I often hear of lawyers turned developers. Anyone gone from developer to lawyer?

by devbot9on 2/1/2021, 5:16 PMwith 7 comments

by polka_haunts_uson 2/1/2021, 6:00 PM

I took a seminar in college on Intellectual Property Law where the instructor was a former developer who went to law school to be an IP Lawyer instead, specializing particularly in software. A friend of mine got a dev job at a FAANG out of college and hated it enough that subsequently they have been working as a non-dev in human rights policy type stuff, not quite lawyer but very similar trajectory.

Just a couple of examples.

by giantg2on 2/1/2021, 6:36 PM

I don't know anyone who has. I've sort of considered it. The cost in money and time for law school seems like it's not worth it.

And while I like to know and understand the law, I'm finding that more and more of the system is a sham. I've witnessed a trooper commit misconduct, like lying to a magistrate, and so many mistakes that his actions should be considered negligence. I have also witnessed 2 magistrates lack even a basic understanding of legal principles, like dismissing with prejudice or that a summary offense is a grading of a criminal offense. I even contacted a civil rights lawyer over some violations. He said there were rights violations, but without substantial financial impact the courts don't want to hear about it.

So I like the understanding the "code" of the legal system, but it seems like it isn't followed and that it's all double speak - rules for thee but not for me.

by relaunchedon 2/1/2021, 11:52 PM

https://www.wsgr.com/en/people/barath-r-chari.html

Barath is a fraternity brother of mine, from Cal. He got a BA in CS, which is an impacted major you apply to after 2 years (super competitive). He went on to be a developer for Deloitte.

After a few years, he went to law school and started working at Wilson. He's now a partner and I believe he worked on Aurora's acquisition of Uber self-driving car IP.

by karmakazeon 2/1/2021, 7:10 PM

I knew a developer who actively studied law. It seemed to be a hobby but one that seemed dedicated enough that they could make the transition if they decided.

by davidwritesbugson 2/1/2021, 7:37 PM

Me. Did a masters in IP law while working as a developer then qualified and moved over. Then sortof moved back. Long story.