For many law graduates, the traditional measure of success has long been a steady climb through the ranks of a law firm. However, according to Mia Madafferi, this is far from the only path, with an increasing number of non-traditional career opportunities now coming into focus.
In a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, Mia Madafferi, founder of Grey Rock Consulting, explored how the skills developed through a law degree can unlock opportunities well beyond the traditional law firm or courtroom, for those willing to take the leap.
While acknowledging that there is nothing wrong with pursuing a traditional career in the legal profession, Madafferi expressed her hope that the next generation of lawyers will remain open to exploring the many other opportunities available to them.
“I’m really hopeful that as younger lawyers come through, they are open to other paths,” she said.
“There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a lawyer. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to become a partner of a law firm. I want to become general counsel at a company, I want to become a barrister. There is nothing wrong with that. If that is your calling and your heart’s desire, by all means, follow it.”
Madafferi explained that the legal profession is deeply rooted in tradition – a structure that offers stability and respect. However, she acknowledged that this path and lifestyle are not suited to everyone, despite how daunting it can feel to step away from it.
“But that’s not for everyone. I think, especially, the profession of being a lawyer, it is well-respected, it is high-performing, and it is traditional. We love a process, we love a well-trodden path,” she said.
“So to step out of it is not only scary, but you’ll probably also have those outside voices saying, ‘Oh really? Are you sure? But this is a well-paying job, or you could be a partner in 38 years’; you know, all those sorts of things.”
For those feeling the pull towards a different direction, Madafferi urged them to silence their inner saboteur and recognise the breadth of skills they bring to the table.
“So you might get those doubts from others and from yourself about what you’re doing. But I also flip it and go, well, as a lawyer you’ve got an incredible skill set, don’t you?” she said.
“You can understand complex ideas, complex legislation. You’re able to hopefully read things and synthesise them in a way that anyone can understand. You spot risks easily, you mitigate risks, you’re well-reasoned, you know, ideally. So these skills are easily transferable.”
While the traditional path remains dominant, Madafferi shared how she believes more lawyers are exploring alternative careers, particularly since the pandemic prompted greater flexibility in work arrangements.
“Maybe with COVID and things becoming a little bit more flexible, people are doing their side hustles and trying something different. But if that calling is there, my experience is it will just keep getting louder until you can’t ignore it,” she said.
“So some people aren’t as old and slow as I am, and they take the leap and they do it. But it does depend on where you’re at in your life. You know, you’ve got mortgage repayments, you got kids, school fees and all those sorts of things, whether it’s a bit harder because you’ve still got to pay bills and things like that.”
For those contemplating a career shift, she encouraged taking the leap – but cautioned that it’s important to be ready for the unexpected turns along the way.
“But if you have an idea, go for it if you can find a way to get it out there and be totally OK with it being a wild success or be totally OK with having to pivot,” she said.
“I’ve even pivoted within my own business already and am working with lawyers now, which I didn’t anticipate. So be open and don’t be stuck in a particular way or things happening a certain way, because, gosh, the best laid plans, always very interesting.”
