Non-Traditional Practice: Just as Fulfilling as Traditional Practice

By Courtney Kabbes, IU McKinney

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, the Indianapolis Bar Association hosted nearly 40 law students at the April Breakfast with the Bar, which was the most attended breakfast event to date. The theme of April’s event focused on "non-traditional" practice and J.D. advantage roles. We were joined by eight Indianapolis attorneys.

The attorneys shared their personal backgrounds with students and their journey from law school to their current careers. Although the majority of the attorneys no longer practice traditional law, they all agreed that law school gave them important knowledge and skills to be successful in their current roles. Among those skills, speakers highlighted business acumen, contract drafting, persuasive speaking, negotiating and being able to view issues from different perspectives. 

Generally, the speakers felt spending time in a traditional realm would be helpful prior to transitioning to a non-traditional career. But, how should students determine if a non-traditional route is best for them? Here are a few tips from the attorneys: 

• Take a variety of classes in law school. You’ll figure out what you like and, more importantly, what you don’t like.  
• Network with attorneys and non-attorneys in the industries that interest you.  
• Beyond professional goals, look at your personal goals – what path allows you to align those goals the best? 
• Trial and error. It’s never too late to make a change no matter which path you choose. 
• Trust your gut! 

For more information on upcoming events, click here. 

If you would like to submit content or write an article for the Law Student Division, please email Kara Sikorski at ksikorski@indybar.org.

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