Hi everyone!
In today’s blogpost, I collaborated with 11 people who studied law but for various reasons decided not to pursue it.
The purpose of this article is to tell you that it’s normal.
It is normal to sometimes do something and then realise it is not for you.
It is normal to like something but like other things more.
It is also normal to like something but personal circumstances just mean you can’t pursue it.
We are here to tell you that no matter what path you pick, it will be okay in the end and your law degree will always come handy.
SASKIA SINGH
I studied law but I decided to take over my mother’s flower business. We export fresh cut flowers from Kenya.
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
If I ever went back in time, I’d still do the LLB and LLM. Of course, the modules I took were super helpful (core eg. Contract, Equity etc and elective eg. International Trade, Company Law etc). But more than that, it sharpened a lot of skills like negotiation, communication, writing. I also learnt how to analyse, evaluate and solve issues efficiently - you can’t imagine how many issues we have in exports and because they’re perishable goods (as a result, not insured), solutions need to be found quick. I also do most of our legal work which (imagine how much I save!) sales contracts, employment contracts, airline + farm claims etc. Also, in my opinion, we learn so much in law school that it’s so easy to have conversations in social settings because of the broad topics we’ve been exposed to. The list is endless.
DO YOU MISS THE LAW?
YOU HAVE NO IDEA! So so much. I still go back to my books to refer to things all the time. I always knew my fate would be flowers and I absolutely love what I do so I wouldn’t change it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have studied law.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO STUDIED LAW, REALISED IT WAS NOT FOR THEM AND ARE NOW SCARED TO VENTURE OUT?
My advice is to take the plunge. If you’re already at a point where you’re considering switching fields because you don’t enjoy it, you’re not going to learn to love law more and you’re definitely not going to be happy doing it for life. It’s so important to love what you do. But, having said that, if you’re considering switching because you think it’s too hard, I would encourage you to persevere; Rome wasn’t built in a day.
KIRAN NYOTTA
I Studied Law but I am now a coach and I guide soulful women from self doubt and overwhelm to clarity, confidence and alignment.
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
My TC gave me foundational skills on being organised, planning my time and articulating myself which have all been key to create structures in my business, and helping me grow it.
After my TC, I felt quite clear that working at a law firm was not for me. I loved the people and culture of my firm but I craved more creativity and personal expression in some way. I actually went into health consulting after for 4 years. Coaching was something I was learning and practicing on the side because I love personal development. During covid, I decided to put more time and energy into coaching and turn it into a business because for me, it’s the most fulfilling and aligned work for me.
DO YOU MISS THE LAW?
I don’t actually miss law but I do miss the people I worked with and got to meet, and a bit of the excitement of some of the deals. At the same time, the work I’ve done since and that I do now is so different that my TC feels like a lifetime ago.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO STUDIED LAW, REALISED IT WAS NOT FOR THEM AND ARE NOW SCARED TO VENTURE OUT?
I actually work with quite a few women who are transitioning to different careers. I think one of the nicest things about my transition in hindsight is that it felt quite organic and natural. I had already qualified as a coach and had been practicing as one before I left my job. I also had already worked on my business on the side before transitioning. This all made it feel a little smoother. So if you are thinking of switching I would say it’s useful to start to explore your other interests and create a foundation for your switch.
THE SILVER VEIL
I studied law but I never wanted to practise as a lawyer. I am now a contract reviewer at PwC.
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
My father convinced me to pick law in college, at that point I was not sure about it. So I didn’t end up getting the grades I hoped for. But I wanted to prove to myself that I could conquer it, so I picked Law at University. Three long and hard years later I came out with a First class degree. I never wanted to pursue law or become a Lawyer, but I always knew it would open up the door for so much more.
I guess choosing Law all those many years ago had a real influence on my career decisions. Although my current role did not require a law degree, it certainly helped during the interview process and the knowledge I carry from my student years plays a part in the work I do now.
I think the most wonderful thing about studying Law is the growth you see in your academic and personal life. It really allows a person to grow and explore and utilise their analytical mind. It also doesn’t have to end in a career directly related to Law and can open many opportunities that require problem solving, researching, or analytical skills.
AXAM MAUMOON
I studied law but I am now a full time travelling saxophonist and writer for Maldives Financial Review.
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
In one hand, the research and legal writing skills have helped me churn out multiple articles a week of an international standard. On the other hand, my abilities to work on contracts and agreements have eased my way in the music industry. I have also worked with many NGOS with my legal skills.
DO YOU MISS THE LAW?
I do miss law but I realise the degree and the whole experience did a lot to teach me new ways of thinking about issues in every walk of life. I can read and analyse articles and other pieces of writing a lot easier, picking out key points and information much faster due to the skills I had learnt.
When studying law, take it as something that changes you as a person rather than just a degree or certificate. It's an opportunity to network and grow and face the world with sharper vision.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO STUDIED LAW, REALISED IT WAS NOT FOR THEM AND ARE NOW SCARED TO VENTURE OUT?
The most important thing is to understand that your work should be something you're passionate about. What makes money for you doesn't even have to be within the lines or expectations set by anybody else either, so feel empowered to explore, because your law degree makes you more focused, more knowledgeable, and confident in every aspect of professional life
AASHNI SAWJANI
I studied law but I decided to do a MA in Advertising and PR Management (p.s: this is my 4th degree!).
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
My law background has set me apart from others. I was the only law student who got accepted on an Investigative Journalism degree-without any journalism/media experience, because of my Law degree.
Studying law taught me discipline. It taught me to pick out things a layman would not see.It taught me how to present my thoughts and ideas in a manner that sounded professional and understandable. It furnished my public speaking skills. And along the way, I learnt the importance of time management, taking responsibility and more than anything- believing in myself.
DO YOU MISS THE LAW?
I have not had the chance to practise it as yet. I am Kenyan and as an international in the UK, I did not have much guidance on training contracts and I did not know how difficult it was to secure them. I am still determined to land one, but in the mean time I am enjoying studying and I also now have the confidence that I can work any other job because of my skill set.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO STUDIED LAW, REALISED IT WAS NOT FOR THEM AND ARE NOW SCARED TO VENTURE OUT?
The law is a hard and long journey. And it is okay to not want it despite what Suits has show everyone. Take the leap of faith. Your law degree will always be handy.
GEUNHAK SHIN
I studied law but left it. I am currently working for a health tech startup company as a Strategy and Growth Lead.
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
Law was fantastic in teaching me to think critically and logically. This was a great foundation for my career shift into management consulting and now into the startup world.
DO YOU MISS THE LAW?
I don’t miss the law. I realised very quickly that it wasn’t the life and work for me and I’m happy that I made the jump to leave.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO STUDIED LAW, REALISED IT WAS NOT FOR THEM AND ARE NOW SCARED TO VENTURE OUT?
It’s a scary jump for sure! Especially when you have family expectations that are really difficult to go against. But at the end of the day, it’s your life and so long as you’ve done your research into what you’re switching out to, follow your heart and do what makes you happy. Remember it’s you that has to wake up every morning and be happy with the person you’re looking at in the mirror (and go to work).
HARMAN SINGH GREWAL
I studied law but I am now a law teacher, web developer and founder of Kenyanlaw.com.
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
Studying for my LLB degree, I was surprised to find myself thriving in my entrepreneurship unit and extracurricular activities. I have a knack for finding the loopholes in laws and I was very surprised to learn of the strict regulation in Advocate advertising regulation and very few exceptions one could apply.
Having completed my LLB, I was to move on to Kenya School of Law so I could then essentially do the Kenyan Bar. I was rejected on the grounds of my High school English grade being a C and not a B. Now that I had a law degree and my legal career hit a serious roadblock, I began doing some engineering work with my father and volunteer work with Wemakeimpact. While volunteering, I picked up a lot of IT skills; followed by a short course in Marketing.
I put together my legal, digital and marketing skills and founded Kenyanlaw, which is growing to be the leading marketing solution for law firms in Kenya along with being the largest database of legal information, services and resources. I am especially proud of our development of our Ai Lawyer “Nadia”, that has been featured across several media outlets.
DO YOU MISS THE LAW?
Would I have liked to be an Advocate in the High Court of Kenya… absolutely. But I was met with a hurdle and instead of pulling the plug on the entire legal dream, I pivoted and created; what I believe to be- one of the best legal innovations in Kenya. A platform that allows you to receive near instant guidance on almost any legal issue, as well as one of the most effective marketing solutions for law firms.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO STUDIED LAW, REALISED IT WAS NOT FOR THEM AND ARE NOW SCARED TO VENTURE OUT?
Doing anything can be scary because the outcomes are really unknown. To talk about something people shy away from- the income aspect. If you aren’t switching because you fear you will be left with a lower income or period of no income, you must really reflect on how safe a decision it is. You can follow your passions but do so safely. You can work until you have enough saved up to act as a safety net, when you venture into a different field. The safety net or reserve will keep you going and make the transition much easier - financially and also mentally.
Always think about the long term - can you do this for another 15 years? Would you like to transition into something else, even if it takes 6 months to make the change; but now that new thing is something you would happily do for another 15 years.
ANONYMOUS
I studied law but I did not like practice. So I went back to school and I am now doing Accounting (ACCA).
Practise was a bit too stifling for me. There was a constant need to adhere to strict formats and I was unable to use creative solutions.
A lot of people I think need to realize that practice is not like on tv. I feel that we were a generation that was heavily influenced by what we saw as the legal practice, in term of shows like suits or how to get away with murder etc., and that’s what we felt the legal practice was like.
I decided to go back to school and get a qualification in ACCA. The end goal is to get into tax and financial advisory.
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
One positive thing that I can say about practice is that it did teach me to think on my feet.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO STUDIED LAW, REALISED IT WAS NOT FOR THEM AND ARE NOW SCARED TO VENTURE OUT?
And as for advice to anyone considering switching, do it. You do not want to be unhappy working a job you do not enjoyfor the rest of your life. It will adversely impact your performance and productivity. But whatever you do choose to do, you need to be willing to accept the consequences of that choice. If you’re still unsure, feel out your options before taking a leap. And be sure that that’s what you want to do.
MISHA PATEL
I Studied Law but I am now the cofounder of The Zola Collective, a social enterprise that enables African farmers and communities with a fair wage and stable revenue stream to improve their livelihoods.
The Zola Collective is an impact-driven well-being and lifestyle brand on a mission to deliver fair wages and working practices to African farmers, artisans and craftspeople. We establish ethical and sustainable supply-chain relationships to create and promote natural African wellness products of the highest quality under the Zola Collective brand. At the ZolaCollective, we believe conscious consumer choices improve lives and livelihoods. Our natural products benefit customer health, as well as the communities making them. Zola means ‘earth’ in Latin and ‘pure’ or‘tranquil in Zulu. 'Collective' describes a cooperative enterprise for and by the people. The Zola Collective envisions a prosperous African continent where trade delivers economic growth to (the benefit of) local communities.
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
My LLB degree was instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. From the legal perspective I was able to single handedly form the company, easily understand the regulatory environments and draft the relevant agreements. When we started working with suppliers in African and distributors in the UAE, I also had the tools to draft the contracts. From that perspective we did not have any legal fees for the first 2 years of operations. Studying law has also developed my ability to analyze and research complex ideas and communicate them coherently and in a structured manner, this was very helpful in the early days.
DO YOU MISS THE LAW?
No, I do not miss law (at all).
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO STUDIED LAW, REALISED IT WAS NOT FOR THEM AND ARE NOW SCARED TO VENTURE OUT?
Don’t be afraid! Everything is a learning journey and you’ll always come out stronger and with more experience.
Setbacks often provide the most beneficial lessons.
Honour where you are today (accept great days and experimental days).
RUBARNAH KRISHNAN
I studied law and then decided to work as a tax associste at Ernst & Young, Malaysia. I’m now doing tax advisory (focusing on corporate tax).
HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU DEVELOPED IN YOUR LAW DEGREE HELP YOU IN YOUR CURRENT PATH?
You develop great written and oral communication skills (especially the BPTC).
You work on your attention to detail - We tend to pick up on things people don’t.
It helps with information analysis and research - in bar school/law school we’re trained to read large amounts of information, absorb facts and figures and analysing material and distil it into something manageable/understandable. The ability to identify what is relevant out of a mass of information and explaining it clearly and concisely is something law school thought me and this skill comes in handy at my current work place.
DO YOU MISS THE LAW?
I definitely miss it! But I also know that since I completed the bar and my pupillage, I can go back to practicing (if I want to).
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO STUDIED LAW, REALISED IT WAS NOT FOR THEM AND ARE NOW SCARED TO VENTURE OUT?
I was terrified to make the switch. I didn’t enjoy practicing law and I still stuck to it for a year after pupillage because I was worried and scared. I mean I did 3 years of undergraduate in law + the bar exams! What else could I do?
It is scary. But law is a versatile degree. We’ve got great career prospects /opportunities wherever we decide work. We just have to be willing to learn something new everyday. The learning curve is steep and the doing something completely new is very challenging but it’s not impossible!
JAYSEN SUTTON
“I studied law and went on to get a Training Contract. But I abruptly left it because I would wake up with my heart pounding, not wanting to get out of bed.
I wish I could say I spotted a gap in the market, that I dropped out of law because I had this unique idea for a start-up. But that is not my story.
I think it’s important to hear about the less rosy picture, to know that it is okay to begin a career and realise that this profession isn’t for you. This point is not always obvious, and it’s often wrapped up in guilt, fear, a crisis of identity and the trap of the sunk cost fallacy.”
To read Jaysen’s full story, visit: this link
Jaysen’s story speaks volumes and with his permission was shared in this article. He left the his job as a Trainee Solicitor to go on and set up The Corporate Law Academy, a legal platform which assists aspiring solicitors - in my opinion, the best in the market.
We hope the above article shows you just how versatile your law degree is and some of the alternative paths you can pursue if you are considering venturing out.
We would love for you to tell us how you found this article.
All the best,
Arooj