Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do people start with be kind… grow up

Because internet communities tend to be rude and judgmental and often unhelpful. Your reply is exhibit A.

So we should blow smoke up her behind? Honey, you’ll be a partner by the holidays if you apply today! Big Law or Bust!

You probably know other lawyers through your social circles, alumni network, etc. See if you can get a paralegal job to start. Stick it out for at least 12-18 months.

First decision is to figure out what interests you. Do you want to do stuff within the realm of the federal government or prefer to do work typical of a law firm?

In my view, federal government is more forgiving of these long work gaps. Once you have that paralegal experience under your belt you can likely pivot to the federal government and build up some subject matter expertise. You don't necessarily need to take a job in the GC's office as an "attorney" or "counsel." In fact, you probably won't get hired into a Legal division. But you can work in some sort of policy development space as an analyst making $80-100K, getting your TSP match, federal pension, etc and eventually lateral into the Legal division of an agency.

Financial regulation and markets? Human rights? Foreign policy? Defense?

Alternatively, if you want to do law firm activities - M&A/commercial deal work, trusts/estates, family law, criminal defense - then you're probably better off sticking with a firm and making the jump from paralegal to attorney.

OP you need to look at this like you are a new law grad. Get an internship, clerk, exc... whatever you need to get in the door. You will also need to show that you are up to date on whatever developments have happened in your speciality since you have been out.

Employers will worry that you will quit like you did before. You need to show why it is different now.

Do you know anyone still in the field that can give you a reference?

You might volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate

https://virginiacasa.org/volunteer/

Am I the only one that doesn't think anyone has been mean to OP?

Op, first get your law license current. Then recommend joining the bar association, preferably one that is more local like County or city over state. See if you can sit in on the Pro Bono committee. Make some friends and ask about opportunities. Also call your law school, or local law schools, and ask to talk to the pro Bono coordinator. I think if you stay humble and don't expect paying work at first, you can find something worthwhile to do some good. I did a lot of work with legal aid in my city and it was a mix of kids out of law school who would flame out and 50 and 60 year old lifers with decades of legal experience, so I can see someone like you fitting in as a newbie attorney but one who is older and likely to stick around. Just be aware it's not a hobby. It's hard work and you may have to go to court and it's a big deal for your clients so be mentally prepared that even if it's unpaid or low paid it's very serious work.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do people start with be kind… grow up

It was a blunt comment but the truth. Op is trying to salvage a career she never had. She never used her law degree. It's a big difference between someone who worked for X years vs someone with no experience.

Experience or no experience, she IS a lawyer.

Did she keep up her license?

She didn't need to but she can take bar anytime she wants.

lol, she can't just take the bar anytime she wants when she doesn't remember anything she learned.

Law school doesn’t teach you anything for the bar. You take a prep course and learn it all two months before the exam.

Anonymous wrote:People here are so mean. OP, I do think that unfortunately it will be difficult for you to get a legal job at your current level of experience. Your best bet might be something in the legal field but not as a lawyer, and you will probably have better luck with small/solo law firms or nonprofits. Try applying as a paralegal or a legal assistant at a nonprofit or for a city agency (state and federal government can be harder to get into).

People are mean, and unnecessarily so. OP, I suspect you faced a few more obstacles in your life than the heartless PPs. Pay them no attention. (But they may be correct about it being hard to get back into law.)

But what about teaching? I work with a former lawyer who now teaches law electives to high schoolers. You won’t face age discrimination heading into education; in fact, life experience is often seen as valuable. You won’t need a teaching degree, either. Because of the shortage, most districts offer alternative programs to help you get certified.

Now, that shortage exists for a reason. Teaching is HARD WORK and undervalued by our society. Still, I go to bed feeling fulfilled because of the work I do. It gives me a sense of purpose and pride. I get more done in a day than some people do in a month.

If you’re looking for purpose and challenge, it’s worth a thought.

This will sound random - but how about paralegal/legal assistant for an innocence project at a University. My husband used to work for one of those in a non-legal role and there were a couple lawyers that worked as legal assistants there I think to get in the door. Extremely fulfilling work, you could use some of your skills and help others.

For example: https://exonerate.org/

Why get a job. Just volunteer. You haven't needed to work in 2 decades. Had something changed?

I have worked for 3 decades and my kids were in daycare and SACC and I barely saw them, I would have much preferred your situation. Sadly my DH had a nervous breakdown early in his career and had to majorly downshift career, and I ended up as breadwinner in a more lucrative field I hate. We all have our challenges, but at least you got to see your kids.

OP, I think the first thing you need to do is work on your confidence, even if it's fake it til you make it. Asking for people to be kind shows you aren't accustomed to the bluntness that will seem shocking to you if you haven't been in the workforce all this time. I used to be nice and sweet and learned that you really have to have a tougher skin now.

I would go in with the attitude that after 20 years you are beyond ready to dive into a new phase of life.

And agree with several PPs. Answers are predicated on if you have an active or inactive license.

The fact is leaping into something new in midlife is a great thing to do. I know many women who feel lost once the kids leave the nest. What now?? So go for this new phase! GL

People here are so mean. OP, I do think that unfortunately it will be difficult for you to get a legal job at your current level of experience. Your best bet might be something in the legal field but not as a lawyer, and you will probably have better luck with small/solo law firms or nonprofits. Try applying as a paralegal or a legal assistant at a nonprofit or for a city agency (state and federal government can be harder to get into).