Career Development Lessons from Space Law Pioneers

Career Development Lessons from Space Law Pioneers

Michelle Hanlon’s transition from M&A attorney to space law expert, highlighted in an article by the Harvard Law School, offers key career development insights for lawyers seeking new opportunities. Hanlon’s career change began when her son asked if it was possible to mine asteroids, a question that sparked her interest in space law—a growing yet niche legal specialty. Nine years later, Hanlon pursued an LL.M. in space law, blending her expertise in technology transactions with the unique demands of space law.

Today, as executive director of the Center for Air and Space Law at Ole Miss, Hanlon shapes the next generation of space lawyers. Her work highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in legal careers. She argues that as technological advances and commercial space ventures expand, lawyers will increasingly need to understand space law. Her efforts to build comprehensive academic programs in space law at Ole Miss underscore the value of forward-thinking legal education.

Paul Weber, general counsel at Blue Origin, echoes this sentiment. His journey from aerospace to space law emphasizes that legal professionals must be able to navigate both traditional legal frameworks and emerging fields. His team tackles novel legal questions as they develop space missions, demonstrating that space law requires interdisciplinary thinking, combining regulatory, contractual, and policy expertise.

For lawyers looking for career development lessons and exploring new practice areas, Hanlon and Weber’s experiences show that emerging fields like space law offer vast opportunities. The ability to pivot, learn new areas of law, and apply existing legal skills to uncharted territories can lead to meaningful and impactful careers in rapidly developing industries.