How to Switch from Law to Business!

Lawyers often ask me how to switch from law to business. A few thoughts:

1. Transition within the same company.  Attorneys whom I have seen move from law to business usually do it at the same employer. They might move from a firm to a company as an attorney, and then internally from a legal to a business role.
2. Get a business sponsor. Work with people you want to champion your move — you need someone important to make the case for you. For example, an M&A working closely with Corp Dev and Finance can have an exec advocate for a role change.
3. Build a safety net.  A DGC of a top company who has seen people make this change recommends transitioning to a business role within the same company. That way, if you don’t like your new job, you may be able to switch back to your old team, where you have built up relationships and trust.