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

Daya Naef is a seasoned attorney and the founder of The Success Partner [http://thesuccesspartner.net], a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping law firms and solo practitioners navigate pivotal stages in their careers. In this episode, Daya shares her journey from construction law to coaching, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, the limitless possibilities for young lawyers, and the value of creative pursuits outside of the legal profession. Join us as we explore how Daya empowers others to find their path and thrive in their legal careers. Lawyer Side Hustles In today's evolving legal landscape, many lawyers are exploring side hustles to diversify their income and pursue their passions outside of traditional practice. Daya Naef, founder of The Success Partner, exemplifies this trend by blending her legal expertise with coaching and consulting for law firms. Her business serves as a "co-pilot" for attorneys looking to grow their practices, whether they are solo practitioners or part of a small firm. This approach not only allows lawyers to leverage their skills in new ways but also provides them with the flexibility to explore their interests, such as Daya's passion for art and community engagement. “The sky is the limit,” shares Daya Naef in Episode 164 of You Are a Lawyer. Daya emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities beyond the conventional legal career path. This mindset encourages young lawyers and law students to consider alternative avenues for their law degrees, such as starting their own businesses or consulting practices. By advocating for themselves and seeking out diverse experiences, lawyers can find fulfillment and success in both their primary careers and side ventures, ultimately enriching their professional lives. LISTEN TO LEARN * How to navigate career transitions and the value of having a co-pilot in your professional journey. * Insights on work-life balance and setting boundaries in a demanding profession. * The significance of advocating for oneself in a law firm environment to explore different practice areas. WE ALSO DISCUSS * Daya's journey from construction law to coaching and consulting for law firms. * The role of creativity in a lawyer's life and how it can enhance overall well-being. * The benefits of mentorship and coaching for young lawyers and law students. 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/]

Chibundu Nnake, a lead privacy campaign manager at Google, shares his journey from being a walk-on football player at Ohio State to navigating the intersections of law, technology, and advocacy. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of creating generational access and opportunities for others, while also encouraging young lawyers and law students to explore diverse career paths beyond traditional legal roles. Chibundu's insights highlight the value of networking, self-awareness, and the pursuit of passion in shaping a fulfilling career. Lawyer Side Hustles As Chibundu Nnake highlighted in the podcast, the law degree offers a unique advantage, providing credibility and a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. This versatility allows lawyers to venture into various fields, such as tech, advocacy, or even entrepreneurship. By leveraging their legal expertise, lawyers can create side businesses that align with their interests, whether it's consulting, teaching, or developing legal tech solutions. “The law is a very amorphous, malleable vehicle. I think what's important is that you have a purpose and you're passionate about it,” shares Chibundu Nnake in Episode 163 of You Are a Lawyer. Chibundu’s perspective encourages lawyers to not only seek fulfillment in their primary careers but also to explore side hustles that resonate with their values and aspirations. By doing so, they can enhance their professional satisfaction and create additional opportunities for growth and impact in their communities. LISTEN TO LEARN * The importance of creating generational access and opportunities for others in your field. * Strategies for transitioning into tech and other industries using your legal background. * Tips for upskilling and reskilling to remain competitive in the job market. WE ALSO DISCUSS * The role of advocacy and policy work in shaping the tech landscape. * Insights into the political landscape and working on presidential campaigns. * The importance of being adaptable and open to career pivots for long-term happiness and success. 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/]

Robert Ingalls is a former attorney who turned his passion for storytelling into a successful media business as a podcast producer. In this episode, he describes his struggle from being over-anxious working in the legal industry to finding joy in podcasting, focusing on the importance of doing what you love and the impact of creativity in your career. Come join Robert as he shares the challenges he encountered, the mistakes he made, and how he now supports others in making their voice heard through podcasting. Lawyer Side Hustles Lawyers are increasingly exploring side hustles as a way to diversify their income and pursue passions outside of traditional legal practice. Robert Ingalls, a former lawyer turned podcast producer, exemplifies this trend with his venture, LawPods. Through LawPods, Robert helps lawyers create and manage their own podcasts, allowing them to share their expertise while building their personal brand. This not only provides a creative outlet for lawyers but also serves as a valuable marketing tool in an increasingly digital world. “You show up, you talk, hang up. And then you've got a podcast,” shares Robert Ingalls in Episode 162 of You Are a Lawyer. Engaging in a side business like podcasting can be a fulfilling way for lawyers to reconnect with their passions and alleviate the stress that often accompanies legal work. Robert's journey illustrates that with determination and the right support, lawyers can successfully pivot to new ventures. He emphasizes the importance of taking action, encouraging lawyers to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and explore opportunities that align with their interests, ultimately leading to greater job satisfaction and personal fulfillment. LISTEN TO LEARN * How to recognize and address anxiety in your professional life. * Strategies for transitioning from a traditional legal career to a nontraditional one, such as podcasting. * Tips for leveraging your legal education and skills in new and creative ways. WE ALSO DISCUSS * The mental health challenges faced by lawyers and the importance of addressing them. * The benefits of podcasting as a medium for connection and expression. * The potential for lawyers to pivot to different practice areas or careers without losing their identity. 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/]

In this episode, Josue Jimenez, a law school administrator and attorney, takes us through his career trajectory, from working as a legal assistant in Michigan, to becoming the Assistant Director of Admissions at Campbell University School of Law. Josue reflects on his passion for helping prospective law students explore the path forward, and for working with first-generation students who might not have those options available at home. He also discusses his commitment to a community oriented law career, the impact it’s had on his journey, and the momentum he’s building with various initiatives he’s advising that will help be a sure-fire success for future law grads. Lawyer Side Hustles In many of the podcast episodes, guests have mentioned that they wanted to find a side hustle to diversify their income, pursue an interest, or to give back. For example, many lawyers do pro bono work or volunteer with nonprofits, which often helps these organizations while also helping the lawyer develop new skills and connections. Josue mentioned his involvement in "Know Your Rights clinics" and his desire to get more involved with pro bono projects, emphasizing the importance of using legal expertise to support underserved populations. This kind of work can be fulfilling and provide valuable experience that complements a lawyer's primary career. “I try to encourage them to spend as much time reflecting on their why as much as possible,” shares Josue Jimenez in Episode 161 of You Are a Lawyer. There also are various entrepreneurial activities that require legal skills, or allow lawyers to use their skills in some new way to create a side hustle. This could include providing legal consulting, creating an online course or writing legal content. When choosing a side hustle, it’s useful to first ask yourself what you truly want out of it. Thoughtful side projects can create opportunities for lawyers to engage with their communities and values in meaningful ways. LISTEN TO LEARN * The journey of a law school graduate from student to law school administrator. * Insights on how to navigate the law school application process, especially for first-generation students. * Tips on how to effectively engage with prospective law students and the admissions process. WE ALSO DISCUSS * The significance of being involved in student organizations during law school. * The role of the Wallace Public Service Fellowship in shaping Josue's career path. * The launch of the First Generation Blueprint program aimed at supporting first-generation law students. 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/]

Meagan Smith joins us in this episode to share her unique journey as a lawyer navigating the complexities of the legal profession while embracing her identity and personal growth. From her experiences with the bar exam to her current role as counsel for multiple firms, Meagan emphasizes the importance of finding joy in one's work and the value of community support among women in law. Tune in as she discusses how her law degree has shaped her life and the significance of celebrating both small and large victories along the way. Lawyer Side Hustles In today's legal landscape, many lawyers are exploring side hustles to diversify their income and pursue their passions outside of traditional law practice. As Meagan Smith highlighted in her conversation, the flexibility of being of counsel for multiple firms allows her to engage in various legal fields while also managing her own solo practice. This dual approach not only alleviates the stress of overhead costs but also enables her to focus on areas of law that resonate with her personal interests and values. By leveraging her legal expertise in different capacities, Meagan exemplifies how lawyers can create a fulfilling career that balances professional responsibilities with personal aspirations. “I would tell them to first find what makes them happy and figure out how to use their degree within that,” shares Meagan Smith in Episode 160 of You Are a Lawyer. This perspective encourages lawyers to seek out side hustles that align with their passions, whether it be teaching, consulting, or engaging in creative projects. By doing so, they can cultivate a more enriching professional life that not only enhances their legal practice but also contributes to their overall well-being. In a profession often characterized by high stress and long hours, pursuing side ventures can provide a much-needed outlet for creativity and personal growth. LISTEN TO LEARN * Strategies for managing stress and mental health while navigating the challenges of law school and practicing law. * The significance of building a supportive community and maintaining friendships that uplift and celebrate each other’s successes. * The value of celebrating small wins and recognizing your achievements, even if they don’t align with traditional expectations. WE ALSO DISCUSS * Personal experiences with the bar exam and the emotional journey of passing or failing. * The impact of the pandemic on personal and professional life, including parenting during lockdown. * The role of identity in the legal profession and how to maintain authenticity while being a 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/]