Jobs for Former Lawyers and Paralegals (2026)
The closest match on transferable skills is Nurse Practitioner, paying a median of $132,300 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) with +40.1% projected employment change over 2024–2034. Below are 30 destinations ranked by how much of your existing skill set they reuse and how much hiring demand they carry.
Leaving a career you trained for is not a failure of nerve, and you are not starting from zero. The work already built legal research, precise written argument, negotiating under pressure, and managing detail-heavy casework against deadlines. Those are O*NET-recorded skills that other occupations pay for. What follows is not encouragement; it is the data, including the destinations that pay less than you might expect.
- Destinations ranked
- 30
- Median pay
- $92,260
- Projected to grow
- 30 of 30
- Openings a year
- 1,348,000
By skill overlap and demand
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Combined, BLS EP
How this list was built
- Careers that build on legal work’s research, writing and argumentation skills, ranked by transferable-skill overlap and projected demand.
- Skill overlap is the cosine similarity between two O*NET transferable-skill vectors: things like social perceptiveness, coordination, instructing and complex problem solving. A high overlap means the day-to-day capabilities carry across; it does not mean an employer will hire you without a conversation about it.
- Demand is BLS projected growth and annual openings for the destination occupation. A good skill match into a shrinking occupation is not a good move, so both count.
- Licences and credentials are not modelled. Some destinations below need one, and each career page states the typical entry requirement.
The top 30 careers to move into
- 92% skill overlap
1. Nurse Practitioner
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Median pay
- $132,300
- Growth
- +40.1%
- Openings/yr
- 29,500
- Education
- Master's
Reuses 92% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 29,500 openings a year.
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team.
Nurse Practitioner salary & outlook → - 92% skill overlap
2. Physician Assistant
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Median pay
- $135,880
- Growth
- +20.4%
- Openings/yr
- 12,000
- Education
- Master's
Reuses 92% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 12,000 openings a year.
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician.
Physician Assistant salary & outlook → - 91% skill overlap
3. Business Intelligence Analyst
Computer and Mathematical
- Median pay
- $120,230
- Growth
- +33.5%
- Openings/yr
- 23,400
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 91% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 23,400 openings a year.
Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports.
Business Intelligence Analyst salary & outlook → - 89% skill overlap
4. Medical and Health Services Manager
Management
- Median pay
- $123,860
- Growth
- +23.2%
- Openings/yr
- 62,100
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 89% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 62,100 openings a year.
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Medical and Health Services Manager salary & outlook → - 93% skill overlap
5. Investment Fund Manager
Management
- Median pay
- $166,570
- Growth
- +14.8%
- Openings/yr
- 74,600
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 93% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 74,600 openings a year.
Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.
Investment Fund Manager salary & outlook → - 97% skill overlap
6. Marriage and Family Therapist
Community and Social Service
- Median pay
- $66,940
- Growth
- +12.6%
- Openings/yr
- 7,700
- Education
- Master's
Reuses 97% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 7,700 openings a year.
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 97% skill overlap
7. Clinical Psychologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $100,580
- Growth
- +11.2%
- Openings/yr
- 4,800
- Education
- Doctorate
Reuses 97% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 4,800 openings a year.
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 95% skill overlap
8. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Community and Social Service
- Median pay
- $60,320
- Growth
- +10.4%
- Openings/yr
- 104,400
- Education
- N/A
Reuses 95% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 104,400 openings a year.
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 97% skill overlap
9. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Median pay
- $97,550
- Growth
- +4.9%
- Openings/yr
- 189,100
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 97% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 189,100 openings a year.
Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders.
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse salary & outlook → - 94% skill overlap
10. Mental Health Counselor
Community and Social Service
- Median pay
- $60,320
- Growth
- +10.4%
- Openings/yr
- 104,400
- Education
- N/A
Reuses 94% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 104,400 openings a year.
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 91% skill overlap
11. Financial Examiner
Business and Financial Operations
- Median pay
- $94,160
- Growth
- +18.5%
- Openings/yr
- 5,700
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 91% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 5,700 openings a year.
Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 91% skill overlap
12. Financial Manager
Management
- Median pay
- $166,570
- Growth
- +14.8%
- Openings/yr
- 74,600
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 91% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 74,600 openings a year.
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
Financial Manager salary & outlook → - 90% skill overlap
13. Health Specialties Teacher, Postsecondary
Educational Instruction and Library
- Median pay
- $107,310
- Growth
- +17.3%
- Openings/yr
- 27,400
- Education
- Doctorate
Reuses 90% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 27,400 openings a year.
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Health Specialties Teacher, Postsecondary salary & outlook → - 96% skill overlap
14. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
Community and Social Service
- Median pay
- $60,280
- Growth
- +9.7%
- Openings/yr
- 13,500
- Education
- Master's
Reuses 96% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 13,500 openings a year.
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker salary & outlook → - 91% skill overlap
15. Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary
Educational Instruction and Library
- Median pay
- $80,250
- Growth
- +16.8%
- Openings/yr
- 8,600
- Education
- Doctorate
Reuses 91% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 8,600 openings a year.
Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 90% skill overlap
16. Logistician
Business and Financial Operations
- Median pay
- $82,320
- Growth
- +16.7%
- Openings/yr
- 26,400
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 90% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 26,400 openings a year.
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization.
Logistician salary & outlook → - 92% skill overlap
17. Epidemiologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $87,220
- Growth
- +16.2%
- Openings/yr
- 800
- Education
- Master's
Reuses 92% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 800 openings a year.
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 93% skill overlap
18. Management Analyst
Business and Financial Operations
- Median pay
- $101,860
- Growth
- +8.8%
- Openings/yr
- 98,100
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 93% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 98,100 openings a year.
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more…
Management Analyst salary & outlook → - 97% skill overlap
19. Agent and Business Manager of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Business and Financial Operations
- Median pay
- $82,890
- Growth
- +8.7%
- Openings/yr
- 2,200
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 97% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 2,200 openings a year.
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 94% skill overlap
20. Art Therapist
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Median pay
- $77,930
- Growth
- +11.5%
- Openings/yr
- 4,100
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 94% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 4,100 openings a year.
Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 95% skill overlap
21. Accountant
Business and Financial Operations
- Median pay
- $83,680
- Growth
- +4.6%
- Openings/yr
- 124,200
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 95% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 124,200 openings a year.
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others.
Accountant salary & outlook → - 94% skill overlap
22. Human Resources Specialist
Business and Financial Operations
- Median pay
- $75,940
- Growth
- +6.2%
- Openings/yr
- 81,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 94% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 81,800 openings a year.
Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.
Human Resources Specialist salary & outlook → - 95% skill overlap
23. Genetic Counselor
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Median pay
- $100,040
- Growth
- +9.3%
- Openings/yr
- 300
- Education
- Master's
Reuses 95% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 300 openings a year.
Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 93% skill overlap
24. Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist
Business and Financial Operations
- Median pay
- $78,760
- Growth
- +6.7%
- Openings/yr
- 87,200
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 93% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 87,200 openings a year.
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets.
Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist salary & outlook → - 97% skill overlap
25. Public Relations Specialist
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Median pay
- $74,750
- Growth
- +4.8%
- Openings/yr
- 27,600
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 97% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 27,600 openings a year.
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations.
Public Relations Specialist salary & outlook → - 94% skill overlap
26. Compliance Manager
Management
- Median pay
- $141,900
- Growth
- +4.5%
- Openings/yr
- 106,700
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 94% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 106,700 openings a year.
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 85% skill overlap
27. Actuary
Computer and Mathematical
- Median pay
- $130,000
- Growth
- +21.8%
- Openings/yr
- 2,400
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 85% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 2,400 openings a year.
Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 94% skill overlap
28. Healthcare Social Worker
Community and Social Service
- Median pay
- $67,880
- Growth
- +7.7%
- Openings/yr
- 18,400
- Education
- Master's
Reuses 94% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 18,400 openings a year.
Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses.
Healthcare Social Worker salary & outlook → - 97% skill overlap
29. Talent Director
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Median pay
- $90,360
- Growth
- +4.9%
- Openings/yr
- 12,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
Reuses 97% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 12,800 openings a year.
Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.
Talent Director salary & outlook → - 92% skill overlap
30. Physical Therapist
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Median pay
- $102,760
- Growth
- +10.9%
- Openings/yr
- 13,200
- Education
- Doctorate
Reuses 92% of the transferable skills O*NET records for lawyers and paralegals, and BLS projects 13,200 openings a year.
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Physical Therapist salary & outlook →
Jobs for Former Lawyers and Paralegals: FAQ
What jobs can former lawyers and paralegals do?
Ranked by transferable-skill overlap and projected demand, the closest match in the NueCareer bank is Nurse Practitioner at $132,300 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), with +40.1% projected employment change over 2024–2034. The full list below covers 30 occupations, 30 of which are projected to grow.
How were these career changes ranked?
Each occupation in the bank carries an O*NET transferable-skill vector. We take the cosine overlap between that vector and the skill vector of the occupation you are leaving, then combine it with the destination's projected growth and annual openings. Careers that build on legal work’s research, writing and argumentation skills, ranked by transferable-skill overlap and projected demand.
Do former lawyers and paralegals take a pay cut when they switch?
That depends entirely on where you land. Across these 30 destinations the middle occupation pays $92,260 a year, with a range of $60,280 to $166,570 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). For reference, the median across all US occupations is $50,980. Every card below shows the real median so you can compare against what you earn now.
Do you need to go back to school?
All 30 destinations on this list list an associate's degree or higher as the typical entry requirement (BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034), though many accept an existing degree in another field.