Episode 179: A Mission-Driven Legal Career with Tony Waller

Many lawyers assume their career options begin and end with practicing law. In this episode, Steve speaks with Tony Waller, a lawyer, educator, former nonprofit CEO, and career development leader whose career demonstrates the many ways a legal education can lead to meaningful and rewarding work.

Tony discusses his journey from private practice to recruiting, law school career services, nonprofit leadership, and higher education administration. Along the way, he shares practical advice for lawyers and law students who are considering career transitions, searching for more meaningful work, or wondering how to leverage their legal skills outside of traditional practice.

Whether you're happy practicing law or considering a different path, this conversation will broaden your perspective on what a successful legal career can look like.

Key Takeaways

• Your legal skills are highly transferable and can create opportunities well beyond traditional legal practice.
• Career transitions are most successful when they're intentional rather than reactions to temporary dissatisfaction.
• Lawyers need to become comfortable identifying and communicating the value they bring to employers and clients.
• Law schools offer rewarding career paths in career development, student affairs, advancement, and administration.
• Volunteer leadership and nonprofit board service can expand your network while developing valuable leadership skills.
• Strong professional relationships often lead to career opportunities before positions are ever publicly posted.
• Before making a career change, identify exactly what is making you unhappy so you don't repeat the same mistakes.
• Career success isn't a race—focus on continuous growth rather than comparing your timeline to others.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Tony Waller's unconventional legal career

04:05 Why Tony left legal practice and the transferable skills lawyers possess

12:05 Career opportunities for lawyers in law school administration

15:20 Transitioning into nonprofit leadership and serving as a CEO

20:30 Networking, relationship building, and the hidden job market

22:45 How legal career development has changed over the past two decades

25:00 Advice for lawyers considering a career transition

29:45 Final career advice and Tony's recommendation for the TV series Shrinking

Connect with Tony Waller

Tony Waller University of Georgia School of Law Email: twaller@uga.edu

Connect with Steve Seckler

To schedule a free 30-minute consultation or a