I bet my business partner doubted whether I would really incorporate Mizzou Football into a blog post (that box is checked) but in thinking about my beloved Tigers and their currently undefeated season (double check) it occurred to me that there are some real similarities between the career path of an attorney and the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Sure, law school is about gaining a quality legal education, but the ultimate objective for most law students is about finding a coveted job. Similarly, for a high school athlete with collegiate sports aspirations, the main objective is to land a scholarship at their dream college. Of course, not everyone is able to make to the cut at their desired law firm or land at their favorite college team, but fortunately there is always a path forward. Sometimes it just takes a little hard-work, timing, and the courage not to be satisfied with the status quo.
For collegiate athletes, the NCAA Transfer Portal provides the opportunity to capitalize (literally with NIL) on a successful season and make the move to an elite program. It also can work in the reverse - maybe someone starts at a powerhouse program but finds it hard to make their mark so they leave for a team where they can actually get playing time and make a difference.
For those embarking on their legal career, don’t get discouraged if you didn’t get the opportunity to join the firm of your dreams or maybe thought you were but then realized you chose wrong. The key is to accept that you still have a choice. Sure, the choice may require hard-work and good timing or even recognizing that happiness may come with a pay-cut. The point is that you have the opportunity to improve your situation (no matter how you define improvement) – you just have to be willing to make the change.