15 Jaw-Dropping Career Switches You Have to See to Believe
Ben Thomson, LawFuel editor
When law students dream of their future careers, most envision courtrooms and client meetings. But some law graduates have blazed entirely different trails, trading legal briefs for movie scripts, campaign speeches, retain and hospitality business, sport and activism. Their stories reveal how a legal education can shape minds far beyond traditional practice.
For current law students and lawyers, these stories serve as a reminder to pursue fulfilling career paths, even if they diverge from traditional legal roles.
The common advice “do something that makes you happy” while maintaining professional diligence resonates as an inspiring message for those contemplating career changes within or beyond the legal field.
Legal skills are highly useful – but the application is not always to be made in a legal environment.
Heather Terrell – Author
Heather Terrell’s career move from high-powered litigator to bestselling novelist is a testament to the diverse paths a legal career can take. After graduating from Boston University School of Law, Terrell spent over a decade at two of America’s premier law firms, Skadden Arps and Morrison Foerster, honing her skills in commercial litigation. Her legal background proved valuable in her transition to writing, as she applied her talent for crafting compelling narratives and sifting through complex information to her novels.
Her debut novel, “The Chrysalis,” published in 2007, drew inspiration from her legal experience, exploring moral dilemmas surrounding art restitution cases and marked the beginning of a prolific writing career, with Terrell publishing at least one book per year since her transition.
Writing under the pen name Marie Benedict, Terrell has carved out a niche in historical fiction, unearthing the stories of overlooked women in history with her novels, including “The Other Einstein” and “The Only Woman in the Room,” have become New York Times and USA Today bestsellers.
Rebel Wilson, actress & comedian
Take Rebel Wilson, one of two Australians on our list of those who have chosen a career other than law. The Australian actress whose comedic genius lights up films like “Pitch Perfect” and “Bridesmaids.”
Before making audiences laugh, she earned her law degree from the University of New South Wales. While studying torts and contracts, Wilson performed in student theater productions, eventually choosing Hollywood over Sydney’s law firms.
Most recently she has written a controversial memoir that has some harsh words for everyone from ‘Borat’ star Sacha Baren Cohen to singer Adele and her own father who she claimed had threatened to kill her over having a ‘slurpee’ drink. But her profile and career have transcended anything she might have achieved as a Sydney lawyer.
Julio Iglesias
Julio Iglesias is one of the famed former law student show achieved massive fame. He studied law at CEU San Pablo University in Madrid before a car accident changed his life’s direction. During his recovery, he learned guitar and discovered his musical talents, leading to a legendary career in Latin music while keeping his legal knowledge as a foundation for his business ventures.
Iglesias enjoyed a phenomenal career selling hundreds of millions of albums in multiple languages and becoming one of the best selling musical artists ever. Although now retired he is writing his memories and enjoying retirement as one of the most celebrated artists alive today.
Bridget Mendler, Actress and Entrepreneur
Bridgit Mendler, the former Disney Channel star, is more unique because she achieved success and fame before she studies law. Her journey from child actress at the Disney Channel, before transitioning to music and before going to Harvard Law and graduating exemplifies her diverse talents and intellectual pursuits.
Mendler pivoted to academia, earning degrees from prestigious institutions while maintaining her entertainment career. Her education at Harvard, MIT and the University of California, coupled with her background in media and technology, positions her uniquely at the intersection of entertainment, law, and space technology where she has a strong interest
Her internship at the Federal Communications Commission and space interest led to the formation of her satellite data startup, Northwood Space. By pursuing law and technology, Mendler found a way to combine her creative background as a singer and actress with her intellectual interests, allowing her to work on projects with potential for significant societal impact.
Scott Davies, poker champ
Poker champ Scott Davies was a qualified lawyer working in a job he didn’t enjoy, expected to bill 2,800 hours a year, which he referred to as “an ungodly amount.” He was working 12-hour days, six days a week and “half-days” on Sundays – which were still eight hours long, he told PokerNews.
“I know we’re all coming in hopeful to win and you have to try your best, but it’s important not to get so discouraged.”
His passion for poker developed while he was studying in law school, and that it was always a dream. “I watched Robert Varkonyi win the Main Event, and I thought that was so cool. I couldn’t stop watching – it was kind of my outlet,” he said.
Roman & Andrea Jewell, Peanut butter maestros
Roman and Andrea Jewell’s journey from legal careers in New Zealand and as a barrister in the UK to founding New Zealand-based Fix & Fogg peanut butter. It’s a story that offers an inspiring example for lawyers considering alternative paths.
The couple met during their master’s in Law at King’s College London in 2006, and launched their business in 2013, just before their first child was born. Roman, a former commercial litigator, and Andrea, an ex-criminal barrister, have since expanded their operation to include a factory in Texas.
Their transition from law to entrepreneurship presented unique challenges, requiring them to adapt their skillsets to a new industry. The Jewells found that their legal backgrounds provided valuable problem-solving and analytical skills crucial for business growth. Roman emphasizes the importance of persistence and creativity, while Andrea’s pragmatic approach complements his vision. Their success demonstrates how legal training can be leveraged in unexpected ways, from navigating regulatory challenges to negotiating contracts.
Megyn Kelly, Broadcaster
Megyn Kelly’s background as a lawyer may not surprise many, but she attributes her qualification for much her success. She graduated from Syracuse University with a political science degree before earning her J.D. from Albany Law School in 1995 and after starting a career in corporate law, working at firms like Jones Day for nine years.
Her passion for journalism, which she had harbored since high school, led her to make a bold career shift despite the financial security of her legal career, she felt burned out by the grueling hours and sought a more fulfilling path. She created a demo tape and secured a part-time position at a local TV station, eventually landing a role at Fox News in 2004 and now her eponymous show.
Kelly credits her legal education for developing critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze complex issues, which proved invaluable in her broadcasting career.Kelly has stated, “There is no way I would have achieved what I have achieved without my Albany Law School education and degree. Everything I’ve accomplished in my professional life started right here.” Her career demonstrates how legal training can be leveraged to succeed in alternative career paths
Ben Wegman, Brewer
Benjamin Wegman’s journey from tax law graduate in the Netherlands to expert beer brewer offers an intriguing perspective for lawyers considering unconventional career paths.
After completing his degree in tax law at Leiden Law School, Wegman made the bold decision to pursue his passion for brewing, co-founding a local brewery in Leiden.Wegman’s initial attraction to tax law stemmed from its societal implications rather than calculations, focusing on the structure and control of civil society’s financial systems. However, his hobby of homebrewing with university friends eventually led to an unexpected career shift.While Wegman doesn’t directly apply his tax law knowledge in his current role, he emphasizes the transferable skills gained from his legal education.
Critical thinking, prioritization, and analytical skills learned in law school continue to guide his daily decision-making as a brewer.Wegman’s experience highlights the adaptability of legal training to entrepreneurial ventures. His brewery’s successful pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, launching a web shop and selling beer multipacks, demonstrates the problem-solving skills often honed in legal practice.
Zarna Garg, Comedian
Zarna Garg’s journey from lawyer to acclaimed comedian and screenwriter showcases the unexpected synergies between legal training and entertainment. Born in India, Garg immigrated to the United States as a teenager to escape an arranged marriage.
She followed a reasonably traditional path, earning a finance degree from the University of Akron and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University. After practicing as a civil litigation attorney, Garg took a hiatus to raise her three children. At 43, encouraged by her daughter, she ventured into stand-up comedy, quickly discovering her talent for storytelling and humor. Her legal background proved invaluable in her new career, enhancing her ability to craft tight, logical jokes and analyze complex issues.Garg’s success as a comedian led to achievements in screenwriting. Her debut romantic comedy screenplay, “Rearranged,” won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award at the 2019 Austin Film Festival6.
The career transition demonstrates how the analytical and writing skills honed in law school can be applied to creative pursuits attracting a highly successful career and a profile in the New Yorker (“The Dog Bite Lawyer Turned Stay-at-home-Mom turned Standup Comic”) precision and attention to detail required in legal work have translated well into Garg’s comedy writing and performances as well as her ability to dissect cultural experiences and present them humorously.
Garg’s unique perspective as an Indian-American woman and former lawyer has become her comedic signature, letting her to tackle topics rarely explored by other comedians.
Rachel Zeilic, Fashion Entrepreneur
Rachel Zeilic is an Australian law school graduate who became a fashion entrepreneur and influencer. Despite having no initial fashion knowledge, she became the mastermind behind several popular fashion brands.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney, Zeilic took an unconventional path that led her new career in fashion.
She founded StyleStalker, her first clothing line, with $10,000 in savings from working at a hardware store, displaying an innovative approach to marketing, which involved sending clothes to fashion bloggers, helped propel the brand to success, with 150 stores carrying the line in its first year. She launched other successful brands, including The Jetset Diaries and Majorelle.
Zeilic’s partnership with Revolve, a major e-commerce platform, further solidified her position in the industry. Currently, she serves as the VP of Influencer Marketing at Clique Brands, which owns Who What Wear, demonstrating her expertise in both fashion and digital marketing.
Gerard Butler, Actor
Gerard Butler’s chiseled features and commanding presence in films like “300” and “Law Abiding Citizen” belie his academic past.
The Scottish actor studied law at the University of Glasgow, even serving as president of the law society. Butler’s legal education nearly culminated in a career at a prestigious Edinburgh firm, but fate had other plans.
Now, he’s set to reprise his role as Stoick in the live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon,” proving that sometimes the most exciting stories unfold when we veer off the expected path.
Delyanne Barros, Money Coach
Delyanne Barros is a former employment attorney turned financial expert, making the dramatic career shift that has also transformed her life and the lives of thousands.
After 14 years in law, shequit her legal career in 2021 to focus on her company, Delyanne the Money Coach LLC which started after she discovered the concept of financial independence, which inspired her to pay off $150,000 in student loans and invest aggressively in the stock market.
Leveraging her legal background and financial knowledge, Barros now teaches others how to achieve financial freedom through her “Slay the Stock Market” course. Her expertise has garnered her a significant following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where she shares accessible financial advice.
Gemma Chan, Actress
Gemma Chan, known for her roles in “Humans” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” once stood at a crossroads familiar to many young lawyers, rejecting an opportunity to work at Slaughter & May. In a bold move, she declined, choosing instead to pursue acting.
She enrolled at the Drama Centre London in a decision that initially caused tension with her parents, particularly her father, who was concerned about the limited opportunities for Asian actors.Chan’s legal background has proven unexpectedly useful in her acting career given that she credits her law degree for her ability to memorize scripts quickly, having had to learn about 2,000 cases by heart during her studies.
She has become a popular influencer as well as actor with a significant social media profile as well as overall acting talent.
The realm of comedy has its share of legal minds, none more iconic than John Cleese. The Monty Python co-founder studied law at Downing College, Cambridge, before his irreverent humor changed the face of British comedy. Cleese’s analytical skills, honed during his legal studies, found expression in his precise and often absurdist comedic timing. Beyond making audiences laugh, he’s been a vocal supporter of Amnesty International, merging his wit with a passion for human rights.
Steve Young, Quarterback
In the world of sports and entertainment, Steve Young stands out as a renaissance man. The former NFL quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers didn’t just rest on his athletic laurels; he earned his law degree from Brigham Young University.
Post-retirement, Young has seamlessly transitioned into roles as a sports analyst and co-founder of a private equity firm. His current endeavors include coaching a girls’ flag football team, proving that the competitive spirit and strategic thinking cultivated in both law and sports can find new expressions in mentorship and community involvement.
Send us your story too. We would love to hear about other lawyers who have worked beyond the court or have never been near a corporate law office but who graduated law and decided – through circumstance or otherwise, that other careers beckoned.
Just email us at lawfuel@gmail.com.
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