Work Full-Time, Raise a Family & Go to Law School - It Will be Easy They Say. Can it be Done?

Some Would Say Absolutely Not, but Leah Holland Is Proof of a Resounding YES!

Have you thought of a career change? Or thought about going back to school to advance your current career? It’s a common topic amongst people of all ages today. Experts say people change careers an average of three or more times during their lifetime. The multitude of options for advancing your education make it easier than ever before to make second career dreams a reality. Here, we sit down with attorney Leah Holland to learn about her journey to becoming an attorney as her second career, all while working full-time and raising a family.

BB - Tell us about your first career.

LH - Prior to attending law school and becoming an attorney, I worked in healthcare as an occupational therapist and manager of the Rehab Therapies Department at United Hospital District in Blue Earth, MN. As the manager of a multidisciplinary department, I had the pleasure of working with an excellent team of occupational therapists, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and speech therapists providing care for people of all ages. Working in a rural independent hospital provided me the opportunity to treat patients in various settings including in the hospital, in the outpatient clinic, and in patients’ homes providing home health care. As an occupational therapist I was able to help people struggling with limited function enhance their quality of life by providing them the tools, resources, and/or hands on treatment necessary to restore or improve their ability to perform everyday activities including basic self-care, work activities, and sport or leisure activities.

BB - When did you decide to change careers and why?

LH - Most high school and college students, and even some middle-aged adults like me, are faced with the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?”. It is not uncommon for the answer to that question to change for a variety of reasons. After more than twenty years in healthcare, I found myself questioning if that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my working life. I had worked in healthcare since high school, starting out as an office assistant in a medical clinic and later working in the billing department while I went to school to receive certification as an occupational therapy assistant. I worked as an occupational therapy assistant while earning a degree in occupational therapy.

Healthcare was what I knew, and I enjoyed my work as an occupational therapist, but I was ready for a new challenge, so I decided to explore the possibility of a career change. In high school I had considered the legal profession, but the time commitment and cost associated with law school made that idea seem out of reach. Knowing I had an interest in law, my husband suggested I reconsider law school. I told him he was crazy. If law school was not a realistic option before, it certainly was not possible now while raising a family and working full-time, at least that’s what I thought. But, with a little more encouragement from my husband, I started looking and found a hybrid program that allowed me to continue to work full-time, raise a family, and go to law school. I applied to Mitchell Hamline School of Law and was accepted.

BB - How did you stay motivated when juggling the hectic schedule of working full-time, raising your family and going to law school?

LH - Attending law school while working full time was not my first “juggling” attempt. After working as an occupational therapy assistant for a few years I decided I wanted to go back to school to become an occupational therapist, but I knew I could not afford to quit working. Fortunately, St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN offered a dual degree weekend program that would allow me to continue working full time as an occupational therapy assistant while earning a bachelor’s degree in occupational science and a master’s degree in occupational therapy. My husband and family were very supportive while I attended grad school and they continued to support and motivate me through law school while managing multiple schedules that seemed overwhelming. I also found motivation in my desire to show my children that with hard work, it is possible to achieve what may seem impossible.

BB - What were your secrets to staying organized through it all and graduating cum laude?

LH - It’s no secret I could not have managed raising a family, working full-time, and law school if I didn’t have the support of my husband and my family. It was truly a team effort “keeping all of our ducks in a row,” but we made it work. I will admit, there were many times I felt like there were just too many things to be done and not enough minutes in the day. My secret to surviving the days that seemed impossible was to take a deep breath, prioritize what needed to be done first, and get started. You accomplish nothing staring at a list of things to do if you never start.

BB - What do you enjoy most about being an attorney?

LH – Dealing with legal issues can be very stressful for many people. I enjoy knowing that I have the opportunity to help clients navigate through the process, hopefully relieving some of the stress and anxiety they may be experiencing.

BB - With law school behind you, how are you enjoying your free time again?

LH - Since finishing law school, I have more time to spend with my family. After taking the bar exam, I went on vacation without my laptop for the first time in four years, and it was great!

BB - Do you have any tips for others who are considering a career change or furthering their education?

LH - I would advise anyone considering a career change or furthering their education to explore available programs and resources. Don’t be afraid to make a change. There are more educational opportunities available now than ever before, and many are specifically designed to help individuals continue working while furthering their education.

Leah joined the team of attorneys at Blethen Berens in 2023, shortly after graduating from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Leah’s extensive professional background helps her effectively build relationships and advocate for her clients in the areas of family law, litigation, and personal injury. If you’d like to connect with Leah, contact her at 507-345-1166 or www.blethenberens.com.