Maybe several. Among other skills, law school teaches you how to learn.
Every day you’re figuring out new cases, new statutes, new rules.
I really believe any lawyer can learn any practice area, and that they can “pivot” from one practice area to another.
But law firms can be hesitant to hire a pivoter.
How to make yourself more marketable when you’re changing practice areas?
* Self-study. Take CLEs. Read books. Go to conferences. Be informed.
* Join the target practice group’s section of your local bar association, and go to the meetings!
* Network with the people in your target practice area. Talk to them about their practice, figure out what the hurdles are in transitioning your skill-set. Ask for advice.
* Spend some serious time figuring out how your current skills translate to the target practice area, and be prepared to really spell it out on your resume (cover letters are great, but to the extent this can be on your resume, do it.).
* Ask for this work in your current role. Or volunteer in the target practice area. Anything to get *some* experience.
* Be prepared to take a class cut. A future employer may be more willing to take the plunge if you come in a little more junior.
And above all, be patient. It may take a while, but I think eventually you can make it work.
