Attorneys seek alternatives when law careers grow stale.

John Hurley and Tom Nusbaum went to law school but they're not practicing lawyers.

It's not that Hurley didn't give law a try. But after nearly 16 years, the majority specializing in bankruptcy and secured lending, Hurley had enough.

"I thought I could do this another 16 years, but it wouldn't be any different," said Hurley, 41.

He stepped down as partner in a Buffalo law firm to become a vice president at Canisius College.

Nusbaum never intended to pursue a legal career. Rather, he went to law school to sharpen skills that would help him as a writer. After some free-lancing, he's creative director at a New York City production company.

"There's a certain mystique associated with being a lawyer that will be helpful with jobs outside the law," Nusbaum said. …