In an intriguing shift of professional path, a Los Angeles-based lawyer has redefined her career trajectory and found her true calling as a death doula. A unique but increasingly sought-after role, a death doula provides non-medical comfort and support to the dying, as well as their families, helping to alleviate the fear and apprehension that can surround the end of life.
The transition from the ostensibly distant domains of law and end-of-life care, is fascinating and certainly not run of the mill. However, the fundamentally relentless advocacy intrinsic to both fields may bridge this apparently vast professional gap. Lawyers must often shepherd their clients through complex, emotionally intense situations — something which a death doula is also expected to do. It is an interesting role switch that certainly merits closer examination.
The death doula field has seen a surge in interest, particularly over the course of the last year. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold, the role of a death doula — individuals trained to guide and comfort the dying and their loved ones during the end-of-life process — has never been more pivotal.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the training beneficial to those in the legal field can also be of value in the realm of a death doula. A lawyer’s education and experience in negotiating, dealing with high-pressure situations, and mediation can prove advantageous in easing the often difficult communication modern end-of-life scenarios frequently require.
The intersection of law and death doula work is not as unlikely as it first appears. In fact, there are many transferable skills and traits that are applicable in both fields. Both roles demand sensitivity towards clients’ situations, adept negotiation skills, and the capacity to actively listen and effectively communicate difficult and often uncomfortable information.
Laws pertaining to death, dying, and estates, too, play a crucial role in the landscape of these professions. Both lawyers and death doulas may find themselves navigating these complex legal waters for the benefit of the dying and their families.
This account of a lawyer-turned-death doula should inspire all professionals to explore the limits and potential adaptability of their skills. The benefits of such professional adaptation could have profound implications which reach far beyond the confines of the individual’s career.
See more about the story in LA Times.