Law - from private practice to public policy?

[Anonymous]

I am an attorney in an in-house position. I am interested in moving into public policy work (I think). Any tips for making this transition? Specifically, I'm most interested in doing the type of policy analysis research that you would do at a think tank or an advocacy organization - I'm not really looking for a public interest position where I'd be providing legal services to the needy to something similar. If I want to do that sort of research and analysis focused work, do I need to go back to school? If not, any tips on how to make that transition. I have no particular area of subject matter expertise that would be portable into the public policy arena (I think).

[Anonymous]

You need a Ph.D., LLM, and a body of writing in that field. Perhaps teaching/academic experience.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the field you're looking at. If you want to enter, as one example, the field of end of life issues (living wills, guardianship), then your law degree is probably fine, and it's definitely better than a candidate with a generic masters in public policy.

While a Ph.D. is desirable, it's not always necessary unless you're shooting for a place like Brookings or AEI (not Heritage though). I know a number of people with masters in public policy and/or economics who have been quite successful in think-tank type advocacy organizations.

The transition to a public policy organization might be easier if you're willing to start out on the organization's lobbying side. Organizations need lobbyists who can understand, interpret, and lobby for change in the US Code.

[Anonymous]

Look for a jog at GAO working with an analyst team. Best of both worlds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look for a jog at GAO working with an analyst team. Best of both worlds.

Good idea. I was thinking along similar lines -- policy role with a federal agency.

You could try scanning the job listings on USAJobs to get a feel for what's out, what they require, and whether any of it appeals to you. I know a few people who went from law firms to positions like this. They did not have policy degrees or Ph.Ds, though they had relevant subject matter expertise from their lawyer work.

[Anonymous]

I have that sort of job, and while it did not require a ton of specialized experience/papers/separate degree, it DID require that I have a serious background in the subject matter area (plus a strong resume in general). I don't think you'll be able to get into an advocacy group or thinktank without building up a track record. Going into an agency for a while could be a good way to do it -- acquire the substantive knowledge, plus some insider knowledge about the agency.

But FYI, the market is competitive, and the pay is not equivalent to what you'd get in private practice, or even govt! We do it 'cause we love it.

[Anonymous]

"You need a Ph.D., LLM, and a body of writing in that field. Perhaps teaching/academic experience."

Are you crazy? I know many J.D.'s who have done this. What she needs is experience in the subject area.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies. The problem is, I don't have experience in any substantive public policy area. I am in a very niche-y area of corporate law and it just doesn't translate well to most government agencies. But I'd like to change my practice area anyway. I know the pay sucks compared to the private sector and government, but I can't shake the feeling that I'd really love doing the work. I love research and writing - should have gone into academia, but I got scared off by the commitment. Would it be a waste to go back to school for a MPP (or I've also been reading about masters in applied economics), when I already have a JD? I feel it would not, because the skill sets are definitely different, but I have no idea how that would be perceived in the real world. Also, are there professional organizations for policy researchers where I could get more info, maybe do some networking or informational interviewing?