But few firms will even discuss retooling. In the past year more than 20 different bar and law school groups have sponsored it with attendance averaging between 100 and 150 wherever she goes. She says she knows of one firm that allowed a group of lawyers to cut their billable hours while working on an audio-video tape presentation about estate planning. The firm now sells the tape nationally and has created a new revenue stream with its open outlook. Externally, retooling becomes a personal matter.
Experts say there is no recommended route for all.
But some road markers do emerge in the form of suggestions and an understanding of the factors that have made retooling a trend. Baby boomer burnout tops the factor list these days, they agree. But some experts also note that many veteran lawyers are just now realizing they entered the profession years ago without first charting their own personal course. They fell into practice areas out of need or opportunity rather than desire. She says retoolers can offer to work pro bono in a new field or form alliances with experienced attorneys already there.