Thanks for your thoughts - do you think any sort of class or "in" will do? I've recently put in an application for "diversity coordinator" at a nearby university, and am thinking they'll wonder why a lawyer is applying for the job, but was hoping that might be a good way into student affairs ... but not really sure. I also thought about teaching some criminal justice or con law courses at the same university (adjunct) as another way to get a foot in the door. Do you think any of that would be useful experience with student affairs administration as a long term end goal?

Get involved with a school via a clinic or teaching a course. Work your way in. These kinds of jobs, as I've observed, will be easier to get if you're already immersed in an institution and know people and are well-liked.

Is anyone in higher education administration able to give a little advice? I am a few years out of law school and want to transition to a new career in the next few years. I love the idea of higher education administration in the area of student affairs. I'm wondering what would be the best route in trying to get there from here. Go back to school and pursue a masters or Ph.D. in education administration? Or look for an entry level type job and hope to work up the ranks over time with just the J.D. and accruing experience? Any thoughts?