As the recession drags on, many attorneys, some with years of experience, are considering careers outside of law.  But how do you make the leap?  One of the keys to making the leap from attorney to something different is to identify your most valuable and transferable skills. 

When considering a career change, it is important to thoroughly research the career path on which you want to embark.  If you’re thinking about different career options, then take the time to thoroughly research all of them. Find out what the requirements are of the new occupation, read and document help wanted ads for the job you want and take the time to contact professionals who are already working in your field of choice.  You can even join a few professional associations to network and begin building relationships with professionals working in the field.

Next you should identify the skills that you already possess that would transfer easily to your new profession.  But don’t just depend on your memory for this task.  If you have the documentation, review old job descriptions, employee reviews and even old resumes.   Work with a professional to craft a skills-based resume that will highlight your abilities and craft a cover letter designed to convince an employer of why you should be chosen over a more experienced candidate.  Also, consider using a recruiter who specializes in helping career changes make find a job.

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