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

At 17 years old, Christine Job said she would live abroad in Spain. And she made it happen. After traveling to numerous countries, Christina made a home in Spain five years ago. She teaches women of color to build businesses abroad to sustain their travels and hosts the Flourish in the Foreign podcast. Christine Job's Background Christine Job studied business as an undergrad but needed help figuri...

Probate lawyers discover the legacy a loved one intended and how to implement that legacy most fairly. Scott Rahn meets clients during emotional and stressful times, but Scott’s zealous efficacy allows him to leave his clients in a better position regarding their loved one’s estates. Advertiser: Journey and Practice offers The Heart-Centered Lawyers Membership, a community of law students, grads,...

Nick Troxel believes that you can do anything with your legal education if you are willing to work hard. Hard work and sacrifice will allow you to reach your goals, but you must first establish your goals. In April 2022, Nick bet the Philadelphia Eagles would win Super Bowl LVII. On Sunday, February 11, 2023, the Philadephia Eagles are playing in the Super Bowl, and Nick is traveling to attend the...

Debra Whitson is a former prosecutor who opened a family law practice to improve the lives and relationships of others. Debra is the founder of a family law firm and a nationwide virtual mediation database. Debra Whitson's Background Debra Whitson always knew that she would be a lawyer. When she was 14 years old, a hometown tragedy made her begin thinking about the legal system and how she could i...

Cara Davis Little works in employment policy during the day, and plans weddings and podcasts during her free time. In Episode 74, find out how Cara created a career she loves because while Cara can do A LOT, she cannot do it all. Advertiser: Journey and Practice offers The Heart-Centered Lawyers Membership, a community of law students, grads, and lawyers who participate in self-care activities to...

Dena Lefkowitz was unhappy working in litigation so she changed firms a few times, before realizing that she needed to get away from this type of practice. Having a more reasonable work life has more of an impact on you than having a ton of money. It took Dena a few years to realize that free time was important and to look towards in-house positions so that she could spend her time how she wanted....

The You Are A Lawyer Podcast promotes lawyers who make fearless career changes, pursue ambitious side hustles, and create extraordinary lives. More than 70 guests have been interviewed since the podcast began in April 2020 and Kyla Denanyoh is still having fun.  In this bonus episode, Kyla celebrates podcast milestones, and behind-the-scenes details about You Are A Lawyer. This Southern University...

Lawyers can do anything. Every week, Kyla Denanyoh interviews a game-changing lawyer to discuss how their legal education impacts their life. Because whether you’re working as an artist, tech investor, yogi, or blogger, if you’ve graduated from law school, YOU ARE A LAWYER. By sharing their experiences during and after law school, podcast guests expose how law school promotes competition and perfe...

Sabrina Thompson didn’t enjoy her immigration law class and was happy to discover crimmigration law (criminal defense + immigration representation) to advocate for immigrants. Find out how traffic law intersects with crimmigration law in Episode 72 of You Are A Lawyer. Crimmigration law is an intriguing combination of criminal defense and immigration law and Sabrina Thompson loves it. As the daugh...

Dana Shaker believes that your legal practice can be improved when you improve your mental health. Why? Because participating in community-based activities, like yoga and journaling, allows lawyers to reflect on their journeys and better serve their clients. How? Because Dana Shaker did it first and it works! After failing the bar exam, Dana had some tough conversations with herself about whether...

LISTEN TO LEARN Why law school doesn’t teach anything about running a business Law firms do not have to be elitist People underestimate all the work it takes to become successful WE ALSO DISCUSS The benefits of interning in law school Most lawyers don’t know what kind of law they want to practice How to problem solve while being outside (and surfing, biking, hiking, or swimming)  Watch this interv...

LISTEN TO LEARN Why you need to define your values while obtaining success How to advocate for yourself Why Suzi planned to become a pediatrician The challenges of patent prosecution WHAT ALSO DISCUSS Advice if you are practicing law and miserable (hint: it’s not YOU) How to identify S.M.A.R.T. goals for your life Why [most] lawyers hate math Law school teaches people to advocate for causes they'r...

Subscription-based law firms are shaking up the legal practice in BIG ways. Many actions that lawyers complete, drafting documents, reviewing files, monitoring trademarks, etc. can be paid for on a subscription model and Mathew Kerbis wants to convince you of this.  And you will believe him. Kerbis, as he prefers to be called, even shared the magic of subscription-based legal service with his empl...

When you stop playing small, you decide that you will accept all the opportunities and blessings that life has to offer. You are always prepared, you are ready to meet any challenge, and you get excited by new experiences.  Esther Etim has opportunities thrown at her and she is prepared every single time.  The countless options excited Esther Etim: When Esther was unsure about studying law so she...

What was the highlight of my day? What did I do really well? What could I do more of? How could I be even better? What decisions did I make? How could that impact me mentally?  Charlène Gisèle asks herself these questions every day and believes that if you don't start your day with a bit of self-care, then you probably won't do it. After experiencing burnout, Charlène decided to become a burnout p...

Robert Ingalls is the Chief Podcast Strategist of LawPods, a full-service podcast production company for lawyers. After a book led him to a podcast, Robert was impressed by the numerous podcast topics and diverse content offerings. Robert Ingalls began his own podcast, then consulted with others about how to start their podcasts. Later, Robert Ingalls used his experience to create LawPods and take...

Kyla Denanyoh shares TWO big announcements in this bonus episode of You Are A Lawyer. Listen to find out what was special about Season Four and what to expect in Season Five of the podcast.  You can also WATCH this bonus episode: https://youtu.be/paRe5CQZMRQ Watch the last You Are A Lawyer YouTube video here .  You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast: Instagram: https://www...

Nicole Kobis became a family lawyer and mediator after a clerkship sparked her interest in this legal field.  After realizing that she could advocate for families with malice or deceit, Nicole Kobis used her mediation training to ensure that family members were protected and treated with respect and dignity in every divorce, separation, or other family law proceeding.  Listen to learn: How compart...

Joel Oster became a comedian so that he could keep his CLE students awake. After realizing that he enjoyed making people laugh, Joel Oster began to study how to be funny, the art of writing jokes, and attending comedy open mic nights. All of this occurred while Joel Oster is practicing law. Listen to find out why your JD can make you stand out, even as a comedian.  Listen to learn: What it means t...

Anne-Marie Rabago founded Modern Juris, a legal incubator that she could mold and guide because other incubators were too restrictive. After realizing that many lawyers lacked the practical skills needed to practice law and sustain their businesses, Anne-Marie Rabago filled the void in the market with her own experience. Now, Anne-Marie Rabago teaches lawyers to work with the clients they **want**...

SeNita McRae intentionally attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities for all three of her degrees.  After her family tried to convince her to attend law school, SeNita McRae decided to earn a Master’s Degree in Public Administration instead. This degree inspired SeNita to advocate for women’s rights which, again, made SeNita look toward law schools.   After finishing law school and tak...

Megan Smiley became a life coach because she wanted to inspire others to find their special talents and strengths.  After realizing that she was uncomfortable in traditional legal jobs, Megan Smiley became the Director of International [non-JD] Programming. Between her love for travel and the need to travel to create business relationships, Megan Smiley visited more than 58 countries.  Now, Megan...

Jera Oliver became a Director of Development because she could see inequitable situations everywhere. After realizing that money is a tool, Jera Oliver learned to use fundraising and philanthropic giving to direct resources to the things that matter the most to her.  Now, Jera Oliver advocates for equity in higher education institutions, working within and for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion...

Francesca Chang had no idea that learning Mandarin would change her life. The language inspired her father to revisit his motherland and Francesca Chang became obsessed with traveling, writing, and sharing her adventures in Taipei, Taiwan. Now, Francesca Chang hosts the bilingual YouTube channel, Attorney On A Journey, and coaches people how to monetize their passions.  ‍ Listen to learn: ‍ How to...

Rho Thomas became a money coach after she paid off multiple six figures of school debt. After realizing the power of paying more than minimum payments for bills, Rho Thomas created a blog to track her processes. Once friends and coworkers began to seek out Rho to help them find financial freedom, Rho realized that she would enjoy being a financial coach. Rho Thomas stopped practicing IP law to foc...