want.� As one employer once said to me, �I�m a lot more interested in what I want than in what you want. I do not hire people to self-actualize on my front lawn.� So please avoid vapid, empty prayers such as �Objective: I want a challenging position in a progressive organization that will utilize my skills and abilities and contribute to the goals of the company.�

However, if you can muster the requisite focus, you can use an objective to specify 1) the level, role and setting of the desired job, and 2) the basis for claiming that this career shift isn�t a pie-in-the-sky fantasy trip. It might read like this: �Objective: Investment analysis/advisory responsibility in a technology-oriented venture capital organization. Appropriate role will require proven expertise in business development, operations auditing and corporate finance, and draw on expertise gained during six years in commercial transactions, IP and general corporate law with a major New York law firm.�

See the point here? First, you have to describe, at least in general terms, the value you can add (which requires research and networking into your target industry). You also have to forget about traditional legal practice categories, so you can describe that value in terms relevant to the potential employer. Finally � since the best proof of what someone can do is what they�ve already done � your objective should suggest some basis for your ability to add value in your new setting.

Some career shifters state their intention to change directions quite boldly: �Objective: Career shift from the practice of law into entrepreneurial business development. Appropriate role will require . . .� Other people, afraid that signaling a change (and therefore a risk to potential employers) too boldly will get the resume tossed out, turn to a Profile of relevant expertise and experience, leaving explanation of the reason for shifting to their cover letter. Frankly, I prefer this approach. For example: �Profile: Over six years, my large law firm practice focused on evaluating business opportunities, negotiating business alliances and partnerships, and protecting clients� intellectual property rights. Background also includes particular emphasis on business development for emerging growth and technology-related entrepreneurial enterprises.�

In sum, your �product profile� should not communicate �I am a lawyer,� but rather translate the experience you gained while a lawyer into a frame of reference that is meaningful and relevant to your target audience.

Sincerely,
Douglas B. Richardson
President, The Richardson Group