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Alternative Career Paths

Are you enjoying law school, but not crazy about the idea of becoming a lawyer? Find a career that’s right for you!

Your legal skills and training do not have to be confined to working in the legal profession. These skills are extremely marketable and you will find many doors open to you outside of the practice of law. Whether you are a law student with no desire to practice law, or a lawyer who would like to try something new, there are lots of ways you can capitalize on your legal skills while pursuing an alternative to practice. This page will guide you through the steps to consider when looking for an alternative career.

STEP 1: Introduction:
Read the Alternative Careers section of the Career Guide, which is accessible to all current Osgoode students through the OLE documents library.

STEP 2: Identify Your Skills & Find An Industry That’s Right For You:
Take the Self Assessment Tests in the Career Guide. It is essential to know your strengths when you are marketing your skills in person, in a cover letter or in a resume.

STEP 3: Look At The Future
The government's Working in Canada website provides an in-depth look at the current state and future outlook of various industries.

STEP 4: Start Your Job Search
Visit our Internet Resources Page to start the "alternatives to legal practice" job search. If you come across any more links you think may be useful to other students please contact us.

The Selected CSO Alternative Careers Resources is a list of books that are available on reserve in the Osgoode library for you to view at your leisure.

STEP 5: Prepare Your Application
Please view the Career Guide for application preparation strategies and sample resumes/cover letters.
Ideas for Jobs Outside of Legal Practice

Within the Realm of Law:

  • Executive Director of non-governmental organization / foundation
  • Law schools
  • Mediator / Arbitrator / Adjudicator
  • Legal Publisher
  • Writer / Editor
  • Policy Advisor
  • International development
  • Canada Foreign Service, Legal Advisor
  • Employee and labour relations
  • Government Lobbyist

Non-Law:

  • Sports Agent/Sports Executive
  • Research Analyst
  • Investigator
  • Consultant (e.g.: communications, information technology, business development)
  • News Writer / Anchor / Reporter