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What are best ways to address a high priced estate planning law firm for lack of responsiveness after paying a consulting fee in advance and receiving little more than boiler plate forms that didn't address what was clearly articulated several times?As a paralegal I spent a number of years assisting attorneys with preparing estate plans. Later, as personal representative, trustee and LLC partner of a high value estate I probated the estate with minimal assistance of counsel. Later still, I engaged counsel to prepare my estate plan. So I believe I have at least a modicum of knowledge about estate planning and probate, and can answer the last part of your question.It is a major misconception that attorneys draft every legal document from scratch.It is unnecessary for attorneys to reinvent the wheel every time they draft certain documents, such as wills, trusts and powers of attorneys. To draft every document from scratch would cost clients more money than they should have to pay. Not only that, attorneys place much thought and study into this “boilerplate” to ensure documents in which it is used it conforms with the law governing them.Were attorneys to draft every such document from scratch, the odds increase they might miss or omit something and commit malpractice. It is never in an attorney’s interests to commit malpractice, irrespective of his/her malpractice or errors and omissions insurance. As a client, it is not in your interests that your attorney commit malpractice; hence, a big reason why attorneys use boilerplate for sections of documents not needing original drafting.Turning now to this “consulting fee,” I don’t know what you mean. What was the scope of your engagement with the firm? Did attorney explain what you were paying for before s/he and you entered into your engagement agreement? Did attorney explain your fee arrangements? Did attorney use the term “retainer”[1] at any time? This “consulting fee” to which you refer may have been retainer you paid in advance so attorney could start work on your case and to ensure s/he would be paid. You would be refunded any excess retainer.Or maybe attorney is charging you flat fees for each item in your estate plan or one flat fee for the complete package; again, asking you to pay in advance to ensure the firm would be paid. It is common for estate planning firms these days to charge flat fees for their products and to ask clients to pay in advance.I’d suggest you review the copy of your engagement agreement attorney gave you.What do you mean by “clearly articulated several times”? Do you mean the dispositive provisions you asked attorney to set forth in your will or revocable trust? You may have clearly articulated your wishes to your attorney but in your will or trust your wishes must be articulated in legal jargonese unique to such instruments for them to be given effect when the time comes.As a paralegal who under attorney supervision has drafted many wills and trusts, I would agree that much of the “magic language” incorporated in these instruments can be obscure, convoluted, sound like doubletalk and can be virtually incomprehensible. If you don’t understand what is being articulated, you need to ask the attorney to explain it to you in plain English and request any changes.Define “unresponsiveness.” When did you meet with the attorney? After you met with him/her, how long did it take for him/her to provide you with said “boilerplate forms”? A couple of weeks? An attorney providing draft documents two weeks after being hired is decent service.Further, have you been calling the attorney and s/he has not returned your calls? Have you tried reaching out to his/her paralegal or legal assistant? Paralegals and legal assistants are usually more accessible than attorneys.The best way to address any law firm regardless of “high price” is to start with the paralegal or legal assistant assigned to your file because, again, they are usually more accessible than attorneys. You could then try the attorney, with the clear understanding s/he may not get back to you the same day or for a few days. If that goes nowhere, you could try reaching out to the firm’s practice manager, firm administrator or office manager. Ultimately, you can change firms. You may be refunded retainer less charges for any work already completed.Footnotes[1] Retainer

A2A. (See, I promised that I’d come back and give a thorough answer!)Some housekeeping:First, I have UN-MERGED this question. Someone had merged it with “what do forensic psychiatrists do?” I have reversed the merge because the questions are not the same. We may do similar things, but hardly the same.Second, as I stated in my comment to the OP above, there are actually quite a few questions along this line already answered on Quora, but the answers vary considerably from useless to thorough. And, there are more that are useless than thorough. I would say that Dr. Brams’ answers on this topic are always spot on, and I see that she has also provided an answer here. So I’ll add my two-cents, along side hers.Third, please consider that my answer will be long winded because I am providing my answer based on my unique training as both lawyer and psychologist.On to my answers…So… your client would be whom?I would agree that the biggest difference between neuro/clinical/counseling psychology and forensic psychology is the client. Rather than a doctor/patient relationship, the relationship obligation is USUALLY to the court. But this isn’t always the case either. Sometimes it’s a correctional facility. Sometimes it actually IS the patient themselves. For example, in a small town you may have been treating a patient for 1+ years, and then be called to court. In that case things get tricky, but your obligation remains to your patient; even though you may be a forensic psychologist, your duty in that unique situation is to your patient. However, usually, the court has referred to you, and the court is expecting that you are making psychological conclusions that will benefit it - the court. As you might expect, this invites some consent issues with patients. The issue of consent is a bit different in forensic cases.So… where would you work?You could be (as is most often the case) in private practice. I would certainly argue that private practice is the most lucrative option. In other words, there is money to be made in private practice. However, rare is the newly minted graduate that hangs out a shingle and starts a practice as a forensic psychologist! To get into private practice you’d need either very specific post-gradate training in the field of forensics, or need to have a working relationship with a seasoned forensic psychologist. However, it isn’t impossible. If you were in a small town (as I am) and the judges know that you are available, and if you have adequate supervision to conduct forensic assessments, you might very well be able to build a practice from the ground up. However, most forensic psychologists have years and years - decades even - of building up time in courtrooms, familiarizing themselves with the system and the concepts. I also know at least a handful of psychologist/attorneys… so that’s certainly another fast-track to understanding the overlap. I discuss the unique legal services a Ph.D./J.D. can offer, way down below.You might also work only in a correctional facility and never see a court room, however most of these folks would consider themselves “correctional psychologists.” Additionally, a forensic psychologist may spend most of their time in a state hospital. For example, Terrell State Psychiatric Hospital in Texas has a forensics wing, where adults are housed who are either waiting to stand trial on competency issues, or who have been found NGRI or some variation thereof (not guilty by reason of temporary insanity). I’ll note, however, that this defense is not very often successful.Lastly, you can technically be a forensic psychologist that works primarily in research and public policy - although this is much less common. This person would spent a lot of time researching and publishing on forensic psych science, or, might be a faculty at a university’s psychology department, be a forensic faculty member at a medical school’s forensics residency program, or possibly on the faculty of a law school.The simple answer: usually time split between office/courtroom/airplane/car.So… what would you actually be doing?Unfortunately, the term “forensic psychology” is such a massive umbrella that if you were to see “Ryan R. Cooper, Ph.D. | Forensic Psychologist,” you’d haven’t a clue what the hell I ACTUALLY did. By far, the most common thing a forensic psychologist “does” is psychological evaluation.Mental State. This would be anything from determining whether a defendant understands the court system and his or her role in it (that they’ve been accused, what the judge does, etc.) and this is usually known as competency to stand trial, or “competency evaluations.” Another type of evaluation is a “capacity evaluation” to determine whether the defendant had the capacity to appreciate his crime… this might be referred to as mental capacity, mental culpability, or mens rea - as opposed to actus reus - or, the act of the crime (for most crimes the state must prove the act and the mindset both… the latter is where a psychologist can help). The mental aspect required in a criminal trail, say for homicide or theft is NOT the same as that for a tortuous action, like assault/battery… and a psychologist can help with all of these areas. Negligence is another realm.Custody. Another type of evaluation commonly conducted by forensic psychologists is custody... this might be the MOST common; I’m not sure. These are usually very lengthy and are best described in this way: a hot mess. This is the sh*t that judges are like… “omg… please leave my courtroom and go let someone else hash this mess out, I can’t make heads or tails of anything.” Enter, the awesome forensic psychologist. All states that I’ve looked into have VERY strict laws surrounding the ethics of what must be included in a custody evaluation. For example, psychologist are sanctioned EVERY SINGLE MONTH in Texas for performing inadequate custody evaluations. Usually, it’s because a psychologist (or counselor) didn’t realize they were conducting a custody evaluation. But every time you get the stand and opine as to whether one parent is as fit as another (and sometimes even if you opine as to only one!), then you’re giving testimony related to custody and the ethics of custody evaluation come in. For example, you must evaluate BOTH parents, equally. You should evaluate the children as well. You cannot give an opinion having only seen one parent. Nope. Sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised. Custody evaluations are very lengthy, require a lot of paperwork, and a lot of mental energy. For this reason, they are very EXPENSIVE. One anonymous psychologists’ “custody evaluation” I once reviewed consisted of a single MMPI-2 given to mom, and to dad, and 30 minutes of an “intake” with each. The cost was $500 to mom, $500 to dad. This is an example of how NOT to perform a custody evaluation. At the forensics firm I’m associated with, our custody evaluations are VERY extensive and consists of often 10–20 tests. I would say it is more common to see a custody evaluation cost 1000–2000 for evaluating mom, the same for dad, and about the same or slightly less per child. So a good thorough evaluation will cost more like $5,000+ for the family.Lie Detection. Though not really always in the tool belt of forensic psychologists, many do offer this service. I’ve considered getting training in this area, but don’t have the time. I am fascinated by it, but the key to being a good forensic psychologist is knowing more than how to read out results… but understanding what the hell they DO and DON’T mean. E.g., just because a lie detector says someone is lying, doesn’t mean they are; it means that their heart rate went up, and they started sweating, etc. Funny: A woman walks into the room wearing a purple dress, and leans against the wall. The Judge says to two psychologists: “what is the color of the woman’s dress?” The clinical psychologist says “purple.” The forensic psychologist says “well, all I can tell you for certain is that the front half is purple, because that’s all I can see.” That story beautifully illustrates the savvy a forensic psychologist needs to understand and explain how testing actually works!Sex Offender Evals. Exactly what it sounds like. Psychologists are often called upon to help predict - to the limited extent possible - the chances of recidivism for sex offenders. We can also help courts understand what is possible and what isn’t… for example, there is no real “cure” for pedophilia, and a psychologist can get on the stand, or meet in chambers to help explain the reality of pedophilia, or sex addiction, and such explanation can help the judge do their job better. One form of testing in this realm that remains in use (not by me fyi lol) is the penile plethysmograph. Often used to determine whether a sex offender can control their arousal, it’s most certainly a way to test the truth of a defendant saying: “I’m cured, I’m now disgusted by rape” or “ I’m cured, I’ll not longer attracted to children.” The test will absolutely verify the truth of such a statement. However a good forensic psychologist will be able to explain these limitations. For example, does getting an erection MEAN that the defendant will act on the arousal? No. Could people NOT so inclined be aroused by suggestive stimuli? Yes. So there are a lot differing opinion in the evaluation of sex offenders, and the forensic psychologist must be very familiar with all perspectives… and check their own biases at the door. Also pencil/paper tests for sexual deviancy are not that great, either, psychometrically.Police Evaluation. This is, again, not done by all forensic psychologists, and sometimes a non-forensic private practice psychologist will do this. This could entail evaluating a new police officer to determine whether they are a good candidate to serve on the force (L3 Eval in Texas). It could also entail re-evaluating a police officer to determine whether they are fit for duty after xyz event, or just after xyz number of years. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) actually offers a board certification in Police and Public Service Psychology (as well as board certification in, obviously, Forensic Psychology).Neuropsychology. This is a highly specialized area, and I only know of one psychologist that is extremely - I mean EXTREMELY - familiar with both forensics and neuropsych… and I’m lucky to count him among my list of mentors and friends. To offer neuropsych testimony, a psychologist needs to have not only the same understanding of the legal system that a forensic psychologist has, but also a savvy understanding (well beyond grad school) of the human brain and how it affects certain behaviors (and the ability to discuss it in layman’s terms!). While some non-neuropsychologists may be able to hold their own in an advanced discussion of Autism or ADHD, diagnosing a brain disorder is a big deal, and very few psychologist will make such a diagnosis without extensive neuropsych training. A neuropsychologist will be prepared to talk about Broca’s area and how it is indicated in test results… or a severe visuospatial deficit and how it affects daily living… or Theta/Beta Ratio and how it can help explain a dx of ADHD, more so than rating scales, like the Conner’s can (not very diagnostically useful, IMO).Trial Sciences. This area is not reserved to psychologists by any means. The National Association of Trial Consultants, for example, is open to LOTS of types of professionals. However, I’d say over half are probably psychologists. Trial sciences is probably more of what I’d consider the true PSYCHOLOGIZING of LAW… rather than merely offering psychological service, in a legal context. Trial sciences applies psychological principles to the legal system itself, rather than just the defendant or the players in that system. What is this judge like… what result can we predict from her or him based on their rulings, their personal life, their demeanor? What about jury members? Do you want blue collar? White collar? Do you want parents on the jury, or bachelors? … some of this is dramatized in the HBO series Bull. I find the show to be rather boring and unbelievable. However, it has moments of truth. In fact, it’s a dramatization of Dr. Phil’s early days as a trial consultant (which is how he met Oprah, btw). While the show is BS in a lot of ways, it’s underpinnings are spot on. GOOD trial consultants will apply psychological principles to the “players” in the court. I once published an article on applying psychodynamic principles to the process of voir dire.Therapy. I’m throwing this in here, because I’ve personally had attorneys reach out to me, expecting that I can offer some magical therapy to them, since I’m familiar with “their world” in a way that a non-me therapist wouldn’t be. But the reality is this: REAL therapy requires no such familiarity. In fact, such a pre-existing schema might actually hamper therapy. I’m not sure. Would depend on the therapist’s own level of self-awareness I suppose. Now, on the other hand, a “forensic psychologist” may very well offer true individual therapy, or even group therapy, in the state facility to inmates. For example, most of the pre-doc internships in “forensic psychology” at the US Department of Corrections will have interns doing both assessment/evaluation as well as individual and group therapy in the institution.Teaching/Research. This applies to all psychologists, but forensic psychologist (in my personal opinion) are in a uniquely higher demand because they have the same training as the clinical psychology professor (they can teach personality theory, history and systems, psychometrics, etc.) but they also have this rare perspective to add on to their instruction and mentorship (particularly suited to teach courses in legal psychology, professional ethics, comprehensive assessment, etc.).You didn’t ask this, but I’ll answer it for any Quoran’s who may stumble upon this discussion:We’ve explored how psychology can spill over into law……………HOW DOES THE LAW SPILL OVER INTO PSYCHOLOGY?A psychologist who also holds a J.D. and a license to practice law can be VERY helpful to the field of psychology.First, they will make great forensic psychologists, as I’ve discussed above.Second, they MAY also be uniquely qualified to represent patients and practitioners in malpractice claims. If you were suing a psychologist (or you were a psychologist being sued) wouldn’t it make you feel better to know that your attorney was also a psychologist and understood all of the ethical principles, training models, personality theories, therapy interventions that you use in everyday practice? Hell yes!Third, they will be very helpful in dealing with insurance companies (think, whether the contract between Dr. X and Insurance X is ambiguous or clear? Did a renewed contract have adequate consideration?) and licensing boards (if a psychologist is sanctioned or in jeopardy of having their license suspended).Fourth, they will be helpful at advising on small legal matters that other attorneys would be just fine at, but psychologist/attorneys will be more empathic to. For example, should you set up your practice as a LLC? Corporation? And if so, S-Corp or C-Corp? What about your business name? Must it be registered? Should you trademark anything? If you are a research psychologist developing psychometrically sound assessment of malingering on ADHD scales, how and when do you copyright it, and should you get a patent on your process? What if it’s all online? Is that intellectual property? What if you die? Correction… lol… since you WILL die… what happens then? Have you told your patients? (Hint: all my patients know exactly what happens to their charts if I’m struck by lightening today!) If you are subpoenaed by a court to turn over your chart must you? What about your raw testing data (like raw IQ subtest scores)? What about your personal working notes? What about copyrighted test material that Pearson or PAR or MHS, the publishers, have copyrighted? If you do turn it over, can Pearson then sue you? Can you do therapy on Skype? (Hint: NO). If you find a HIPAA-compliant service (Hint: Telehealth 365 is free), can you then see people for therapy in other states using it? These are just SOME questions of a legal nature that will come up in practice.… wouldn’t it be nice if there was a psychologist out there that understood all of this, AND was a lawyer? The good news… there’s a small population of PhD/JD or PsyD/JD folks in the United States… but it’s certainly a small population.Wait… why did you un-merge the question from psychiatry?In brief, I do not believe that forensic psychiatry and forensic psychology are at all alike. The ONLY way a forensic psychiatrist gets training in the MMPI-2, MMPI-A, PAI, PAI-A, PAI-RF, all the wack rating scales that they (and we) use, and the hundred or so other tests that I keep in my office… is if they do a residency that includes psychometric training. Psychologists use a lot of measures because it’s the best we have… but we KNOW the limitations (or should). There’s a great book on this: Correcting Fallacies in Educational and Psychological Testing. A psychiatrist is not usually going to be able to explain anything other than “he had a full scale I.Q. of 97, and that’s average.” If you said, “wait, wait, what does that MEAN?” … they probably won’t know. Because they are physicians… not academic researchers trained in test construction.The way in which a psychologist makes an assessment of a person is extremely complex… we don’t spend ten years in school designing ink blots (ok, I did when I got bored once in History & Systems). And differential diagnosis is the BREAD AND BUTTER of a psychologist. It’s what we do. We live and breath “taking complex cases” and “making sense of them.” … and then “explaining the intricacies of doing so in easy-to-understand terms.” While I’m sure some psychiatrists have been trained to do this, I have never met one. Then again, I’m young and my time in the field is fairly short so far. However, I’ve networked a lot… and have not met a forensic psychiatrist who can explain the processes and psychological workings of the human mind the way a psychologist can.Probably because they study the human brain, primarily… not the psychological, sociological, philosophical, and spiritual essence of mind that better explains that brain.So… (1) I told you my answers were long-winded, but usually very informative and well-thought out. (2) This answer only scratches at the surface.I also didn’t go into the kind of money that you can earn as a forensic psychologist because I have contracts that prevent me from talking about that specifically. But is is an important aspect of deciding whether you want to go into the field of forensics.If you have any other specific questions, please let me know… I really love helping people understand our profession(s).All my best on your journey to determining where your interests lie my friend!Reach out anytime,-R.

This is a very long list presented at a NALP conference in 2014. That was a long time ago, and the list has — no doubt — expanded.Pass the Baton, llcSusan Gainen / 1390 Carling Drive #207, St. Paul, MN 55108 / 651-917-0219 / [email protected] @PTBSusanGainen ©2013NON-TRADITIONAL JOBS FOR LAW-TRAINED PROFESSIONALSAt the 1996 National Association for Law Placement Annual Meeting, two career services directors* reported on a survey that they had conducted of a number of their graduates who had alternative careers. Some of the “Helpful Background” reflects the specific experiences of the survey’s respondents. I have added additional job titles to their very excellent work and included an additional list of job titles. You will find some consistent themes: just as in traditional legal positions, key skills are writing, analysis, communication and interpersonal skills. Their categories are:Alternative Dispute ResolutionArts/MediaCorporateEducationFinancial ServicesGovernmentFund Development (Institutional Advancement)HR/RecruitmentLegislation/LobbyingNon-Profit ManagementALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTIONMediator (Small ADR Company)FUNCTIONS: Mediates disputesSKILLS: negotiation, mediation, fact analysis, issues ID, ability to distinguish fact patterns, aware of risks & liabilitiesQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: B.A. /interpersonal skillsHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Substantive training in a specific practice, government practice, mediation trainingExecutive director (Non-profit mediation service)FUNCTIONS: Oversee & administer all activities, promote services, manage & train staff, mediate & facilitate negotiationsSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation, persuasion, general legal knowledge, work independently, presentation skills, leadership and managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Management and fundraising experience/ J.D.HELPFUL BACKGROUND: ADR courses and clinics in law school, litigation in private practiceARTS/MEDIAAssociate Publisher (Legal monthly newspaper)FUNCTIONS: Promotions and PR, advertising, sales, selection of editorial features; some writing for the publicationsSKILLS: Writing, issues identification, negotiation, teamwork, presentation skillsQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Sales experience/ Legal networkHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Law firm practices, conference and corporate sales; communications experienceMarketing director (Private health care provider)FUNCTIONS: Marketing, PR to estate planning professionals, in-house education for health-care managersSKILLS: Legal knowledge (T&E), legal terminology, risk awareness, risk management, issues identification, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Banking experience/ JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Public finance, bank trust experience, marketing experienceManaging director (Theatrical Production Company)FUNCTIONS: Promotions, financial planning, writing, performingSKILLS: Writing, risk awareness, general legal knowledge, rules and regulations, interpreting contracts, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Some experience in arts /tenacity, faith & confidenceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: B.A. and M.A. in theater, artist or agent experienceCORPORATEAssistant director (Bar Review Company)FUNCTIONS: Personnel, sales promotion, management, administration, technology developmentSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation, presentation skills, persuasion, teamwork, ability to work independentlyQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: JD / self-motivated, excellent interpersonal skillsHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Sales experience, student rep for law-related productsInternational Tax Manager (Large Corporation)FUNCTIONS: Research US and foreign tax law; coordinate transactions; advise HR on international compensation; tax planning; tax return preparationSKILLS: Issues identification; writing ability, research skills, teamwork, ability to distinguish fact patterns, leadership skills, management experienceQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: 5 years international tax experience, CPA, advanced degree (JD or MS Tax or MBA)HELPFUL BACKGROUND: CPA, law clerk in large corporate tax department, tax consulting with large accounting firmProgram Manager (Large Computer Corporation)FUNCTIONS: Personnel and budget management; negotiate government contractsSKILLS: Negotiation, drafting, leadership and teamworkQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: B.A. & experience with a corporation / MBAHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Coursework in financial management and planning; government contracts; contracts administrationProperty Records (Department Store)FUNCTIONS: Analyze, interpret & draft leases and operating agreements; manage finance agreements, track documents for commercial property transactionsSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation, familiarity with legal terms, general legal knowledge, research skills, writing abilityQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: B.A. + 3-5 years real estate experience / JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Law clerk for the employer or experience at another real estate practiceRegional Sales Coordinator (Software Company)FUNCTIONS: Sales & account management for a law-school-related productSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation, presentation skills, persuasion, teamwork, work independently, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: - /knowledge of law school experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: judicial law clerk, private practice, sales with other law-related computer companyVP Corporate Finance (Hospital)FUNCTIONS: Capital structure management; oversee M&A; financial planning, manage joint venture investmentsSKILLS: Teamwork, presentation skills, writing ability, issues identification, persuasion, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Business degree, 4-6 years financial experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Legal corporate experience or investment banking, CPA; BS economics; MBA with emphasis in health care; lower level corporate positions with hospitals; director of corporate planningEDUCATIONAssistant to the Dean (Public University)FUNCTIONS: Grievance officer; faculty advocate in grievance proceedings; administrative managementSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation, fact analysis, teamwork, counseling, persuasionQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Master’s degree (or JD); administrative experience, oral & written communication skills/ Political savvy, knowledge of university grievance proceduresHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Doctoral courseworkDirector, Professional Development Centers & Institutes (Graduate Business School)FUNCTIONS: Provide leadership for non-degree professional programs; develops programs, courses and outreach activities; fundraisingSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation; ability to distinguish fact patterns; issues identification; fact analysis, fundraising, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Advanced degree; understanding of life-long learning process, experience in various organizational settingsHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Leadership and managementProgram Attorney (Continuing Legal Education Provider)FUNCTIONS: Plan, market, budget, present CLE seminarsSKILLS: Persuasion, issues identification, presentation skills, general legal knowledgeQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Some adult education experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: JDPracticum Coordinator (Law School)FUNCTIONS: Schedule and coordinate student placements; student counseling; document management; interface with facultySKILLS: Work independently; fact analysis; issues identification; ability to distinguish fact patterns; personal skills, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Computer proficiency; complex project management experience; communication & problem solving skills / knowledge of legal process & court procedures or JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Administrative assistant experience; student manager of a law school clinicFINANCIAL SERVICESVP Financial Planning (Large Bank)FUNCTIONS: Estate and financial planning in trusts & estates departmentSKILLS: Issue identification, fact analysis, and presentation skills, work independently, interpret contracts, rules and regulations, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: JD, financial planning experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: solo practice, judicial law clerking, LLM in tax, NASD registered representativeVP Financial Planning Officer (Trust Company)FUNCTIONS: Financial planning, client presentations, create financial products, insurance underwriting and compliance, general legal knowledgeSKILLS: Issues identification, writing ability, fact analysis, work independently, general legal knowledge, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Insurance experience / JD or CPAHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Life insurance underwriter, marketing department of an insurance companySenior Vice President, Indirect Products (Large Bank)FUNCTIONS: Sales management, product development, marketingSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation, awareness of risks, liability, persuasion, presentation skills, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: MBA or finance, or management experience / JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Commercial loan group manager, indirect products managerPartner (CPA Firm)FUNCTIONS: Personnel/firm management, tax planning, business developmentSKILLS: Ability to distinguish fact patterns, awareness of risk, liability, fact analysis, general legal knowledge, teamwork, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: CPA, accounting degree / MS Tax or JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Accounting degree, solo law practice, CPAClaim Representative (Small Insurance Company)FUNCTIONS: Case management of malpractice claims, hire defense counsel, negotiate settlements, and draft legal documentsSKILLS: General legal knowledge, negotiation/mediation, issues identification, writing ability, fact analysisQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: JD or solid grasp of legal principles and proceedingsHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Personal injury paralegal, private practice in a small firmClient Service Representative (Trust Corporation)FUNCTIONS: Administrative review, pension planningSKILLS: Interpret contracts, rules and regulations; general legal knowledge, familiarity with legal terms, teamwork, work independentlyQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Solo practice, instructor in a community college paralegal program, MBA with emphasis in employee benefitsSR. VP, Insurance Services (Small Corporation)FUNCTIONS: Management, legal advising, government regulations, regulatory complianceSKILLS: Interpret contracts, rules and regulations, negotiation/mediation; presentation skills; writing ability; issue identificationQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Insurance & business law classes, BA / JD, CPCU-CLU designation, experience w/insurance products & regsHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Private practice; state department of insurance, real estate practiceVP Loan Review (Regional Bank Holding Company)FUNCTIONS: Supervise staff, monitor loan portfolios, credit administrationSKILLS: Awareness of risk/liability; issue identification; ability to distinguish fact patterns, writing ability, fact analysis, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: BA in business or accounting; credit experience / computer proficiencyHELPFUL BACKGROUND: MBA, commercial lending training with a bank or financial institution, credit officer, workout specialistFUND DEVELOPMENTMajor Gifts Officer (Non-profit social service)FUNCTIONS: Fundraising, advisor to investment committeeSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation, presentation skills, writing ability, persuasive skills, counseling, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Sales experience; commitment to the mission of the non-profit / Estate planning and tax experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Private practice, securities license, stockbrokerSenior Gift Planner (Foundation)FUNCTIONS: Donor gift planning, endowment buildingSKILLS: Presentation skills, fact analysis, counseling, working independently; awareness of risk and liabilitiesQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Commitment to the mission of the supported agencies; BA in business, finance / JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Non-profit volunteer experience (including fundraising), tax associate/supervisor at a CPA firm; private practiceDirector of Alumni Giving and Development (University)FUNCTIONS: Planning and coordinating alumni/ae activities, fundraising, developing planned giving campaignsSKILLS: Writing ability, persuasive skills, presentation skills, working independently, teamwork. Leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: BA / MA or JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Judicial law clerk, health care contract analyst, graduate work in public administrationDirector of Gift Planning (University)FUNCTIONS: Marketing, counseling and advising, administering planning giving programSKILLS: General legal knowledge, interpreting rules, contracts and regulations, excellent interpersonal skillsQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Law degree, estate or financial planning experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Earned PhD, private practiceGOVERNMENTDirector of Labor Relations (City)FUNCTIONS: Establish strategy and negotiate agreements, representative in grievance arbitration proceedingsSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation; interpret contracts, rules & regulations; risk awareness & management, presentation skills, persuasive skills; supervisory skillsQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Management advocate / labor contract negotiation experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Intermediary for a national labor organization; labor mediator (corporate, state or county)Executive Director (Legislative Commission)FUNCTIONS: Advocacy, research, legislative affairsSKILLS: (none provided)QUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: (none provided)HELPFUL BACKGROUND: Political activity, community organizing, legal services advocacyAdvisor/Writer (Federal Appeals Office)FUNCTIONS: Advise judicial officers and write decisions on outcomes relating to disability appealsSKILLS: Fact analysis; writing ability; working independently, persuasion, general legal knowledge, time management skillsQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Paralegal training / JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Disability casework while clerking for a Magistrate; disability insurance experienceProgram Consultant (State social services agency)FUNCTIONS: Policy and program development, contract administration/negotiation, trainingSKILLS: Writing; issue identification; interpret contract, rules & regulations; teamwork, presentation skillsQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: BSW or MSW, communication skills, training experience / JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: BSW, guardian ad litem training, trial advocacy experienceFinancial Officer (State)FUNCTIONS: Oversee expenditure of and accountability for public fundsSKILLS: Negotiation, mediation, presentation skills, teamwork, issues identification, financial management, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: (none stated)HELPFUL BACKGROUND: City attorney, private legal practice, CPAAffirmative Action Director (City government)FUNCTIONS: Management training in EEO law and diversity issues; develop programs to recruit/retain diverse employees; assist dispute resolutionSKILLS: Counseling, persuasion, presentation skills, issue identification, ability to distinguish fact patterns, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Human rights administration; HR experience, industrial relations / employment lawHELPFUL BACKGROUND: EEO offices for state department; BA with business law emphasisDirector, Child Support Enforcement (Division of a state agency)FUNCTIONS: Program and budget management; long-term planning; interface with state, federal and county efforts; supervise a large staffSKILLS: Issues identification; presentation skills, risk awareness and management; work independently; superviseQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Ability to formulate public policy; work with diverse constituencies / management experience, legal knowledge (child support enforcement)HELPFUL BACKGROUND: Community organizing; counsel for state legislative committee, children’s advocacy agencyCourt Administrator (State appellate court)FUNCTIONS: Supervision, management, carry out directions and implement policy made by the legislature and Supreme CourtSKILLS: Supervision, interpersonal skills, negotiation/mediation, project managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: BA / JD management experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Legal practice, graduate degree, teaching experienceHR/RECRUITMENTSearch Consultant (Professional recruitment agency)FUNCTIONS: Client and business developmentSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation, working independently, persuasion, counseling, leadership, familiarity with legal terminology and all aspects of law practiceQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Paralegal or JD training / Legal practice experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Significant number of years of legal practice; close connections to the local legal communityOwner, President (Legal Placement Agency)FUNCTIONS: Management, financial operations, marketing and sales, strategic planning, supervisionSKILLS: Persuasion, general legal knowledge, counseling, issues identification. Leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Entrepreneurial visionHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Law firm or other legal practice; human resources experiencePlacement Director (Legal Staffing Agency)FUNCTIONS: Sales, marketing, recruitmentSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation, presentation, general legal knowledge, counseling, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Genuine enthusiasm for lawyers and law students; entrepreneurial & communication skills, sales & marketing experience / JD, legal experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Owned and operated a small business, law firm experienceCareer Services Director (Law School)FUNCTIONS: Manage career development program for students & alumni; outreach to employers; communication with faculty and staffSKILLS: Ability to multi-task; negotiation/counseling; oral and written communication skills; high level of comfort with technology in the recruitment processQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Genuine enthusiasm for law students and lawyers; JD or MS Counseling / law practice, legal staffing or counseling experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Law Practice (public or private); significant counseling experienceRecruitment Manager (Large National Law Firm)FUNCTIONS: Training, marketing, recruitment, create & manage summer associate program; create and manage professional development (skills) training programSKILLS: Vision, teamwork, supervisory experience; budget management; presentation, written and oral communication skills; high level of comfort with the technological side of recruiting, leadership & management from the middleQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: B.A. / JD with practice experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Legal practice, law school career services; bar association administrationManager, Employee Relations (Large Corporation)FUNCTIONS: Mediation, arbitration, negotiate/resolve discrimination and harassment cases; develop training programsSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation; issue identification; fact analysis; distinguish fact patterns; counseling; management, leadershipQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: 7+ years leadership experience; excellent judgment, strong interpersonal skills / MAIR, human resources exp.HELPFUL BACKGROUND: MBA; mediation training; other non-legal positions with corporate employersPresident (Management & Career Consulting Firm)FUNCTIONS: Small business management; career counseling; employee training, marketing trainingSKILLS: leadership, management, budgeting, strategic planningQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Small business experience, counseling, marketing / JD and legal networkHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Legal practice, solo practice, counseling training, extensive human rights advocacy, extensive professional associate development; deep knowledge of law as a businessLEGISLATION/LOBBYINGGovernment Relations Assistant (Foundations’ Association)FUNCTIONS: Monitor federal legislation; write column and newsletter; organize lobbying and networking activities; advise regarding government and law-related activitiesSKILLS: Understanding of legislative process; writing ability; strong analytical and advocacy skills, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Hill experience (even as an intern) / JD or public policy degree or trainingHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Attorney for a nonprofit; solo practice; agency experienceLobbyist (Lobbying Corporation)FUNCTIONS: Represent corporate clients at state legislatureSKILLS: Teamwork, persuasion; general legal knowledge, presentation skills; issues identificationQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: BA with legislative experience (even as an intern) / JD or public policy degree or trainingHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Political science major; staff member for elected representativeDirector of Public Affairs (State Bar Association)FUNCTIONS: Develop and administer programs; fundraising; coordinate legislative agendaSKILLS: Work independently; writing ability; issues identification; presentation skills; teamworkQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Fundraising background; knowledge of legislative process, experience managing volunteers / JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Assistant director of organizational development and training; legal education and mock trial coordinatorNON-PROFIT MANAGEMENTDirector, National training Project (Resource association for child care providers)FUNCTIONS: Advise/educate child care providers on tax preparation and business issuesSKILLS: Presentation, writing, persuasion, counseling, ability to work independently, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Broad knowledge of tax law, writing and speaking skills / JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Advocacy experienceExecutive Director (Conservation Agency)FUNCTIONS: Management; administration; fundraisingSKILLS: Negotiation/Mediation; writing ability; issue identification; general legal knowledge; presentation skills, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Land transaction experience; communication skills / fundraising experience; organizational skills; JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Title insurance experience; private law practiceVP Community Relations (Philanthropic Organization)FUNCTIONS: Work w/ corps, churches, and politicians to establish public/private partnerships; leverage investments; create strategies to improve quality of lifeSKILLS: Critical/conceptual thinking; issues identification; presentation; teamwork, persuasion, leadership & managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: none listedHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Program management; resource allocation; graduate degree in public administration (community economic development)President (State Association of Non-Profits)FUNCTIONS: Government relationsSKILLS: negotiation/mediation, writing ability; issue identification; fact analysis; leadership and managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: Social service management experience / government relations experienceHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Graduate degree; public administration (finance); JD; state senate staffProject Director (National Charitable Organization)FUNCTIONS: Liaison between health care and social service providersSKILLS: Negotiation/mediation; presentation skills; fact analysis; leadership and managementQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: none listedHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Master’s in Public Policy; foundation fellowship; non-profit board service; private practice – estate planningDirector, Special Funds (Professional attorney association)FUNCTIONS: Implement and staff policy oriented projects; administrative support for task forces and committeesSKILLS: Presentation; issues identification; teamwork; persuasionQUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM/PREFERRED: JDHELPFUL BACKGROUND: Legal practice, staff support for Supreme Court task force; lobbyist for social services agencyADDITIONAL JOB TITLESAcademic administrationAccounting firm: litigation supportAlumni relationsBar association managementBoard of Education (staff)City managerCLE administratorConsultant on dependent careContract administrationCourt TV writer, producer staffEnvironmental consultantFinancial plannerHealth care administrationJury selection consultantLaw librarianLegal publishing (Thomson West; Lexis, others)Risk management (insurance)Strategic Policy AnalystThanks to Joyce Laher (then Director of Career Services at Hamline Law School; now retired) and Gina Sauer (then Assistant Dean for Career Services at William Mitchell College of Law; now Director of Recruiting and Professional Development at Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly in Minneapolis.)Pass the Baton, llcSusan Gainen / 1390 Carling Drive #207, St. Paul, MN 55108 / 651-917-0219 / [email protected]© Susan Gainen 2014