Thank you for landing on my career counseling for lawyers page. I hope you find the information helpful.
Being a Lawyer Is Stressful
I have been a lawyer for a long time. I understand the stress, the anxiety, the pressure and the rewards of a career in the law. I also know well that many lawyers are unhappy. The truth is that you do not have to dread going to work everyday. There are many options for those of us with a law degree–we can leave that big firm, we can take down that solo shingle, whatever it is, wherever you find yourself, there are options. Viable, money making, joy securing options. I’d like to help you identify, discover, and go for those options.
I Know What I’m Talking About
I say the above to you having done it myself, time and time again. I have pivoted, successfully in the legal field–sometimes by choice, sometimes by necessity–many times. I am/have been a trial lawyer, a law professor, a prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney, a correspondent on a long-running law show on a major network, a trial lawyer, general counsel, president and founder of a women owned and operated certified company that worked on large government contracts, a legal commentator, a founder of a well-trafficked legal news site, and a managing partner of a highly regarded litigation firm. Put plainly: I’ve done pretty much everything in the law. There is absolutely no reason to be an unhappy lawyer, not after you’ve endured the LSAT, law school, and the Bar exam. You didn’t go through all the suffering to continue suffering. You did it for a better life, a fulfilling career.
Here’s How I Work
We will meet via Skype or in person if you’re in DC or LA. I will dive deep into what makes you tick, what gets your professional juices flowing. I’ll drill down on your likes (if any) and dislikes about the law. If appropriate, we’ll talk about what a life outside the law looks like. I will get a full understanding of you, your needs, both financial and emotional, your hopes and your dreams (yes, we can still have those). It is with a full understanding of who you are and what you truly seek that I will make realistic, attainable recommendations.
After determining the proper recommendations, we will discuss them in detail. Press me on them. Question me. Play devil’s advocate. It’s all welcome because we have to go through all of that to get to where we need you to be, where you deserve to be. Once we get there, I will provide you with a clear plan of how you are going to successfully execute on those recommendations. And here’s where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. I will hold you accountable to that plan. Failing to execute will not be an option. And, in my experience, after spending all that time with me, reminding yourself of who you are, remembering what it feels like to enjoy your days, the truth is, failure won’t even be a consideration. You will want to execute because you will see what lies ahead.
You Are Not Alone
I will be with you every step of the way. If you’re big picture person and that’s what you need to get motivated, we’ll do big picture (with real guidance, of course). If you need more hand holding, I get it. I’ll hold your hand. Making big life changes is scary. I know that better than most.
In some ways you can think of me as your therapist. I can’t help you with your marriage or your relationship with your kids but I can most certainly help you with your career. And, here’s a not-so-little-known secret: when your professional goals are clear, much of the rest of your life becomes clearer (and easier!) as well. So, maybe I can help with your marriage and kids!
Please contact me directly at jill@proofwithjillstanley.com for rates and a free 15 minute consultation. All communication is confidential.