a community resource for lawyers in the United Kingdom looking for a change in direction. It can be a big decision to leave legal private practice. Any number of factors can make a lawyer feel beholden, from money and security, to identity, kudos, or the expectations of others. It can be difficult to see a viable alternative, or merely find the time for necessary research.
This site provides ideas, inspiration, impetus and guidance.
leavinglaw is an ever-evolving catalogue of other occupations into which lawyers have gone, with a comprehensive feature on alternatives within legal practice. Have a look for further information, and the experiences of those who have already made the move from private practice.
For constructive ways of taking a break or changing the scenery, see the 'time away' tab above. Professional counselling services are offered by our partner 'career consultants'. And leavinglaw has researched an extensive list of useful reference and themed titles found under 'books'.
Have you already left private practice for another pursuit? Please Share your experience here by answering a brief questionnaire. Every example has value to others (and what a good way to promote your new enterprise!).
guest leader:
september
I’M A LAWYER, GET ME OUT OF HERE!
by Simon Broomer of Career Balance
[read more]
shocking embarrassments in the legal workplace
It is not the design of this site to be negative about law, this is forward looking resource; the following are compiled merely for their entertainment value (but they may strike a cord with some nevertheless...)
A legal career: a means to split ends
I have a friend who introduces himself as “Chris, I work at Chiswick Pet Cemetery,” but this makes people suspect that he is a solicitor, so it backfires...