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

Sheila M. Wilkinson is a lawyer, social worker, consultant, and career transition coach. Sheila also talks about her mission to help lawyers make aligned decisions, set boundaries, and focus on what they truly want to do rather than what they think they should do. She believes in reconnecting the intellectual self with the emotional self and offers guidance to lawyers in this process. This episode...

Sheila M. Wilkinson is a social worker, lawyer, career transition coach, and podcaster who spends half the year in Brussels, Belgium, and half the year in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her life is centered on taking risks, rejecting boring careers, and people-pleasing. In this episode, Sheila emphasizes the importance of connecting with people and offers recommendations for books that can help her clien...

Rho Thomas, a money coach and lawyer based in Atlanta, Georgia, shares valuable insights on managing finances and developing a healthy money mindset in this episode. Rho helps lawyers improve their money mindsets and manage their finances effectively. From debunking the belief that money is complicated to discussing the importance of finding inspiration in debt stories, Rho offers practical advice...

Felicia Luck, a registered nurse and CEO of Stars and Stripes Legal Nurse Consulting, joins the podcast to discuss her unique business that serves lawyers and attorneys. With her extensive medical knowledge and experience, Felicia helps attorneys navigate complex medical records, provide expert opinions, and offer valuable insights in cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and more....

Devin Zito, a technology professional and lawyer, shares his unique journey from running his own IT company to becoming the Director of Information Services and Corporate Counsel at Assurance Financial Group. He discusses the intersection of technology and law, the value of legal education in various industries, and the importance of embracing non-traditional paths to career success. What Can You...

Victoria Collier, a lawyer and founder of Quid Pro Quo, specializes in helping lawyers buy and sell law firms, as well as coaching law firms on how to build value and become sellable in the future. In this conversation, Victoria shares her journey of selling her own law firm, the importance of education and options in the legal industry, and the power of niching down and finding your expertise wit...

Erin Potempa-Wall, a lawyer turned beauty brand founder, shares her journey from practicing law to starting her own beauty company. She shares her experiences as a prosecutor and former law firm owner, her passion for equity and civil rights, and how her philosophy background helped shape her advocacy approach. What Can You Do with a Law Degree After law school, Erin worked as a prosecutor before...

Keith Ligori, managing partner and founder of Ligori & Ligori Law Firm, shares his journey from working in the state attorney's office to building a successful personal injury practice. With a passion for trial advocacy and a dedication to helping clients, Keith discusses the importance of courtroom experience, family members as co-workers, and advice for young lawyers looking to make their ma...

Dan Reilly, the co-founder of Legably , a platform that connects lawyers, paralegals, and law students with short-term freelance opportunities, joins the You Are a Lawyer Podcast this week. Dan shares the story behind Legably's creation, the challenges of introducing freelance platforms to the legal profession, and how the platform revolutionizes how attorneys and legal professionals work.  What Y...

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...

Tramelle Howard, an external relations and policy manager, lawyer, and East Baton Rouge school board member, shares his journey from aspiring sports reporter to advocate for equity in education. He discusses his transition from law school to his current role and offers valuable insights on the importance of public-facing work.  Creating Your Career Path Despite initially pursuing a career in broad...

Alyssa Devine, founder of Purple Fox Legal, shares her journey from initially wanting to be a veterinarian to discovering her passion for intellectual property law and entrepreneurship. She advises law students and young lawyers on building relationships, embracing change, and finding the right career fit. The episode highlights the significance of developing skills while also understanding when i...

Daniel Callahan, a highly successful trial lawyer based in California, has a truly remarkable legal career. With a track record of securing massive verdicts and awards, including the second-highest verdict in Orange County history, Dan shares his secrets to success, emphasizing the importance of preparation, creativity, and hard work. We also learn about his consulting company, Callahan Consulting...

Lisa Gill, a business owner, law firm owner, and consultant shares her non-traditional path to law school, her experiences in the legal profession, and her passion for helping small business owners navigate the legal landscape. She also discusses her consultancy, Graygill Consulting, which focuses on empowering women and providing guidance on legal and financial matters. Tune in to gain valuable i...

Kyla Denanyoh shares her motivation for starting the podcast and how her legal education has impacted her career. She discusses the lack of content and conversations surrounding law school graduates who have not passed or chosen not to take the bar exam, and her desire to create a space for these individuals. Kyla also shares her personal journey, from her childhood dream of becoming a defense att...

Yasmine Salem Hamdan is a business owner, podcaster, and coach. After law school at Texas A&M, Yasmine started practicing IP and trademark law. In 2020, Yasmine founded Coaches & Company, which has helped more than a thousand entrepreneurs protect their businesses and brands.   In this episode, Yasmine emphasizes the importance of being intentional in our actions and conversations, especia...

Inspired by watching courtroom dramas with her grandmother, Miriam Airington-Fisher discusses her background and lifelong passion for law. From focusing on public defense and criminal law to running her firm and becoming an author and speaker, Miriam has a unique perspective on the legal practice because “moms a lawyer.” In this podcast episode, Miriam Airington-Fisher shares her journey of intent...

Jodie Zerega is a legal recruiter and founder of Zerega Consulting, focusing on finding superb candidates for her law firm and corporate clients. In additional work managing a team of ten, Jodie created the Attorney Jobs app where law students and attorneys can find fulfilling legal roles.  Jodie shares her journey from considering law school to becoming a director of recruiting at a law firm. She...

In this episode of the You Are A Lawyer podcast, host Kyla interviews Kerri Coby White, founder of KerriJames, a company focused on digital growth strategies for law firms. Kerri shares her journey in the legal industry and how she found her passion in helping law firms with data-driven strategies. They also discuss the transformative power of owning your own business and the challenges that come...

Exciting news! The You Are Lawyer podcast celebrates 13,000 downloads! 🎉 Join host Kyla Denanyoh as she shares her gratitude and reflects on the podcast's growth in this BONUS episode. On You Are Lawyer, Kyla highlights the humanity of lawyers and loves to discuss every lawyer's fun, quirky, and unique background. As she celebrates over 100 lawyers interviewed, Kyla is also excited about the cons...

Change management in the legal industry is increasingly important as the industry recognizes the need for innovation and embraces technology. This podcast transcript provides insights into the role of change management in the legal industry and how it can drive positive transformation. Maya Markovich was part of an advanced team that conducted change readiness assessments and developed implementat...

Stephanie Clark, a Southern University Law Center graduate, shares her experience transitioning from law school to practicing law in Florida. She talks about her decision to move to Florida for better job opportunities and the importance of free childcare provided by her parents. Stephanie reflects on her journey of taking the bar exam multiple times and working as a paralegal at a criminal defens...

Aman Costigan runs a wellness business, is a partner at Shores Jardine , is a wife, #toddlermom, real estate investor, and master prioritizer. Aman acknowledges that finding time for work and personal life can be challenging, especially for an actively practicing lawyer. Listen as Aman explains why she advocates for lawyers and their mental health and why she is creating an Empire of Freedom. Aman...

Anne Hamer is not afraid to share her opinion, especially about how marriage impacted her career, her biological clock, and why menopause is an advantage. In Episode 104 of You Are A Lawyer, host Kyla Denanyoh interviews Anne Hamer, a family lawyer from Nashville, Tennessee, about attending law school in New York, how divorce impacted her children, and why she stands in the Super Woman pose before...

Laura Terrell discusses the importance of challenging our assumptions and the need to advocate for ourselves. Laura earned her master's degree in law school and worked in the public sector before being a Special Advisor to the President of the United States. Listen to Episode 103 as Laura explains her journey and her insights as a lawyer. LISTEN TO LEARN How to get out of your comfort zone Ways to...