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Bar News - January 23, 2004 Think Outside the Box: Consider Non-Traditional Job From the New Lawyers' Committee By: Stephanie Ferro Advice from the New Lawyers' Committee YOU KNOW YOU'VE thought about it at least a couple of times over the past year: Wouldn't it be great to work four days a week? Or to have summers off? To actually spend an entire weekday with your kids/spouse/significant other without calling into the office to check voice mail? Stop for a moment to think outside of the traditional attorney box - is there something else that you would rather spend your 50+ hours a week doing? If so, you are not alone. In a survey conducted by the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association in 2000, of those young lawyers who responded to the survey, more than 65 percent indicated that they would consider switching jobs within two years. Only about 3 percent of those surveyed held jobs in non-legal fields. Admittedly, I can think of only a handful of attorneys who hold non-traditional jobs. Of that handful, most of them practice law only "part-time," either out of their homes or on a per-project basis. Others are developers, business entrepreneurs, teachers, or work in the health insurance industry or for various state agencies. Doug Wenners is an attorney who made the switch from a law firm to the health care industry. He began his legal career at Wiggin & Nourie, P.A. in Manchester. After five years of traditional practice in a large law firm, Wenners was offered a position as in-house counsel at Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Hampshire. While serving as in-house counsel, Wenners realized that he was very interested in the health care field, so he left the in-house counsel position for one in the health care field. Currently, Wenners is vice president of health care management for Anthem BC/BS. He is responsible for all health affairs, including management of health care costs and quality, in the state of New Hampshire. Wenners explained that the transition from law firm practice to in-house counsel was relatively smooth, as he continued to practice law. The transition from in-house counsel to the health field was completely different, however. Still, Wenners said he draws upon his traditional legal experience every day. "Wiggin & Nourie's mentor program, high writing standards and strong client relationships provided me with a great professional experience," he said. When asked if he has found his niche, Wenners responded, "Absolutely. I love my job." As a member of the Bar who holds a non-traditional job, I urge you to think outside the box. After practicing in a small firm in Manchester for almost 10 years, I began teaching at Central High School in Manchester this past September. I work as much now teaching as I did during my traditional lawyering days, but I laugh more now than I ever did. I teach Social Issues and the Law to honor-level seniors and Civics to lowest-level freshmen. Each class has its own level of intelligence, wit and dedication, and each class I teach presents its own obstacles, diversions and frustrations. In every class on any given day, I draw upon my legal experience to provide my students with examples. To date, it has been one of the most exciting professional times of my life. From time to time I confer with MaryEllen "Beeb" McGorry, who in a past life was an assistant Hillsborough County attorney. McGorry now teaches English at West High School in Manchester, and also loves what she does. It takes courage and perseverance to leave a traditional legal job. If you have any inclination, make the move and find a rewarding, non-traditional way to pursue your legal career. Stephanie Ferro is a member of the New Lawyers Committee. She teaches at Manchester Central High School. Opinions in Bar News UNLESS OTHERWISE indicated, opinions expressed in letters or commentaries published in Bar News are solely those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the New Hampshire Bar Association Board of Governors, the Bar News Editorial Advisory Board or the Bar Association staff.
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