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

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 from courtroom litigation to a thriving mediation business, the importance of leveraging technology in law, and why attorneys should think bigger when it comes to using their expertise. Lawyer Side Hustles Susan’s career pivot didn’t just lead her to mediation—it led her to building multiple successful businesses. When she first moved her practice online, colleagues started asking her how she did it, which led to the creation of Learn to Mediate Online [https://mediate.com/author/susan-guthrie/], a training program that has now educated thousands of professionals. “People kept coming back and saying, ‘Well, what more can you teach me?’ So I started creating programs on online marketing, website development, and podcasting. It all grew from people asking me for more information,” shares Susan Guthrie in Episode 185 of You Are a Lawyer. In addition to her mediation training programs, Susan also hosts The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, where she shares insights on family law, conflict resolution, and life after divorce. Her businesses show that lawyers can generate income and build authority in their field through education, media, and digital services. LISTEN TO LEARN * How to transition from litigation to mediation and build a thriving practice * Why online mediation and digital tools are changing the legal industry * How to use your legal knowledge to create multiple income streams WE ALSO DISCUSS * Susan’s career shift from traditional law firm life to entrepreneurship * The biggest challenges lawyers face when moving into mediation * How to build a brand and business beyond billable hours 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/]

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 [https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Admiral-Wisdom-Stories-Leaders/dp/B0DGV6HS4B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y2P5IKQT84W4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZnzaBrVcj63twHaOLuUdaEmY6-u5MQCjGjB8KBFgPNqq4IC4Mm_zU1yeNNc2vxZeucefD7LvfkqXNhItrne4-dLuPQmDZjNsWDOHmKazDlk7_7FgmM2KqaViIEg9hmztTrUr1pdHYjydNLERfMPup8-gsup_6ymCht7YPqITcAI4bDGES4_nygGkL5zUWd-0mfY1JutxdNxiHyBcIRUCKDo2JlAPUeyB-fOaQtYNOgY.OYUIH3RVt-6SXMRP4UkhRhC5X843OMUi8A_LV7LbhF0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Lessons+from+the+admiral&qid=1727978912&sprefix=lessons+from+the+admira%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1], shares leadership insights from his time working with an admiral and how those lessons apply to law, business, and life. In this episode, we dive into his career pivots, risk-taking, and why understanding people—not just legal rules—is the key to success. Lawyer Side Hustles Mark’s career has been defined by leadership, storytelling, and mentorship—all of which led him to his side hustle as an author and speaker. His book, Lessons from the Admiral, Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders [https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Admiral-Wisdom-Stories-Leaders/dp/B0DGV6HS4B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y2P5IKQT84W4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZnzaBrVcj63twHaOLuUdaEmY6-u5MQCjGjB8KBFgPNqq4IC4Mm_zU1yeNNc2vxZeucefD7LvfkqXNhItrne4-dLuPQmDZjNsWDOHmKazDlk7_7FgmM2KqaViIEg9hmztTrUr1pdHYjydNLERfMPup8-gsup_6ymCht7YPqITcAI4bDGES4_nygGkL5zUWd-0mfY1JutxdNxiHyBcIRUCKDo2JlAPUeyB-fOaQtYNOgY.OYUIH3RVt-6SXMRP4UkhRhC5X843OMUi8A_LV7LbhF0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Lessons+from+the+admiral&qid=1727978912&sprefix=lessons+from+the+admira%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1], is not just a collection of naval stories—it’s a leadership guide for professionals, including lawyers, looking to refine their decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills. “The same habits I learned as an admiral's aide transferred almost flawlessly to being a lawyer... It's very simple things, being on time, striving for perfection, knowing the audience, knowing the people in the room,” shares Mark C. Fava in Episode 183 of You Are a Lawyer. Beyond writing, Mark C. Fava speaks at industry events, law schools, and leadership conferences, sharing insights from his military and legal career. His side hustles allow him to combine his passion for mentorship with his expertise in leadership and law, proving that lawyers can build fulfilling careers outside of traditional practice. LISTEN TO LEARN * How leadership skills from the military translate into law and business * Why taking strategic career risks leads to greater opportunities * How to develop relationships that open doors and create long-term success WE ALSO DISCUSS * Mark C. Fava’s experience as a naval flight officer and aviation lawyer * The process of writing Lessons from the Admiral and its biggest takeaways * How storytelling and strategic thinking shape great leadership in law 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/]

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, and mindset. Now, as a Master Certified Coach [https://dinacataldo.com/] for Lawyers, she helps attorneys do the same. In this episode, Dina shares how lawyers can break free from stress, manage their time more effectively, and build practices that support their lives—not the other way around. Lawyer Side Hustles Dina’s journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start with coaching—it started with tea. Wanting to try something new, she launched a loose-leaf tea business, thinking it would be an exciting way to explore business ownership. But as she learned more about entrepreneurship and business strategy, she realized that selling physical products wasn’t where her true passion lay. “I created a business I don't actually like. I don't like having a physical product. I don't necessarily want to be tied down to this model that I currently have and I'm not really energized towards growing this,” shares Dina Cataldo in Episode 183 of You Are a Lawyer. Rather than forcing herself to continue with something that didn’t excite her, she pivoted. She applied what she had learned from running a business to a field she was deeply passionate about—coaching. Now, through Be A Better Lawyer Coaching, she teaches attorneys how to work smarter, manage their time more effectively, and build fulfilling careers without burning out. Her experience highlights that side hustles aren’t just about extra income—they’re a way to experiment, grow, and ultimately find the work that truly lights you up. LISTEN TO LEARN * How to set boundaries, take control of your time, and eliminate overwhelm * Why mindset shifts are the key to breaking free from burnout and stress * How to create a legal career that supports your personal and professional goals WE ALSO DISCUSS * Dina’s journey from prosecutor to full-time coach for lawyers * The importance of prioritizing yourself—before your career forces you to * How small changes in your routine can transform your productivity and well-being 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/]

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 [https://www.yourhomelegal.com], 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 entrepreneurship, why real estate law is so much more than transactions, and how she built a business that aligns with her expertise and personal commitments. Lawyer Side Hustles Rebecca didn’t just build a law firm—she built a business. Unlike many attorneys who focus solely on legal work, she took the time to learn the ins and outs of running a profitable practice, from financial management to marketing. This business-minded approach has allowed her to structure her firm in a way that supports both her professional goals and her personal life. “I didn’t know how to run a business when I started. Law school doesn’t teach you that. But I surrounded myself with mentors, learned my numbers, and built something that works for me,” shares Rebecca Larson Secord in Episode 182 of You Are a Lawyer. Outside of her law practice, Rebecca is deeply involved in real estate coaching and professional development. She believes that lawyers—especially those running their own firms—should invest in business education, whether that’s through formal coaching programs or networking with other law firm owners. By treating her practice as both a legal service and a business, she has created a model that allows for long-term sustainability and growth. LISTEN TO LEARN * How Rebecca turned an unexpected opportunity into a successful real estate law career * The differences between real estate law across states and what lawyers should know before making a move * Why understanding risk mitigation is essential in real estate transactions WE ALSO DISCUSS * Rebecca’s transition from Virginia to California and the challenges of re-qualifying as a lawyer * The realities of running a law firm and what it takes to build a business.The importance of mentorship, coaching, and knowing your numbers when starting a practice * The importance of mentorship, coaching, and knowing your numbers when starting a practice 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/]

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 [https://www.yevedzo.com/] to help them find clarity, confidence, and joy in their work. In this episode, we dive into the power of coaching, how lawyers can embrace career transitions, and why asking yourself what do I really want? is the first step toward transformation. Lawyer Side Hustles Yeve isn’t just a lawyer and a coach—she’s also a published author and entrepreneur who understands firsthand how side hustles can lead to larger opportunities. During the pandemic, she wrote a children’s book and built a media company to market it, an experience that deepened her understanding of branding, business development, and the power of storytelling. “Being an entrepreneur is like bringing something into the world that didn’t exist before. It’s another way of creating, just like coaching,” shares Yeve Chitiga in Episode 181 of You Are a Lawyer. Beyond her own creative ventures, Yeve works with clients who are exploring passion projects, launching businesses, or testing new career paths through side hustles. She believes that having a side hustle isn’t just about making extra income—it’s about giving yourself permission to explore new interests and develop new skills. Whether a lawyer wants to start a consulting practice, write a book, or build a personal brand, Yeve helps them develop strategic plans to integrate their legal expertise with their entrepreneurial vision. She emphasizes that these projects don’t have to be all-or-nothing; they can be stepping stones to even greater opportunities down the line. LISTEN TO LEARN * How coaching can help lawyers break through fear and uncertainty to build fulfilling careers * Why mindset shifts and self-reflection are essential for navigating career transitions * How to identify what truly excites you and create a path to get there WE ALSO DISCUSS * Yeve’s personal journey from practicing law to becoming an executive coach * The common career struggles lawyers face and how to move past them * How to know when you’re ready for coaching and what to expect from the process 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/]