You Are A Lawyer: Take Risks and Change Careers in Law

Keith Shannon is a former lawyer, legal educator, and lifelong theater fan. Kara Shannon is his daughter and creative collaborator. In this episode, Kyla speaks with the father-daughter duo about their journey from legal careers and musical soundtracks to launching Fourth Row Center , a podcast celebrating Broadway and family bonds. Their story is a heartfelt reminder that success can look like co...

Aman Costigan was once a partner at a Canadian law firm, teaching yoga on the side and quietly craving more freedom and alignment in her life. In this powerful conversation, she shares how she found her voice, launched Beyond Yoga for Lawyers, and began to merge wellness with law in a meaningful way. The episode captures a moment in time when Aman was redefining what a legal career could look like...

Austin Brittenham is a first-generation lawyer, legal tech founder, and the creator of 2nd Chair , an AI-powered tool designed to help solo and small firm lawyers work faster and smarter. In this episode, Austin and Kyla talk about space law, law school culture, and what it really means to use your legal education creatively. From debating in high school to launching two startups, Austin proves th...

Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese is a certified career and leadership coach with 34 years of FBI experience under her belt. From counterintelligence to white collar crime, her federal career was vast and dynamic. In this powerful episode, Dr. Rhonda shares how her dream of working for the FBI led to a fulfilling career in public service and how her new chapter as a coach helps others step into their purpos...

Bill Mitchell is a veteran litigator, negotiation strategist, and the author of The Disruptive Lawyer’s Little Black Book of Litigation Management . With three decades of experience, Bill has a bold message for lawyers: less litigation, more resolution. In this episode, he shares how he became a top 1% dealmaker by helping clients resolve cases faster and cheaper, without sacrificing strategy or r...

Margeaux Thomas is a litigator and founder of The Thomas Law Office, P.C., a firm that focuses on "business divorces" – complex breakups between business partners. In this episode, Margeaux shares her journey from Ohio to the DMV, what drew her to commercial litigation, and how she built a thriving law firm dedicated to helping small businesses through conflict. She also talks about growing up aro...

Lem Garcia is a personal injury attorney and the founder of Lem Garcia Law in California. In this episode, Lem shares how he went from answering Craigslist job ads to running a 20-person law firm. With humility, insight, and honesty, Lem walks us through what it takes to start a firm from nothing and why self-belief and strategic thinking are key to long-term success. Lawyer Side Hustles Unlike so...

Sarah Cottrell, founder of the Former Lawyer Podcast , discusses the challenges and identity struggles that lawyers often face, the misconceptions surrounding the legal profession, and the importance of exploring alternative career paths. Sarah shares her journey from practicing law to becoming an entrepreneur and offers valuable insights for lawyers seeking fulfillment outside traditional legal p...

Vernon Thomas is a military attorney, community servant, and judicial candidate for the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. In this heartfelt conversation, Vernon and Kyla reflect on his legal journey—from public defender and prosecutor to staff attorney and JAG officer—and how each role shaped his approach to justice. With lessons from his father, mentorship from respected judges, and de...

Steven Cunningham is a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and the founder of Simple Academy, a company that helps teams boost performance and productivity using AI tools. In this episode, Steven talks about what it means to pivot early, lean into innovation, and reimagine what legal training can prepare you to do. Whether you're AI-curious or career-curious, Steven Cunningham’s story offers both inspirati...

Samora Legros is an advisory manager, advocate, and board member of the Max & Thérèse Cadet Dental Fund, Inc. In this powerful episode, Samora and fellow board members share how a family legacy has grown into a 33-year commitment to improving oral healthcare in Haiti. From mobile dental clinics and maxillofacial surgeries to supporting the next generation of Haitian dentists, this is a story o...

Frances Joseph is a fractional CFO who helps law firm owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. With a deep understanding of both accounting and mindset, Frances joins the show to talk about why lawyers need to stop treating their business like an afterthought and start building something sustainable. This episode is a must-listen for anyone running—or dreaming of running—a...

What do type A lawyers, podcast editing, sweet delusion, and four different recording cities have in common? Kyla Denanyoh. In this solo episode, Kyla celebrates her 10-year law school graduation anniversary and the 5-year milestone of the You Are A Lawyer podcast by sharing 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about her. From launching a podcast with no experience to accidentally becoming a manag...

Anna Krolikowska is a divorce attorney, mediator, and past president of the Illinois State Bar Association. In this thoughtful and candid episode, Anna shares how she transitioned from litigation to collaborative law, navigated new motherhood while leading 30,000+ lawyers statewide, and built a career that supports her life, not the other way around. This is a powerful listen for anyone wondering...

Nathan Sawaya is a world-renowned brick artist who left his career as a corporate lawyer to follow his childhood passion—creating art out of LEGO bricks. In this episode, Nathan shares how law school gave him the critical thinking and risk-assessment skills to launch a creative business, why he let his law license expire, and what it really takes to bet on yourself. His story is a powerful reminde...

Danielle Lyn is a practicing attorney, coach, speaker, and podcast host who is boldly redefining what career success looks like. In this honest and energizing episode, Danielle shares her transition from corporate law to a more aligned life of coaching and creating content that empowers others. Whether you’re a law student feeling boxed in or a mid-career professional exploring a pivot, this episo...

Juliet Peters has never been afraid to reinvent herself. She started in journalism, moved into litigation, transitioned to in-house counsel, and now runs Framework Legal , a business law firm helping entrepreneurs navigate transactions and growth. Throughout her career, curiosity has been her greatest asset—leading her to explore new industries, embrace change, and design a career that fits her st...

Susan Guthrie spent decades as a successful family law attorney, but when life pushed her to relocate and reimagine her career, she embraced innovation instead of starting over. Now, she’s a nationally recognized mediation expert, online business owner, and podcast host, helping legal professionals expand their skills beyond traditional practice. In this episode, Susan shares how she transitioned...

Mark C. Fava has had a career unlike most lawyers. A former naval flight officer, aviation lawyer, and now a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace manufacturing company, Mark has spent decades leading in high-pressure environments. His new book, Lessons from the Admiral, Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders , shares leadership insights from his time working with an admiral and how th...

Dina Cataldo knows what it’s like to feel completely overwhelmed by the demands of being a lawyer. As a former criminal prosecutor, she worked long hours, prioritized everything except herself, and thought stress was just part of the job—until she was forced to rethink everything. After a life-changing health diagnosis, Dina began a journey to redefine success and take control of her time, energy,...

Rebecca Larson Secord didn’t plan on becoming a real estate lawyer—it just happened. What started as a temporary gig while navigating a tough job market turned into a thriving career in real estate law, and today, Rebecca is the owner of Your Home Legal , a San Diego-based law firm helping buyers, sellers, and investors mitigate risk. In this episode, we visit Rebecca’s journey from law school to...

Yeve Chitiga, a lawyer turned executive coach, is on a mission to help attorneys move past fear, doubt, and uncertainty to create careers that actually excite them. After a decade of practicing law, Yeve realized that so many lawyers felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure of their next steps—so she created Yevezo Coaching & Consulting to help them find clarity, confidence, and joy in their work. In...

Raana Kashani Gregg, attorney-turned-beauty entrepreneur, shares her journey from running her own law practice to founding Lunaescent Clean Skin Labs, an innovative skincare brand. After experiencing severe dermatitis from applying eczema treatments to her son, she saw a gap in the market for hygienic, non-porous skincare applicators—and decided to create one herself. In this episode, Raana opens...

Tashira Halyard, a former litigator turned solopreneur, content creator, and activist, joins Kyla to share how she built a career that aligns with her values and creative passions. From navigating law school transfers to launching a blog that became a thriving business, Tashira breaks down what it means to truly own your career choices. If you’ve ever questioned whether you need the “traditional”...

Neena Speer, a published author, founder of a nonprofit, and solo practitioner, joins Kyla to share how she built a purpose-driven career rooted in mentorship, advocacy, and transparency. From creating her nonprofit Step 1-2-3 to writing Dear Future Lawyer , Neena opens up about the challenges of law school, embracing failure, and the power of mentorship to create lasting change. This episode is a...