‘It was destined’

Former racing and gaming sector executive Lorna Gooden has changed careers to become a licensed attorney. For her, the transition to the demanding requirements of law school was surely difficult after the comforts of a senior executive role and a well-established career. It took much guts and resolve to leave behind the security and familiarity of her job in the racing and casino industries. Especially in her latter months at Norman Manley Law School, juggling her academic and professional obligations tested her tenacity and dedication. But, she overcame these challenges due to her love of the legal profession and belief in ongoing development, leading to her current success as a licensed attorney.

“I believe it was destined,” Gooden answered when asked what motivated her to change her career path. “[It was] more than just me selecting law; law picked me.”

Gooden began her legal journey in 2015 at the Commonwealth Law Conference in Scotland, where talks on anti-money laundering and international law sparked her interest. In 2017, a colleague encouraged her to pursue a Bachelor of Laws, confirming her passion for the field.

Shifting careers was not without difficulties. Gooden resigned as general manager to concentrate on her final months at Norman Manley Law School, as juggling law school with corporate obligations demanded significant time and effort. A king’s counsel mentor greatly aided her in navigating the learning curve of the legal profession.

“My network has been crucial, boosting my confidence and providing valuable insights into the legal profession. This support system has helped me understand the realities of legal practice and make informed decisions,” she shared.

Her legal interests primarily lie in civil litigation, corporate/commercial law, compliance and regulations, probate, family law, and conveyancing. She intends to continue in both professions while being a chartered accountant.

Including her business experience into legal practice is one of her long-term professional objectives in the legal field, especially in commercial/corporate law and ethics. Advocating for social justice and participating in legal education and mentoring programmes are other interests of hers. Gooden hopes to work in government at some point, influencing legislative and regulatory organisations.

Creating clear lines between work and personal life, she pursues ongoing education, cultivates strong social networks, and gives self-care activities a first priority in order to preserve balance in her working life. Gooden advises anyone contemplating a major career change into the legal sector to do extensive study on the topic, assess the necessary education and training, and get ready financially. Important first measures are to look for mentorship and direction, to be adaptable and persistent, and to consider both professional and personal objectives. Resilience in the face of adversity and a solid support network are important, she underlines.

Moving into a new profession takes time, work, and patience, especially one as demanding as law. Successful career transitions require an understanding of one’s motives, support seeking, resilience building, and retaining attention to long-term objectives. Excited about her future prospects, Gooden anticipates making a significant impact across industries by merging her business expertise with her newfound legal knowledge.