The Legal Appeal

Are you a lawyer or an entrepreneur? - Take the Isenberg Test

2010-03-04T17:08:00.000-05:00

With the "downturn" in the economy I am coming across a lot of laid off lawyers who are thinking of starting their own law practice.
In many ways this can be GREAT. However, many times this is not a great idea.

To own and run your own business is a completely different mindset than just being a lawyer at a firm. It soooooo very different and has its own set of skills.

There are several things to consider:

1. Why do you want to start your own practice?
If you are starting own because you can't get a job or you are panicking because you got laid off yesterday then starting your own business is not a good idea. However, if you did get laid off and you've been thinking about it for a long long---long time, then with a good severance in hand and the willingness to lose half your salary for a while - starting your own practice could be great!

2. Do you know what it takes to run a business? Any business?

Do you like selling and marketing? That is going to be your new job. Lawyer work is now secondary. What do you know about customer service? Do you know how many clients you need to gain a certain salary? Do you know accounting? Can you create a website? Do you know what a mission statement is? Or how to someone explain your perfect client? (If you say, someone who pays, you are NOT ready to own your own business!)

This list of questions could go on and on.

3. Are you willing to take risks?

There is a very good chance you will fail. Are you ok with that? Most entrepreneurs start over a few times before they get it right. Some are lucky and do ok their first try but they are patient.

4. Are you social?
If you open your own practice you will not be able to open an office and expect all your clients to just walk right in and say I want to hire you. You now have to network - and network hard - in-person and on-line. After the first year, you will be able to market less and less because you will establish a reputation and gain referrals but you will never ever be able to stop networking, advertising, or selling.

5. Think your boss gives you a lot of hours?

Opening your own business is not freedom. As a matter of fact you are always at work. Your brain never shuts off. Even on vacation, you will think of things...and guess what your clients have no one else to call. Well, you might add on staff...but what do you know about hiring and managing people???

I don't want to discourage anyone! I'm an entrepreneur and I think it's fantastic. I actually encourage it! But you MUST do your homework. Talk to others who have opened their own businesses. Read up on entrepreneur books and blogs. See what it's all about before you decide.

Check out an interesting blog I found on Harvard Business Review by Daniel Isenberg and his test! He highlights some good points about business ownership.

Then get a mentor / coach, they'll help you focus faster and steer you straight so that you can build your client list!

Do law schools prepare students for life after law school?

2010-02-17T13:56:00.000-05:00

I read Ronald Fox's blog when he posts. He usually has something interesting to say in the area of law career satisfaction. His latest post is something I REALLY want to share.

I echo his concerns. While most universities and colleges do not prepare students for the real world, law schools are notorious. They are a bit snobby and focus very hard on law, cases and theory - avoiding the vocation. This is not to put down any career office. I think they work very hard but are not supported enough by deans or faculty.

Business schools do a much better job - law schools would be wise to expore their models.

Take a look at his blog (right click to open a new window and stay with me.) Will college students continue to remain ill-informed about law schools? Come back and let me know what you think!

Cheers,
Lorin

Don't Be Perfect - Be Excellent: 5 Ways to Shift from Perfection to Excellence

2010-02-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

"Perfect" is the ultimate phrase. But trying to attain perfection can cause stress, hinder efficiency, and create unnecessary conflicts with the people around you. Perfectionists are frequently perceived as:

Critical
Overwhelmed
Unable to see the big picture
Stressed-out and anxious
Rarely able to enjoy their accomplishment

A more productive goal is excellence: meeting the highest standards agreed upon for oneself or by the group. The person concentrating on excellence focuses on:

Continued personal and professional growth
Job satisfaction and customer service
Clear and reasonable expectations
A strong sense of accomplishment

To go from perfectionism to the pursuit of excellence, follow this advice:

Get Real – When you find yourself becoming frantic about a goal, stop and ask, “Is this problem really worth the level of frustration I’m experiencing?”
Establish Clear Expectations – If you know what’s expected of yourself, you can better track your progress and draw boundaries when needed. The sill help you move forward with the project instead of trying to make it better.
Identify Your Triggers – Learn to recognize the factors that lead or contribute to your perfectionist thinking and behaviors. Face them to change them.
Delegate – Many perfectionists mistakenly believe that they, and only they, can complete a task at hand. Others might do things differently and different isn’t wrong. Allow other people to assist you, which will increase the odds that the group will more easily reach excellence.
Know What’s Important – Ask yourself, “What most important about this project?” Consult with supervisors, partners, colleagues, coaches or mentors. Analyzing your objectives, then narrowing down key points and agreements, allows everyone to measure his or her performance accurately.

"What can you do for me?" never works in networking - 6 Simple Rules

2010-01-19T15:28:00.000-05:00

I've been to several networking groups in the last few months. I am constantly amazed at how educated people are so poor at networking.

People network to build business for themselves. This leads people to take a "what can you do for me" approach. However, this never works and is a big turn off.

If I am approached by someone and all they do is talk about themselves, I am not interested. I want to walk away. As a matter of fact, I almost want to deter business away from them.

Alternately, if I am approached by someone and they never talk about themselves...only looking for clues as to how I can help them...the same results happens.

I've had three separate follow-up phone calls this January from people who acted like they wanted to help me when, in fact, they were fishing to see how I could help them. I knew this before the phone call. They were just a little too eager to set up a follow-up without really knowing what I do for my business. One of them thought I placed lawyers and that's simply not true. Had they listened to me when we first met, they would have known this and not wasted our time.

As it is, I will still help them, if I can. They are not bad people, just bad communicators.

My 4 simple rules for networking:

1. Genuinely see how you can help others. Don't fake it because people see right through that.

2. Don't act desperate. Passionate, yes, desperate, no.

3. Make first contact after you meet someone if you have something to offer. I never contact people unless I have something to offer.

4. If you initiate first contact after a networking event, ONLY offer a lead or some helpful information, like a great blog or website. Don't try to talk about your business.

5. Try to goal yourself to build a relationship. People work with people they trust. Trust only comes with a genuine heart.

6. For goodness sake, follow-through on promises. You can't build trust on broken promises.

Happy and Healthy Networking Everyone! Send me any of your rules!
Cheers, Lorin

Laid off? 7 Rules for a Graceful Exit

2010-01-13T10:40:00.000-05:00

According to CBS Money Watch there are 7 rules for a graceful exit after a lay off and I think the are worth sharing.

1. Don’t Freak Out

2. Negotiate Your Exit

3. Fine-Tune Your To-Do List

4. Save Your Contacts

5. Be Kind to Yourself

6. Update Your Networking Protocol

7. Drink Responsibly

Here is the link to the full article: http://moneywatch.bnet.com/career-advice/article/laid-off-7-rules-for-a-graceful-exit/369443/

Is it the Right Time for a Career Change? Companies are hiring, negotiate severance and be prepared.

2009-09-30T14:26:00.001-04:00

I keep hearing people say that they hate their job but...

1. "I'm lucky to even HAVE a job and with this economy it's just not the right time."

Hog wash. Are companies laying off? Sure. Are companies hiring? Yes. Companies have a natural turn over, people retire, move, go to other companies, etc. There is a large talent pool for companies but there are still jobs. Look at on-line job boards. They would be empty if no one was hiring.
Next argument:

2. "If I change right now and the company has layoffs, then I'm the first to go."

Not necessarily. It used to be, first in - first out. This is not true anymore. Many companies are looking to lower overhead costs. Salaries are one of the biggest costs for companies and they want to tighten. I am hearing many 10- 20 yr veterans are getting the boot for someone with a lower salary demand. It might not be the right thing to do and companies may even be stepping into age discrimination. Even so, it's still happening.

Another tactic you can do in your hiring process. AFTER you are given the offer AND after you have negotiated salary - negotiate your possible severance. What??? "Are you crazy???!" Absolutely not! The worst that will happen is a, "we can't offer that at this time." You are already hired which means that they want you and you've already decided on a salary. This is just as acceptable. If you are currently employed, it can also be a deal breaker for the company because you can always pull out! They probably don’t want to lose you. They have spent a lot of money and time looking for you and since they have the pick of the litter, they must REALLY want you.

Typically, companies do two weeks for each year served plus cobra. If you are worried that that they might lay you off before the year is up - ask for a month if this happens. Perhaps you can ask for your salary through a year and health care. You might only get two weeks but it’s more than you would have gotten had you not asked for anything. Always ask for more than you are willing to take because they will usually counter.

Also, take peace of mind knowing that if they are willing to offer a severance package upfront then they are confident that they are going to keep you for a while.

Next argument:

3. “I’m not sure I want to make a change but I do want to think about it -- I"m not sure..."

What guarantee do you have that you aren’t going to be let go from your current employer. Why not be prepared with a plan of action?

Listen, any coach or counselor worth their weight should never try to push you into doing something you don’t want to do and I don't mean "pushing you out of your comfort zone so you can have success." I mean that if you hire a coach and they keep trying to coerce you into getting out of your current job or out of law, you don't want to move, and it dosen't feel right. it time to find a new coach.

It’s true that you shouldn’t make a change until you are ready, however, getting started is essential because change is a process. It takes time. My career transition took a few years because I returned to school. The decision and discovery probably took about six months.

Even if the state of the economy is scaring you right now. It’s better to start the process and be prepared when things do start to change. A funny thing happens when you start to take control of your direction. The current state you are in starts to look temporary and that “temporary state” starts to become easier because you are in motion to go in a better direction.

5 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Coach

2009-09-15T14:39:00.002-04:00

First, let me preface this post but saying that it almost doesn't matter what you ask a coach. The purpose of talking to a coach is to get a "feel" for them. I know that sounds a bit soft but you will most likely work with this person for at least 3 months and give them a lot of money. Make sure you like them.

Also, if a coach is unwilling to have a preliminary call before starting work, do not hire them. Any coach worth their weight is going to let you have a least one call before engaging in a contract. Most coaches will do one free call. Some will still charge you for their time. Either is fine. What's important is that you never want to sign a 3+ month contract with someone who isn't right for you.

Now, these five questions aren't the end all be all but, I'd definitely consider them. Think about what you want to know before working with them. Think about it as an interview.
5 Questions:

1. What made you get into coaching? What kind of training do you have?
Even if this is on their website, ask anyway. It will warm you up and it'll give you a since of their "style" of talking.

2. Do you have a program or system? Or what is your coaching process?
Any coach who says they wing it or let the client be the guide is suspect. At least to start, they should have assessments and "homework" for you. They need to have a plan of attack. You are looking for them to have a map of some sort to make sure nothing is left undone. It is true that coaching is organic so, on the opposite spectrum, you don't want a coach who has NO flexibility. Clients are the guide by their needs but there should be tracks already set by the coach.

3. Where do you meet with your clients?
If they have an office, great, however, most coaches don't, they work from home. Most coaching is done over the phone and via email. This works out for many reasons. One, it saves on travel time and two it's good for the environment, as it eliminates the need to get into a car and drive somewhere. Third, clients are usually more open to say the truth if they dont' have to look someone in the eye. I have found that my clients actually open up faster when we are on the phone. Also, it allows you the best opportunity to find a great coach since they don’t have to be local.

If they have an office, consider whether you want to take the extra time traveling. Do they offer phone, or Skype coaching? Do they give you options? If you want a coach to come to you, they will most likely charge you travel time.

4. What kind of time commitment is coaching? What kind of support do I get in between meetings?
This is a two for one. I like having a coach I can email in between sessions. Get your coach to outline the kind of contact you can have when you are not in a coaching session. Do they offer additional time if needed? Many will at a charge but, it's usually worth it if something urgent comes up. Some coaches will allow unlimited email support, some will limit to a certain number in between and some will limit by hours. There are also coaches that charge for email in between. Decide what is right for you, economically and supportively.

5. What is your fee structure?
Some coaches put their fees on their websites, some do not. It's all a matter of taste. I put my fees up to aid the client. Many coaches will be open to negotiation. You need to be clear about your financial investment.

Also, take a look at their website. You might find a few things you want to ask about from there. Also, see if they will give you a sample of their coaching. You'll want to see, feel, and hear their style. While you'll want to get as much information as possible, it's more important to see how they are going to work for you. The last thing you want is a coach that talks too much. If they keep turning the tables and asking you a lot of questions, I would take this as a good sign.

Last, experience doesn't mean a whole lot to me. Some new coaches are FABULOUS because they get the process. I've met some coaches that have been doing it for years and they still give too much advice or read into things without asking me if they are on target. Not good. You need someone who will get you motivated and to get the work done, not someone who loves to talk about themselves.

Thinking of jumping? Start a list of people who can help!

2009-09-09T13:17:00.002-04:00

Ok, I certainly don't mean jumping off a high bridge...although with the hours you work you jokingly think it's the easiest option.

If you have begun to think that you might want to leave the law or change how you work in the legal profession, you need to get your idea's supported.

1. One of the best places to start is to make a list of everyone you know. Just sit down and make a running list and don't filter. You should even put down the name of people you know from work, businesses, friends, church/temple, social clubs, school, kid's school, Linkedin, Facebook, etc. (More on how these can help later!)

(I like using Microsoft Excel to create my list instead of writing. It makes it easier to sort, catergorize and eventually add contact information and records.)

Take a few days to write the list. Keep it handy and every time you remember a name, write it down. Use last names and first name in seperate columns. (This is always a good idea for sorting) If you don't know a last name, that's OK. You'll probably be able to find it out.

Take a look the sample screen: (You can click on the image to make it larger.)

2. After you've make the list, you then need to rank them by how well you know them. You are going to approach them in different ways. I recommend a number system, such as 1 for very close, 2 for moderately, and 3 for aquintance and not close. The number will help you to filter and sort in Excel.

3. Start with your 1's. Take a look at the list and see, out of the whole group, who can you trust the most. I mean full on trust. It's more than just tell a secret but can you tell them anything about you and they will be supportive?

You are about to start networking. Once you let people know that you are thinking of a change your close friends will start to help. They want you to be happy and successful.

You should start with asking them - "What do you think I would be good at doing?" You be amazed at the support and ideas. You also never know what will happen for you. You might even find a new job without a lot of stress and anxiety because you might get one without even giving someone a resume!

Email me with any questions about this lorin@thelegalappeal.com. I'm happy to help.
Cheers,
Lorin
http://www.thelegalappeal.com/

Are you in the right job? Make a list to find out!

2009-08-19T16:22:00.006-04:00

The first thing I have all my clients do when we start working together is to make some lists. Clarity is important when you want to make a move. So, I saw let's start bold and just tell me what it is you want.

The first thing a jury does at the end of the trial is take a vote before deliberating anything. It's always good to see where everyone stands. These lists are kind of like that. Simple exploration before delving into the big stuff.

I also have done these lists myself. I made one for a perfect husband. I put it away and found it 6 years later. I had to laugh. The reason I found it was because I was cleaning and packing to move in with my now husband. Who oddly enough matched my list. I also made one for my own career change.

1. First, come up with all the things that you currently like about your job. I know it might be grueling but there's got to be something that you like. It can be anything, even the plant on your desk or the offerings in the vending machine.

2. Second list is to name all the things you don't like about your job. Yes, it's much easier but we're going to do something with this. Don't live on this list too long...limit it to 100 items.

3. Last list, describe your perfect job/career. This is the hardest for most of my clients because they don't know what they want. You don't have to do it all at once. Write down everything, from what you wear, to what you do, to who you work with, to your commute! Leave nothing unturned, even if you think the ideas clash. When I made my list, I wanted a job that was casual and people wore suits. I got both!

Important! Make sure there are no negatives in your "Perfect" list. For example, "I don't want to work weekends." should be changed to "I want my weekends to be work free."

Look and see how well they match up to the "Like" list or to your "Don't Like" list. Are you already in your perfect job? Do you see some things missing?

You don't have to stay where you are right now. Find someone to talk to that is not family or friend. You need someone who is impartial. Start with your career office at your Alma mater. Or seek a good career counselor or coach - someone who works specifically with attorneys or professionals.

You can make a change and you should start simply and slowly.

Ten Things a Recruiter Will Never Tell You

2009-08-13T10:41:00.008-04:00

I'd like to share an article I found yesterday. I was thinking about this topic already and since someone else did the work, I'm happy to share!

I found it to be full of helpful information. I've been in HR Departments in my career and can attest to what she wrote. I've also been a hiring manager. As a coach, I always recommend my clients find a professional resume writer and to find one that has a recruiting background.

Here is the articleb by:
Deborah Walker, CCMC Resume Writer ~ Career Coach
http://www.alphaadvantage.com/

"As a former executive recruiter and headhunter, I can tell you there are a lot of industry secrets. Having access to those secrets can make the difference in whether your resume is accepted—or rejected—by top headhunters.

As you focus your job search, here are the top ten things recruiters will never tell you.

1. Your cover letter put him off.

You might have been thrilled to find just the right cover letter form in a book of cover letters or computer template. What you don’t realize is that a thousand other people have also found that cover letter—and the recruiter has seen them all. It makes your cover letter look like 150 other letters he has read that morning. And it makes you seem unoriginal, and not a good candidate.

If your cover letter sounds like an exact repeat of your resume, or if it sounds pompous and self-absorbed, your cover letter and resume will be tossed or ignored. A professionally written cover letter can make the best of your accomplishments and give a fresh sound to recruiters, winning their interest.

2. Recruiters spend five to ten seconds looking at each resume.

If your resume cannot get his attention in five to ten seconds, it will be passed over.

In an extremely fast-paced environment, high-volume resume reading is required; recruiters are professionally trained to look for certain items. If your resume is not designed to contain what recruiters are looking for, you won’t get a second chance.

3. Your resume may be full of hidden or unsuspected red flags.

You think you have a great resume, but there may be red flags you are not even aware of. Here are a few that cause concern for recruiters:

Too many jobs in a short time = Unstable candidate
Too many years at the same company/industry = Inflexible to change
Overqualified = Too expensive or won’t stay long
Under qualified = Long learning curve
Too many different types of jobs = Candidate doesn’t know what he wants

A professional resume and cover letter can avoid these mis-perceptions by guiding the recruiter toward your strongest accomplishments—and away from the red flags.

4. Your age is obvious from your resume.

You may think you’ve fooled the recruiter by leaving out your college graduation date, but there are many resume cues that can betray your age. In today’s youth-oriented market, this can lead to a whole series of misconceptions:

Your industry knowledge is out of date
You don’t understand current technology
You won’t be able to work under younger managers
A well-written resume can prove your experience while downplaying your actual age.

5. Your resume indicates you are not a good "cultural fit" for his clients.

Your resume reveals more about you than you know. Your personal information or extracurricular activities may actually make a negative impression on recruiters or potential employers. Even the way you phrase your job experience can prove that you don’t belong in his client’s workplace.

This is one area where a strong resume, particularly one written by a professional with past recruiting expertise, can definitely win you the interview. A strong resume allows the recruiter to sell you to his clients with ease.

6. The recruiter’s first motivation is earning commissions.

The recruiter’s loyalty is not to you; it is to the companies that pay his commission. Those employers are interested in the bottom line—and so is he. Don’t expect a recruiter to be personally interested in your career goals; he only wants to talk to you if you match the qualifications of the job openings he has to offer.

It is up to YOU to make him understand what a great asset you would be to his clients—and therefore to him as well. A professionally written resume and cover letter will help display your quantifiable accomplishments and marketable skills to your best advantage.

7. He doesn’t care why the employer didn’t want you for a second interview.

If the employer isn’t interested in you, then neither is the recruiter. Recruiters don’t feel any obligation to tell you why you didn’t make the cut; he has other jobs to fill and other candidates to fill them. As much as we’d like to think otherwise, recruiters have to focus on jobs that pay them, not on improving your interview techniques.

It pays to work on your interviewing skills well before you get to that stage. A career coach can help you polish those skills. You can’t rely on the recruiter to do that for you.

8. He doesn’t care why the employer didn’t make you the offer.

Recruiters don’t want to admit that they knew you were the second choice all along or that the employer was just interviewing you to go through the motions. Maybe the top candidate was even someone else he sent in.
You have to be aware that you are in competition at all times—even with other job seekers your recruiter represents. As such, you have to be prepared to wow the recruiters and employers with a top-notch resume and cover letter, one that will win everyone’s attention, and hone the interview skills that will win you the offer.

9. He won’t tell you the real reason the position you want is on hold.

Again, a recruiter’s first loyalty is to the companies that pay his commission. So he is not going to tell you that the employer just ordered a budget cut or that they are having a management crisis. And you will be left to wonder if the company put the job on hold to avoid hiring you.
By honing your interview skills, you will be able to determine those hidden concerns and rely on your own judgment, not your recruiter’s.

10. He won’t tell you the true salary range for the position.

For internal, corporate recruiters, it is in their best interest to keep the salary range low. It makes them look good if they can have a positive impact on the bottom line, and what better way to save thousands of dollars than by negotiating low?

For third-party recruiters, their commission is often based on your salary, so they will try to inflate the salary range. This seems like it could work in your benefit—until you find yourself priced out of a job.

You can avoid leaving dollars on the table and avoid pricing yourself out of a job only by learning negotiation skills that can earn you the salary you truly deserve.

Don’t give up on recruiters just because you know these hard facts. Instead, use them to your advantage! Recruiters can actually be your best asset in a job search. Your recruiter can be an incredible ally. Once a recruiter has placed you, you will always have his ear.

In fact, maintaining contact with your recruiter even after you have found a great job can be a good idea. Don’t burn your bridges. Even if the recruiter was rude or didn’t give you as much attention as you would have liked, be businesslike and polite. That same recruiter might be the one to hand you your next job on a silver platter.

Also, remember, that when you are searching for a career coach, it pays (literally!) to have one who has access to this type of inside knowledge, who has been on both sides of the negotiating table. Only by knowing the pitfalls—and how to avoid them—can you be truly successful in finding the right job at the right salary for you."

I hope you take these hints and use them! Surround youself with people who are experts. Just because you are smart, it doesn't mean that you know everything! Nor should you waste your vauable time trying to figure it out. Get help and get moving on that new career

Cheers,
Lorin

7 Keys to a Killer Cover Letter

2009-08-05T11:00:00.007-04:00

I just read a great article on salary.com about writing the perfect cover letter. There are some that think a resume should speak for itself, however, it doesn't.

Your cover letter is your pitch to a potential employer. Make a statement. As a career changer, you will put all the reasons you are right for the job. NEVER make excuses for your change or try to explain it. Make sure you are always positive about your skills and abilities. I'll put the link below and I recommend you follow the tips!

Click here for the article. If you have trouble opening it, let me know.

Cheers,

Lorin

http://www.thelegalappeal.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinkmask

www.twitter.com/lawcareercoach

What You Believe to be True is True

2009-07-15T21:31:00.010-04:00

This is a simple concept. "What you believe to be true is true." If you want to change what is "true" for you, then you have to change your belief system.

Huh?

OK - for example. If you believe that it is hard to draw, then you can not draw. If you believe that you are bad with directions when you drive, then anytime you get turned around you confirm this belief. If you believe that you are always late, then you will always be late. Get the picture?

Let's put it to your career. If you believe that you can't change careers then, you will always come up with excuses. Right now the popular excuse is the economy.

Guess what? Companies are looking. They are looking for the top talent - anything to put them past the competition! For many that are hiring, your law degree could be that saving grace. However, you don't have to use this as an excuse.

If you believe that it's not a good time for change, then you are in luck! Changing careers does NOT happen overnight. It takes time. If you are working right now, hiring a career coach, consultant or counselor could be a brilliant idea. Most coaches will get you into a positive state of mind, quickly.

Even if you are miserable, the fact that you are working towards a change will create a much better life for you, rather than feeling you are stuck. After that, discovery and repackaging can take up to 6 months and as little as 3. What better way to get ready for an improving economy than to be ready with a new direction?

Changing beliefs for many lawyers requires a lot of proof. If you want proof, I'm happy to put you in contact with other lawyers who successfully changed careers in different economies.

How does one change beliefs if you think that others can do it but you can't? Start with what you'd like to believe. For example, "I believe that I can find a new career that suits me better than the law." Write it down. Whatever it is, write it down where you can see it on a regular basis. Move it around each Monday. Our minds tend to overlook things we see all the time.

As you look at the statement, what about it rings false, that's the easy part, you already own that. Look again, what about it rings true. Can you own that instead? How are you different from others that have been successful at change?

It's ok to be a lawyer that doesn't practice law

2009-06-18T21:42:00.006-04:00

If you are afraid that your degree will go to waste—fear not!

For one, education never goes to waste.

I decided to get into career coaching for lawyers because I’m married to one—a non-practicing attorney. He went to law school many years ago but knew upfront that he wasn’t meant to be a typical lawyer. He followed a different path into banking and counsel positions in banking. He no longer does that either!

He is following a passion in antiques. One of our family values is to make our world a better place. Reducing our carbon footprint is part of that. We decided to get into antiques to help the environment, honor history and follow our appreciation of design.

Life for him is much better, as well as our for our family. He still does some consulting as an attorney and even at a top New York firm—however, he’s in control of what he does!

Micheal’s degree is used constantly in our lives. There are always people asking for his advice plus, we benefit from his education for our own family, too.

People don’t always have a favorable view of attorneys—hence the joke, “What’s a lawyer at the bottom of the ocean?...a good start.” But, to be honest, the degree is widely respected by the work force.

You have skills that can translate into many other areas and industries.

You can put your degree to good use and you don’t have to have the career you currently have!

Instead you can feel more rewarded and fulfilled. I know this from first hand experience

~ Lorin K. Mask