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Here's the rest of the great workwear I found in the 2018 NAS sale, including some general notes on brands and other non-work stuff to buy:
TONS of nice workwear under $100 from Eliza J, Vince Camuto, Tahari, 1901, Halogen (particularly their coats!), Boss, and if you have a very feminine style, check out CeCe's offerings – very small offering from Max Mara but it's lovely (including a suit I somehow missed!)- Underwear from Natori, Wacoal, Chantelle, Hanky Panky, Spanx, Commando
- Tons of denim from AG, Paige, Wit & Wisdom,
- Great time to stock up on workout digs like Zella & Alo
- also lots of nice maternity wear if you're pregnant or have a loved one who is
- Notes from the Beauty sale (where there are lots of limited edition sets that sell out pretty quickly!): this Butter London primer/top coat nail set is $19 (down from $36) and free of all the bad stuff; and I know this Sunday Riley Triple Threat set ($49) will probably be one of the first to sell out (here's my review of Good Genes). I've got this Lancer skincare set of bestsellers in my cart, and I'm seriously pondering this set of Living Proof Perfect Hair Day stuff or this set of Caviar Alterna haircare (here's my review). This looks like a nice Kiehl's Age Correcting set ($89 down from $131), as does this Clarins Super Restorative set ($159 down from $280) or this La Mer set ($330 down from $469). Good basics: this Eve Lom cleanse set ($60 down from $90) or this collection of MAC Idols lipsticks ($32).
Old Workwear Favorites in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
New trendy things are great, but sometimes you just want a few basic pieces — and these are ones that have been around for years and are now on sale in the Anniversary Sale! (Interesting to note that the Halogen 3/4-sleeved cardigan is nowhere to be found.
Pictured above: $21-$4 2-way camisole (plus sizes, thicker strap options, TONS of colors) / knit blazer (plus sizes too) / open front pocket cardigan / seamed pencil skirt / midi skirt
Pictured above, $49-$98: ponte ankle pants / merino wool cardigan / skinny ankle pants (plus sizes too) / cardigan (FYI I think different colors look more polished and others look more bathrobey — this light gray looks lovely) / stretch knit trousers
Great Workwear to Splurge in the 2018 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Yesterday we rounded up all of the tons and tons of great stuff you can get at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for under $200. There are definitely a few great pieces to splurge on, though, including…
Pictured, $229-$529: white top / herringbone blazer / tweed blazer / red velvet blazer / plaid blazer
Pictured above, $233-$364: flare dress / navy shift / wrap dress / shirtdress / blue dress
(Not pictured but also fabulous: this black textured jersey dress.)Suits for Women in the 2018 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
I'm a bit bummed there aren't more suits in the Nordstrom sale, and that some suits aren't even pictured together. (AND: seriously, miniskirts?) Still, the ones that are there look great:
Suits, $85-$458:
- burgundy suit – blazer, pants
- dark blue – jacket, skirt, trousers, dress
- houndstooth – jacket, pants, skirt, dress
- black/white plaid – jacket, pants (plus sizes too)
- (not pictured: textured tweed – peplum jacket, moto jacket, skirt)
- also not pictured: Theory and Max Mara
2018 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Plus-Size Picks for Work
We sent out an email yesterday to readers of the CorporettePlus newsletter with news and a few plus-size picks — you can see the picks for the Nordstrom sale here!
Here are a few more of the teensy tiny images from our earlier roundup of all the best picks under $200 in the 2018 Nordstrom Anniversary sale…
Readers, have you found anything great in the 2018 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Have you had any orders cancelled already, or noted sizes, colors, or other things selling out?
Sales of note for 9.16.24
- Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
- Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off sale
- J.Crew – 30% off wear-now styles
- J.Crew Factory – (ends 9/16 PM): 40% off everything + extra 70% off sale with code
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Extra 25% off all tops + markdowns
- Target – Car-seat trade-in event through 9/28 — bring in an old car seat to get a 20% discount on other baby/toddler stuff.
- White House Black Market – 40% off select styles
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Convertible Bags
Does anyone have a bag that’s convertible from crossbody to backpack? Due to kids/needing to be hands free, I need the backpack functionality but prefer crossbody style – and would really like to use the same bag all the time. I haven’t seen a stellar recommendation here for a good bag that fits these criteria. Tumi makes one in nylon (Jena style). I am looking at the Rough & Tumble handmade 3 in 1 bags, but they are expensive for me so I would appreciate any firsthand recommendations before making the purchase.
Anonymous
Henri Bendel makes a backpack-to-crossbody convertible that I really like, and they have numerous sizes/colors/styles available. Would not recommend the tan one that I have only because it’s tan, which seems dangerous for kids.
Anonymous
I am going to an all day candidate training program tomorrow and have no idea what to wear! I am running for local office; the event is put on by a Congresswoman from my state and is at union headquarters. I couldn’t find any photos of previous events to get an idea of what the norm is.
Options I am choosing between: dark skinny jeans + navy schoolboy blazer with either nice blouse or graphic tee from the small nonprofit I created OR either an olive green or grey tie waist dress with cardigan or blazer for optional warmth. I am assuming there’s definitely no need for a suit, but am not sure if I am skewing too casual?
Anonymous
Casual is totally fine! Wear something comfortable to be in all day and wear layers in case it’s too cold/hot.
Anonymous
Agreed. I would wear something like what you would wear door knocking/to a community event, and both options fit that note. Personally, I would go with the first cause it is likely the room will be over-air conditioned and that will be warmer.
Anonymous
I’d go jeans, blazer, t-shirt. I think the same with a blouse would be a touch overdressed. At least where I am.
OP
And I certainly don’t live in a fancy part of the country! Thanks! That it will be super simple to throw on and look polished but comfortable and casual early tomorrow morning so I can focus on learning a bunch!
Anonymous
It doesn’t super matter and the first option sounds good, but I would choose the the blouse. Casual is better for the stump/grassroots events but folks in the political world lean more professional so you might be the odd one out in a t-shirt.
Knop
Was this event by chance Build the Bench with Rep. Bustos? What did you think of it???
Knope2020
Was this event by chance Build the Bench with Rep Bustos? I’d love to hear what you thought of it!
Legally Brunette
I’m an extremely loyal Nordstrom customer but I just never get excited about this sale. As someone else mentioned, inevitably almost everything is cheaper if you are willing to wait a few months. Just add the item to your wishlist and check it every so often.
I stocked up on some Spanx and Kendra Scott earrings and a cute magenta sleeveless sheath dress for work, but that’s it.
Anonymous
I caved and picked up a few things, or at least … I tried to. Oddly enough, items that I ordered on the first day of the sale yesterday are somehow already sold out. Like, how is that even possible?
I wish this sale would just go away and I don’t know how I’m going to handle hearing about it every d@mn day on the various blogs I follow.
NOLA
I ordered two jackets, a pair of pumps, and a pair of boots, but I feel like I send back more than I keep. I keep ordering coats (seems like ever year) and I still haven’t found the right one. Last year, I think I kept one thing.
Ginjury
Honestly, I just get excited about the inevitable 10pts day that happens when their site can’t handle all the traffic. That’s when I stock up on things that aren’t even on sale and order a million items I think I might like because why not try them now? Now that that is over, I’m done with the sale.
Third Love?
Have any smaller band size ladies tried Third Love? I’m a 30″ band size and keep getting stuff from them. It looks good / comparable to my annual NAS order (Betsey Johnson). I don’t know anyone who has tried them IRL.
Torin
FWIW I caved to social media marketing and tried both Third Love and Knix and was not a big fan of either. They want you to think they’ve revolutionized the entire concept of the bra, but they really haven’t. If you have a brand you like, particularly if you can get it at a better price point, I wouldn’t bother.
Monday
I learned this lesson with Parachute sheets. They’re just not that special, and I regret the splurge. I’m convinced they’re heavily screening their online reviews. I’m not heeding any more podcast ads!
Torin
I’m convinced Knix screens their reviews too. Or at least displays them in a way I don’t think is designed to let you get an honest impression. On other sites you can usually click to look specifically at 1 star reviews to see why people don’t like something, and click to look at a larger number of reviews at a time and scroll through them. Knix lets you look at 2 at a time, and surprise surprise, they’re all 5 stars. They don’t tell you what the overall rating is either. Basically, lesson learned. If the review system isn’t set up to be transparently accessed, avoid.
AIMS
I’m so glad to hear you say that. I almost ordered recently but then opted for regular fancy sheets from Gilt. I think the podcast ads are probably also skewed by the fact that they are free for those hosts. Free things are always better because your expectations are lower.
I actually also tried to order a nursing bra from Third Love but despite promoting their wide range of sizes, they don’t actually have many in stock so there was nothing to order.
cbackson
I wear a 34A and have been so happy with my Third Love bras that I bought 4 of them. FWIW.
Wow
I haven’t tried them but I’m a 32DD and love Betsey Johnson. I would just stick to that if it works for you.
Anonymous
I tried Third Love and while the bra was very comfortable, it is not supportive (I’m a 34G). The padding also makes it too hot in warm weather. I kept the two I bought, but won’t buy any more.
Maxi dress help please
Anyone want to do some vicarious shopping?
Searching for a maxi dress that’s either halter or has wide enough shoulder straps for a regular bra, wanting something turquoise and pattern/print of some sort so that it helps disguise food baby days and bloating. Also want it to be able to go into the washing machine so cotton and/or something stretchy is likely best. Finally, it has to either come in petite or not have a unique pattern on the bottom so I can get it hemmed. I’m a size 10-12, hourglass shaped.
Gail the Goldfish
I’ve been meaning to get this one from Lands end: https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-sleeveless-knit-surplice-maxi-dress/id_322301?sku_0=::MCP I have the short version of these and love them.
L
A friend of mine has this, and it looks so good!
cat socks
Lands End. I’m 5’0″ and I can wear the petite length without alterations. They run a little large.
Gym Bag Question
We recently welcomed our first baby into our family this year – yay! I have a very expensive professional wardrobe that I spent a decade cultivating. While I have been pregnant and in early childhood (aka – getting back to my size and getting baby food all over everywhere), I have been purchasing cheap custom-made cotton dresses from eshakti. They fit perfectly as my body changes. I order 2-3 per month and pack them away for baby #2 as I size out. They have several styles that fit your description. In general, their fit is great, but quality is so-so. They are easy dresses that come in many fabrics that all wash well at home.
Anon
There’s a floral maxi dress at ModCloth that has a turquoise top that would be perfect. I’m 5’4” hourglass and it fits perfectly.
CPA Stories?
Piggybacking on Friday’s thread about whether you’d be a lawyer if you had it to do over, I’ve got a similar question for CPA ladies. What do you do, how much do you make, and how do you like it? What would you do differently? I’m looking at a career change and I’m soaking up stories like a sponge before I have to make any specific decisions. (I’m familiar with the regs and the market in my state, so I’m really just looking to hear from ladies who’ve made it work).
Anon
i will try to post later this weekend when I have time – check back. Someone asked this a while back – if it wasn’t you you could try searching cpa
You mentioned the regs – do you know your plan for getting the education and experience years? That would influence my decision. Also the pay is pretty varied depending on what you want to do it. It’s not big law or finance money. certainly there are people who make that but a lot also top out much lower depending on path (frequently trading quality of life with lower pay instead of the long hours normally expected). Are you leaning towards a career in public or going to industry once you can?
AnonCPA
I’m a CPA – small town in midwest (4000 people) for reference and I’m in a public firm. It’s a local firm, 3 offices, approx 40 employees. I make right in the $55-60K range but of course, have low living expenses…I’ve been in public accounting since college, so 6 years. I have “senior accountant” status which means I manage a few people below me, am in charge of engagements, but still acknowledge I have SO MUCH to learn.
I really like my job…because I work for a smaller firm, I have clients only for tax purposes, clients only for consulting, clients only for audit/accounting, and some where I do a mix of everything. My hours are generally really great – 40 hour weeks during “off season” and 50-60 hour weeks during busy season (January-April). I like that I work with small business owners and non-profits to give advice, tax plan, and generally help them maintain all the requirements that are thrown at them! I know my clients – I know that they had a baby or lost a parent or had cancer. I know it’s definitely different than working for a larger firm, but I find that the benefits of knowing my clients, having nice hours and co-workers who are great definitely outweighs the lower pay than that of a larger regional/national firm…
There are so many ways you can go with accounting – managerial, tax, forensic, etc. I like that I’m exposed to the different aspects in my job.
Eeertmeert
Am CPA, out of school 7 years. got my masters of tax, and worked in public accounting at mid and small firms. Loved a lot of aspects of public accounting (the work is fascinating, the people are interesting, the perks (paid CPE, etc) are nice) but am now in private industry and love it even more.
Because I worked at a mid-sized firm, I focused 100% on tax, but split my practice over for-profit (individuals, partnerships, closely held corporations, estates, trusts) and non-profit clients. We did not work on many tax clients with audited financial statements, which means we got to dig deep into the books to see what adjustments needed to be made, so got exposure to financial accounting as well as tax accounting. This really helps me in my job now.
I still use my tax background, but I also do financial accounting functions in my current position. I work 40 hours/week. I am better positioned as a CPA to work at high levels in companies versus starting at the clerk level in accounting and working my way up.
I earn about the same in private as i did in public, but now work much more reasonable hours, don’t have to track my hours for billing purposes, and have more responsibility and variety in my tasks. I don;t have my CPE subsidized, but I would negotiate that into my contract if I were to move companies going forward.
I do not regret putting in the time and effort to get my CPE. It took me about 4-5 years (taking pre-business classes to transfer into 4 year college, junion/senior year of undergrad in business school, 1 year masters of tax) once I went back to school, and it was all worth it. I love using the logic side of my brain along with my soft skills. I met so many interesting people going through these programs, and again in public accounting. Lifelong friends.
If you can afford it, and are ready to spend a lot of time studying for the exam (after you do whatever prepatory classes are necessary to make the prerequisites for sitting for the exam in your state), go for it.
My study guide teacher (Roger CPA) would always say: “If you study, you will pass.” That was my mantra the whole time, and it worked.
Minnie Pearl
I love it, I kind of fell into accounting but am so glad I did.
I have 10 years experience and earn about $150k + bonus (so up to $180k). I did 8 years in audit and then moved to industry just after I hit senior manager, in the financial reporting function of a a large listed company with a relatively small centralised accounting team. I manage 8 accountants who work on a part of the business with over $2b revenue p.a., and another part of my role is to be the accounting workstream lead on transactions.
What I do now is nothing like what I thought being an accountant would be like. Most of my role now is about managing people and working to develop and performance manage them, working with cross-functional project teams (lawyers, treasury, engineers etc) to understand the accounting implications and come up with creative accounting solutions, writing papers and presentations for the board/audit committee/project team on accounting implications and accounting treatments, bringing people across the business together to solve various issues, and working with my peers to drive the strategic direction of the corporate accounting function.
I do a lot more writing and presenting/running meetings than actually dealing with numbers these days, though the numbers side comes naturally to me and the accounting technical skills are a given at this level.
There are a lot of different paths you can take with a CPA, but once you’re in a path it’s hard to move between them (i.e. I am pretty much stuck working in large corporates, and couldn’t go work in a small business firm doing tax advice without re-training completely).
NY CPA
I’m an audit senior at one of the Big 4 in NY. I make about $70k. The hours and stress level are absolutely awful, but I love that I work with very smart people. Also I find the work to often be interesting. You are never allowed to feel “comfortable” in that as soon as you learn how to do one thing, you’ll start teaching others how to do that while learning something new, which I find is a great way to grow. Public accounting involves a TON of client service (even at low levels), which wasn’t something I was expecting, so it helps if you’re a people person. Another thing I wasn’t expecting is that you have to be prepared to write a lot and be able to articulate your thoughts well on paper, since documentation is so crucial to everything we do. Agree with Minnie Pearl above that I spend a lot of time managing other people. Basically, public accounting is about MUCH more than being good with numbers.
Many people use Big 4 as a way to move into private jobs. I will say that as soon as you have “CPA” and one of the big 4 on your LinkedIn, you will be contacted by recruiters constantly (I probably get around 5-10 emails from them per week), so even if you don’t want to be in public accounting long term, I think it’s the best start you can have for your career. If you can stick it out long term though, the pay can be excellent. First year partners at my firm make about $300k and I’ve heard average partner comp is almost triple than that.
The CPA was quite tough but I believe if you really study and apply yourself you can do it. I took off 4 months and just made it a full time job to study (about 40 hours per week) and was able to pass all 4 on the first go. I realize this isn’t possible for everyone, but I don’t know if I personally could have managed it while working. Maybe if I had a job with a true 40 hour week? Also, I definitely recommend the Becker test prep. Expensive but worth it in my opinion.
AZCPA
The first few (2-5?) years our of school are brutal, between studying and taking the CPA exam and the workload of public accounting. That being said, I also think that starting in public accounting sets you up for success in the long run, so it’s worth it. Even if you want to go into industry, a couple of years in public accounting both better prepares you for the work and looks far better to employers on your resume than starting in industry. Unlike others, I didn’t think Becker was worth it at all, I self studied from exam books and was fine.
I spent the first 10 years of my career in pubic accounting, and went to industry after becoming a tax director. After a couple of tax director roles, I now work to support a group of CPAs at the largest tax prep software company in the US. Basically, my job is running a 1500 person tax practice; I don’t do any tax work, but I ensure all the CPAs and EAs have the tools they need and comply with policy and applicable law. It definitely isn’t what I thought I’d be doing, but I love it. And the pay is insanely good for my super LCOL city (160k).
Overall, that’s what I love about accounting – it’s a degree that can lead to so many diverse career paths and jobs. However, I’ll echo what someone else said – it truly is a customer service business. So it you don’t enjoy working with customers (i.e. your ideal of being an accounting is working quietly in an office on financials or tax returns) then you’d have trouble growing your career after the first couple of years.
Time Tracking App
Any recommendations for apps that are great for tracking time? I’m not using it for billable hour purposes (although I do want to express to boss the amount of time spent on non-core type tasks), but something made for the billable world could work. I’m interested in actually tracking where my time goes each day, and my attempts to use pen and paper have not worked because I inevitably leave the paper somewhere.
Anonymous
I used to use the Jiffy timetracker on Android, but it looks like there’s no iOS version, and in general as though it hasn’t really “taken off.” I also tried Toggl, and it looks like Toggl has taken off.
Looking at iOS options, Hindsight and SmarterTime look pretty… report back if you find something you really like!
Time Tracking App
Any recommendations for apps that are great for tracking time? I’m not using it for billable hour purposes (although I do want to express to boss the amount of time spent on non-core type tasks), but something made for the billable world could work. I’m interested in actually tracking where my time goes each day, and my attempts to use pen and paper have not worked because I inevitably leave the paper somewhere.
anon 4 this
How civil do you need to be in a family setting to your abusive BIL? I haven’t seen him in years (and I only recently heard, indirectly but from a trusted source) that he is physically abusive. There’s a chance he will show up at a small family event next week.
FWIW, my sister is in the process of getting out (their child is going to college in a month) and sister says she’s planning on a trial move in with us — across the country. Unsure if she has informed ABIL, so I won’t bring it up.
Anonymous
Your sister is planning to move in with you, without having talked to you?
I remember people saying go medium chill with family, especially since you don’t want him to be clued in to her planned departure. That’s a tough one. I’m sorry for your family.
anon 4 this
Sister does not talk to anyone on a regular basis due to some crippling anxiety issues. I’m not sure how serious she is about pulling the trigger on her plan (although I would gladly buy her ticket, etc, if it came to it). I’m not sure SHE knows how serious she is.
Medium chill it is, thanks.
Anonymous
I don’t have any experience with this, but I would think being polite is a good option so that he doesn’t retaliate against your sister for your attitude towards him. I would try to avoid him but be polite and fake it to his face.
Of Counsel
You need to be civil because you do not want to clue him in about sister leaving or where she might be going. If you are the only person at the family event who is cold, chances are he is not going to have to wonder where his wife went.
My advice would be different if she had already left and you were unavoidably seeing him at some family event involving your sister’s child (in which case I would suggest ignoring him to the extent possible to avoid creating a scene for said child and addressing him coldly if forced to interact) – but presumably his abuse and her plan to leave are not yet public knowledge and your sister has not told him she is leaving or where she is going.
So smile, ask how he is, and encourage him to talk about your niece/nephew. While silently seething about what an a**h!le he is.
anon 4 this
Silently seeth… unfortunately I suspected this to be the case, as much as I want to denounce him and tell him to go f-himself.
thanks.
Gym Bag Question
Personally, I’d take this rather seriously. Domestic violence can get out of hand rather quickly. If you are planning on putting your immediate family in the middle of this (with sister moving in), I’d do a lot of preparation. Talk to a family counselor, get a restraining order lined up, talk to a lawyer, get the nephew/niece prepared, make sure sister is financially prepared, have emergency plan in place with your family if ABIL shows up unannounced after move, etc. Hopefully I am being WAY over-cautious.
Lana Del Raygun
Be extremely civil, not because he deserves it, but because otherwise he might take it out on your sister and/or guess that she’s escaping.
Longtime Reader Firsttime Poster
Anon brag…. a few months ago, I asked my bosses about redefining my position to reflect the work I was doing, and a raise along with it. My grandboss took it and ran… it came through today with a nearly 30% raise! I’m shocked and it couldn’t come at a better time. Alas, no fun purchases are in the cards, but I can stop entertaining the idea of a second job.
Miss
Congratulations!! That’s awesome!
CountC
Congrats!!!!!! Can you treat yourself to dinner this weekend?
Longtime Reader Firsttime Poster
Yes, and I think we need to page Shots, Shots, Shots!
Anonymous
That is just fantastic! High five!
Ellen
I am SOOOOO HAPPY for you and everyone in the HIVE that stand’s up for what we, as Corporete’s, deserve! YAY for YOU!!!! We ladies ought to applaud ourselves for working in this male-driven society where we often do NOT get the respect we deserve (or the pay). While men are helpful at times, like the OP’s grandboss, all to many men want to keep the money all to themselves. This was my story for years, even after I became a JD and admitted to the bar. It was ONLEY by dumb luck that I fell into my job b/c the manageing partner saw something in me OTHER then a cute girl with nice boobies. He saw me for what I was, a young, promising and intelligent attorney who was underemployed and verbally abused by my employers’ employees who looked at me mainly as an efficient piece of MEAT who’s tuchus could be pinched and squeezed at will, and all b/c I was a lawyer doeing non-legal work! FOOEY on men like that!
In your case, Kudo’s to you, and best of luck! Also, Hold on to your Grandboss, b/c he sounds like my manageing partner who has seen me for what I can do for the firm and has also paid me very well! YAY!!!
Ses
Congrats!!
Anon
Has anyone here gone from biglaw to academic tenured-track position? If so, can you explain how you were able to do it? I understand even fellowships these days require a couple of publications to get in and am thinking about taking a year off to work for a think tank/academic research position to write so I can increase my chances of getting a fellowship and then a law professor position. The alternative is to do a PhD in health policy or a masters in Bioethics and then go on the job market for academics. But I don’t know which is better.
Anonymous
You seem to think academia is easy to waltz into…. Sorry to tell you it is not. You don’t just decide you want to be a “tenure track professor” and then choose a field (law or health policy or bioethics?!?!). Maybe you better figure out what you want to do with your life first….
OP
I know it’s hard, but I also know I am talented in this area. An article I wrote in my spare time has received offers from secondary journals from a bunch of top law schools including Harvard, and will be published this fall. I’ve talked to a lot of my classmates who are currently doing fellowships after biglaw, so I know it’s not impossible. The next question is what can I do that will best prepare me down this path. If you have no constructive advice to offer, please do not offer any advice at all.
Anonymous
Your law school career services should be able to provide advice about this
Anonymous
While you may not see this as advice, it is helpful to learn if your expectations are realistic.
Have you worked before law school? Do you have any other experience / degrees / research / teaching background?
It will be nearly impossible to get a faculty position in bioethics or health policy at a decent institution. I’ll leave it to others to give you info about your chances in law. From what is discussed on this site, these positions are highly desirable and competition is fierce.
It may be a good time to meet with a professor you respect and ask them about their career path.
Anonymous
OP, I support your ambition, but it’s almost hurtful to hear you say that “it’s hard, but I’m talented” when talented people with well-received peer-reviewed publications, teaching experience at top schools, book deals and sometimes even well-received books from academic presses are stuck adjuncting for years as they continue to apply for tenure-track jobs. I encourage you to continue to pursue this, but please understand that if you succeed, it probably won’t be because you were just that much more talented than others.
OP
Thanks, I appreciate you’re trying to help, but the first comment was mean-spirited and assumed that I think academia will be a “waltz.” As it is, I have enough of privileged people doubting my abilities to succeed as a young woman of color, I don’t need another random stranger pressing my face into the sand. I have never taken anything for granted my whole life. I immigrated here when I was 12 not knowing any English, was raised by a single-mom. When I was in high school, I still remember being told that I would be lucky if I got into a university, and laughed at for wanting to be a lawyer. A decade later, I graduated from YLS, just finished a top appellate clerkship, and am getting published in a top secondary law journal. I’ve already talked to my school career offices and consulted professors, and am in the process of reaching out to more law professors. I figure the past advice I’ve received here has been really useful so it doesn’t hurt to have additional data points from other successful women. That’s why I’m asking. Please don’t assume anything about where I’m coming from or that I think academia is easy. It is incredibly difficult to break into, and I’m fully expecting to fail. But what I need is advice on how to get there, not mean comments discouraging me from pursuing it when I already know how hard it is.
Anon
You need law review publications, not peer-reviewed publication, to be law professor. Peer-reviewed publications in the law sound like trade journals. Can you be more specific and give an example of what is considered a peer-review publication in the law context?
Anonymous
OP–You are more informed and prepared than some posters who have asked about this in the past. It sounds like you do have a shot at it, and I believe it’s worth pursuing (I have yet to meet a law professor who doesn’t love the job). Good luck.
Anon
Op, you’re not likely to get useful advice on this site. Law professors who have successfully made this transition are unlikely to follow this site. You’re only going to get cynical biglaw or former biglaw ppl discouraging you.
That said, I have a couple of law school classmates who made the transition. Be prepared for a significant pay cut, work on something that gives you the time to write and learn about health law, have a few pieces published, and then apply for fellowships. Not sure how useful a PhD would be if you don’t write and get published in law reviews. The only value of a PhD would be that it forces you to learn and write about the health law at a paced-schedule and if you want to teach in Canada.
Anonymous
Disagree. There are lots of regular posters here in academia including some in law. It’s not all disillusioned Big Law people.
Anon
If there are, they are certainly not commenting. So far none of the comments have come from law professors with personal experience, so she’s clearly not getting the advice she’s looking for.
Anonymous
One of my friend got a teaching fellowship from biglaw with only 1 published paper from law school, but had a Supreme Court clerkship. Otherwise, I’m not sure it’s possible.
OP
Thanks, that’s one helpful data point.
a lawyer
Your chances of getting a law professor job would be much better at a small private or much less prestigious state school. I graduated from HLS summa cum laude, practiced in a prestigious boutique law firm for many years, and in a period of “what the hell” applied for a position at a small, non-prestigious law school. I learned that even those law professor positions are difficult to come by and, not interested in a one year contract, non-tenure track position, dropped that idea.
On the other hand,I have friends who have been adjunct professors for years while maintaining their law practices, and those position could in the right school, open up opportunities. I do not think that positions obtained through those means will be prestigious or well-paying. They would likely have the same nice lifestyle of professors (summers and school holidays off) but without much monetary compensation and probably not much professional challenge in the sense of very serious academic rigor and writing. It depends on what you want — I know many, many people who are very happy not fighting the academic publish or perish mentality and love the lower stress positions and lifestyle.
Anonymous
my favorite law professor came from biglaw–they have very specific academic hiring schedules, etc. Perhaps you could adjunct, then publish some more, all while trying for these academic hiring conventions. YLS should have resources on this.
my dream is to one day do a D. Phil in bioe and teach :) but I also have realized I like doing deals and getting paid and while I love the idea of teaching and writing, the reality of writing is a problem for me.
OP
Thank you. This is helpful. I’ve advised against being an adjunct and was told that I was likely to be stuck in an adjunct position, but it seems to have worked out for a minority of people.
Anonymous
Academic here – yes for the vast majority of people who adjunct, they will remain adjuncts. There is also a bias (unfair, I know) on some hiring committees that being an adjunct can lower your marketability in the future, particularly for highly ranked institutions in particular. It is also important to remember that teaching is a cultivated skill and is exhausting. Working full-time, while adjuncting and trying to do research will be brutal.
Anonymous
I don’t know if they are tenure track, but several partners from my large regional law firm are now full-time professors at our local law school (which is T14). They started out as adjuncts teaching 1 class or a clinic (teaching practical skills related to their actual practice) and then slowly over the years ended up full time. However, they had been at my firm for years and years–this is more like their semi-retirement gig, so I’m not sure how helpful that is for someone who wants to make the transition at a younger age.
OP
Thank you. I have heard of these paths, but they tend not to be tenure track and are more like retirement for law firm partners. My understanding is that there is an expiration date for moving into legal academia, and that expiration date is usually around the 5th/6th year out from law school.
Anonymous
Look at the career path of Mark Lemley, who went from a hot regional firm to a position on faculty at SLS.
Gym Bag Question
Does anyone have a suggestion for an office-appropriate yet comfortable gym bag?
I already carry a classic (structured, over-the-shoulder) tote + slim portfolio briefcase.
Have you found any quality and understated gym bags that are functional but not too bulky?
I want to be able to carry everything through the office without feeling like a bell hop.
As a note, I love this website! You ladies helped me to track down my FAVORITE clothing item of all time – a thick pashmina that I lost in Paris and found again at Nordstrom. Love to read the comments and wisdom here!
EM84
Would be helpful to know what do you carry in gym bag. From your comments I assume that you do not commute by car (otherwise you would just leave gym bag in the car) and if you already have 2 bags (tote and portfolio), I would try to switch to a bag that could replace one of the two (i.e. a bag that will hold your gym stuff and things you carry in the tote).
I myself do not enjoy carrying multiple bags and would be looking for a minimalist option. For example one bigger bag that will hold all. And if you still prefer to carry a small handbag for lunches or meetings outside, you could stash a slim clutch bag in the big bag.
I have Knomo Grosvenor as a main bag, into which I am able to slide in my Knomo Elektronista clutch.
When I need a bigger bag, I take Knomo Sedley and slide Elektronista there as well. Sedley would comfortably hold my laptop and gym clothes/shoes/towel etc. Or check knomo Audley bag as a main bag.
I am not a Knomo rep, I just discovered the brand here, bought 2 of their bags and love how they fit together.
Houda
Several people in my buildimg carry gym bags by Sweaty Betty. They are very understated and almost dressed up
Gym Bag Question
Houda,
What a great brand! Thank you for the suggestion!
Anonymous
EM84,
Thank you for your detailed reply. I was no familiar with Knomo, but that style is exactly what I had envisioned – thank you! As for my situation, it depends. When I am at my Chicago office, I commute via train/subway. In Des Moines, I travel via car, but I stay at a corporate condo located in the office building, so my personal belongings are often seen in transit. San Francisco and international trips afford more privacy, so they are less of a concern, but I am often traveling with clients and find myself running into them (and upper management) in gyms, spas, and airport check-in situations, so I try to look professional even in “self-maintenance” situations. Thank you for your kind and considered response. I am trying to figure out what combination of bags works for me. Your thoughts are much appreciated!
Gym Bag Question
ps – as to the contents of my gym bag, that varies with the planned activities. It could be anything from standard equipment workout to racquet sports, swimming, Pilates, yoga, golf, Japanese bath (in Asia), etc. All major equipment provided on site, but shoes and clothing (googles, makeup, hair repair, etc.) I bring in bag.
EM84
Happy to help!
Hair clips for fine hair?
Hello! I have a pixie cut and super fine and slippery hair. I am looking for a recommendation for hair clips that would hold for those occasions when it’s too hot to have any loose hair. I’ve been using tiny children’s clips that do work but they are so twee. I tried to find something similar in more adult colors on Etsy but clearly don’t know the search terms. What can you ladies recommend?
Gym Bag Question
Hello! I have a pixie cut and super fine and slippery hair. I am looking for a recommendation for hair clips that would hold for those occasions when it’s too hot to have any loose hair. I’ve been using tiny children’s clips that do work but they are so twee. I tried to find something similar in more adult colors on Etsy but clearly don’t know the search terms. What can you ladies recommend?
Anonymous
A month ago, I applied online for a position that I believe I am well qualified for (but it’s a desirable position with lots of competition). I have not heard anything from the employer, not even an automated email saying they received my resume. I just noticed that the position has been reposted. (The posting says it is 3 days old.) I am thinking about resubmitting my information. At this point, I assume it probably won’t help but it also can’t hurt. Is reapplying a bad idea?
Anon
You should reapply. Recruiting has been known to lose resumes.
Anonymous
I currently teach at a community college legal admin program and occasionally teach at similar programs at a jail and at a justice studies program at a college. It’s hard to break into teaching, you might also find that you don’t enjoy it. I would suggest finding an opportunity of some sort to teach (even free public legal education) to get some experience and a feel for it and building connections from there. Good luck.
I’m also a WOC- I don’t live in a city with a law school so no hope of teaching at one (or real interest in doing it) but I like part time evening teaching and think I bring something to the table.
Anonymous
I had a really weird situation where I applied for a job looking to hire about 20+ people and didn’t get an interview. Someone got wind that I didn’t get an interview and I got a personal call, an apology and an interview. Stuff happens, resumes get lost. Good luck to you. Reapplying shows you are still interested and won’t make anything worse. It’s possible there was a funding issue or something and that’s why nothing happened before.