By Christine V.  

The statistics on recent law graduates are dismal, if not outright horrifying. Some law schools’ post-graduation employment rates are well below 25%, and many of those students are employed part-time or in menial retail jobs. Lawyers remain among the most depressed professionals, and are more likely to kill themselves than members of almost any other profession. It’s no wonder, then, that so many lawyers want out. A JD doesn’t have to commit you to a life of brief-writing and contract negotiations, though. Check out these three alternative ways to use your degree.

 Nonprofit and Law Firm Administration

If you like corporate life and working with lawyers, but just can’t stomach the drama of litigation and the endless paperwork associated with life as a lawyer, law firm administration could be a way out. Large firms hire managers to oversee the firm’s operations, and a law degree is often strongly preferred. If you’d prefer to stay far away from the world of lawyering, consider nonprofit administration at a hospital, charity, or community services organization instead.

 Writing—Legal and Otherwise

Life as a writer has never been particularly lucrative, but a law degree can be a game changer. Online legal education providers frequently contract with attorneys to offer legal information to the lay public. Attorneys are also in demand as business advisors for magazines and websites. Some lucky attorneys can even make a handsome living ghostwriting briefs for attorneys who are too stressed, busy, or lazy to do it themselves.

 Consulting

Consultants are the next big thing in the business world, with businesses from law firms to international corporations contracting with consultants to help them hone their focus, cut the fat, and stay within the bounds of the law. Lawyer consultants can develop winning business strategies that stay within the bounds of the law. If you’ve run your own successful practice before, you may also be able to pick up business from new lawyers who want help building a firm or starting up a solo practice.

 Mental Health

If you can stomach getting another degree, consider a career in mental health. Lawyers are seeking therapy in record numbers, but most therapists are unfamiliar with both the legal system itself and the demands of life as a lawyer. Attorneys can make an excellent living offering counseling exclusively to other lawyers. Some attorney-therapists pick up extra cash offering life-coaching and similar services.

 Mediation

Life as a mediator allows you to stay connected to the legal world by minimizing, rather than creating, conflict. Federal and local courts frequently rely on mediators, and private mediation services can be lucrative businesses. You’ll use your knowledge of the law to remind each party of its case’s weaknesses while strongly encouraging parties to save money by settling their suit.

 A law degree may not be what it used to be, but neither is the milieu in which lawyers exist. While law firm jobs dry up and clerkships grow increasingly competitive, the world of business continues to beckon, and more and more lawyers are finding profitable ways to opt out.