Hacker NewsI left software in 2015 for law school. At the time I was actually in release engineering but I had also spent some time in software development.
Since becoming a lawyer, I have periodically used coding to, for example, write scripts that turn 2 day document review assignments into 2 hour python writing sessions. I've used it indirectly in discovery and depositions, knowing what to look for in orgs and what to ask in questioning based on experience in the industry.
I have also worked on two separate startups (one failed, one ongoing), one in Vue.js and the other in React Native, both serverless with firebase. But because I was juggling those projects with full-time firm work, it took me years to do what I should have been able to do in months, and I still ran myself into the ground.
I hate litigation. I like building things. I can get up-to-speed with pretty much any new technology in a short period of time if it's my focus. Right now, though, I'm drowning and have too much on my plate, and so it feels like I can't take anything new on, even temporarily, to set myself up for a pivot.
I have considered a completely new path that leverages both areas of experience--i.e. in-house at a tech company, but they seem to vastly prefer transactional experience to litigation (I get why) and also tend to want more seasoned attorneys. I also just want to get back to building.
I am 100% WFH (I have been for my entire legal career, which was very lucky on my part). I make good money, but my expenses are high, I don't really have savings, and I have a kid on the way. So I can't afford to have a gap in income, which is probably my biggest limiting factor.
I'm struggling to find an exit strategy. I feel trapped.
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