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

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 law firm. Financial Mindset & Profit First Frances is a firm believer in "Profit First"—a model that flips traditional accounting on its head. Instead of treating profit as what’s left over, her clients decide on their profit upfront and spend only what’s left after setting that money aside. “The regular accounting formula is revenue minus expenses equals profit. And we're now saying revenue minus profits equals expenses,” shares Frances Joseph in Episode 192 of You Are a Lawyer. She also helps clients deal with money shame, scarcity mindsets, and the fear of being financially visible. For Frances, numbers aren’t scary—they’re powerful tools. She makes accounting approachable and fun, and she helps lawyers feel in control of their future. LISTEN TO LEARN * How and when to hire a CFO for your firm * What it means to create a profitable business from day one * The mindset shift that makes lawyers confident about money WE ALSO DISCUSS * What it looks like to exit your law firm, even years from now * Why lawyers often fear financial visibility—and how to overcome it * How the "Profit First" method helps law firm owners take control Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com [http://www.youarealawyer.com/] 2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR 3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen 4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)! Interact with You Are A Lawyer Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.  Follow the podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer [https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer] Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com [https://www.youarealawyer.com/]

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 manager again, this is a personal, honest, and very Kyla conversation about risk, creativity, and the joy of just talking. Lawyer Side Hustles You Are A Lawyer started as a passion project and quickly became Kyla’s side hustle. Then it became a business. Now, she runs podcast editing services, offers LinkedIn strategy and social media support, and works exclusively with business owners and creatives who are building something worth talking about. “I work with business owners... You are an author, you're selling books, you are trying to get monetized... Sharing your story will just boost everything else,” shares Kyla Denanyoh in Episode 190 of You Are a Lawyer. And yes—she loves editing. She talks about it like writing a letter, like storytelling with scissors. She's not afraid to slice up an audio file, reframe a conversation, or make something clearer. That’s where her creativity shines. And that’s what keeps this podcast growing, season after season. LISTEN TO LEARN * Why risk-taking gets easier with practice (and why Kyla actually enjoys it now) * What she never expected to do—but is doing anyway (hint: managing a team, editing audio, running a business…) * How her love of words led her to create a podcast that’s now in its 13th season WE ALSO DISCUSS * Why she only edits podcasts for business owners (and why it’s a hell yes) * How delusion, when used correctly, is a strategy * The surprising ways creativity shows up—even when you’re a “classically trained lawyer” Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com [http://www.youarealawyer.com/] 2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR 3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen 4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)! Interact with You Are A Lawyer Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.  Follow the podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer [https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer] Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com [https://www.youarealawyer.com/]

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 if they can have it all—or what “all” should really look like. Lawyer Side Hustles In addition to leading her firm and bar association, Anna is also a published author. After her presidency, she asked herself, ‘What’s the next stage in the life of Anna?’ The answer: writing. She contributed to The Everyday Woman’s Guide to Thrive in Your Busy Life and The Iconic Woman’s Guide to Empowerment, using her chapters to speak directly to women navigating divorce and professional burnout. “Life is short and there are so many different opportunities available to us... If you remain open to possibilities, people will cross your path,” shares Anna Krolikowska in Episode 189 of You Are a Lawyer. Through her writing, Anna encourages other women to embrace imperfect balance, financial empowerment, and self-trust. Whether it’s a dance party in your living room or a career pivot into something unexpected, she believes joy is a valid goal—and that being present with your family and your clients can (and should) coexist. LISTEN TO LEARN * How to pursue bar leadership while navigating parenting and burnout * What collaborative law is and why it transformed Anna’s legal practice * Why you shouldn’t ignore opportunities just because you’re scared WE ALSO DISCUSS * How to build your personal brand as a woman in law * Why being visible as a parent in legal leadership matters * How law students and young lawyers can cast a wider net for their careers Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com [http://www.youarealawyer.com/] 2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR 3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen 4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)! Interact with You Are A Lawyer Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.  Follow the podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer [https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer] Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com [https://www.youarealawyer.com/]

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 reminder that you can build your dream life, one brick—and one bold decision—at a time. Lawyer Side Hustles What started as a creative outlet—experimenting with LEGO bricks after long days at the office—eventually became Nathan’s full-time career and artistic identity. He didn't wait for permission or a perfect plan; he started small, shared his work online, and let passion guide the pivot. When his website crashed from too many visitors, he took it as a sign and made the leap. “I didn’t want that safety net... I let my license expire and just went for it,” shares Nathan Sawaya in Episode 188 of You Are a Lawyer. Today, he’s not just a brick artist—he’s a bestselling author, international exhibitor, and producer on LEGO Masters. His exhibitions tour the world, and his book The Art of the Brick [https://www.brickartist.com/]: A Life in LEGO reveals the thought and emotion behind his sculptures. His story is the ultimate side hustle success—proof that your 5–9 can become your life’s work when you dare to go all in. LISTEN TO LEARN * Why trusting your creative instincts can lead to unexpected success * How law school prepares you for entrepreneurship—even in the arts * What it really takes to walk away from a traditional career with no safety net WE ALSO DISCUSS * The importance of identifying which risks are worth taking * What lawyers can learn from artists (and vice versa) * Why letting go of “the backup plan” might be your best move yet Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com [http://www.youarealawyer.com/] 2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR 3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen 4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)! Interact with You Are A Lawyer Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.  Follow the podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer [https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer] Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com [https://www.youarealawyer.com/]

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 episode is a must-listen. Lawyer Side Hustles Danielle is the founder and host of Redefined Radio, a podcast and creative space where she tells her story, shares mindset tips, and highlights others who have pivoted from traditional careers. What began as a quiet dream rooted in her love for music and performance has evolved into a powerful platform that fuels her passion and helps others see what’s possible. “Let’s just do it for no other reason because it’s fulfilling to you. And whatever comes from it, comes from it,” shares Danielle Lyn in Episode 187 of You Are a Lawyer. Through the podcast—and her coaching and speaking work—Danielle is using her voice to bridge the gap between what people do and who they truly are. She’s reclaiming her creativity, reimagining success, and helping others feel seen in the process. LISTEN TO LEARN * Why casting a wide net is one of the most strategic things you can do in your legal career * How to overcome imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs while transitioning careers * The importance of defining success for yourself—not your school, your firm, or your parents WE ALSO DISCUSS * How HBCU pride and mentorship fuel Danielle’s commitment to helping others * What law school doesn’t teach you about the actual practice of law * How creativity and storytelling can reignite your purpose and serve your career long-term Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com [http://www.youarealawyer.com/] 2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR 3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen 4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)! Interact with You Are A Lawyer Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.  Follow the podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer [https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer] Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com [https://www.youarealawyer.com/]