Topic 3:

Career Change: From Law to Performance Development, Facilitation, and Conflict Resolution

Question: I am a practicing lawyer with over 20 years experience in private practice and the public, interested in switching careers to that of a communications/performance development consultant with a particular emphasis on consulting to the legal profession. I would like to be able to:

- conduct performance development workshops
- act as a facilitator of meetings in corporate or firm settings to resolve management issues
- teach effective written and oral business communications including presentation and public speaking skills and client relations
- teach negotiation and other conflict resolution skills

I would appreciate any comments you may have about such a transition and recommended course of part-time study in New York City.

--David, New York City

Answer: For general information about career changes, link to FAQ Topic: Career Change and Transitioning into T&D/HRD and for locating part-time study options in NYC, link to Web-Based & Printed Information Resources: Education and Training Information. We have heard from other lawyers who were interested in making a career change to the T&D/HRD field; in fact, at least one of them was also from NYC. When you join the local ASTD Chapter, ask if there are any other members with a law background.

You bring to HRD strong presentation and interpersonal skills as well as your expertise in negotiations and conflict resolution. Therefore, the areas that you would like to concentrate on are both realistic and practical. In wanting to focus on consulting within the law field, you will be able to capitalize on your present networking system, reputation, and intimate knowledge of what lawyers need and their professional culture and language.

In preparing for this career change, your part-time studies should include some basic training courses, e.g. facilitation/delivery practices, instructional design and development, workplace learning. Are you thinking of going for a masters degree, a certificate program, or just enrolling in professional development courses? Talk with T&D/HRD consultants who are presently specializing in your areas of interest and get their feedback about what type of programs and courses they found most helpful.

--AR