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

Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese is a certified career and leadership coach with 34 years of FBI experience under her belt. From counterintelligence to white collar crime, her federal career was vast and dynamic. In this powerful episode, Dr. Rhonda shares how her dream of working for the FBI led to a fulfilling career in public service and how her new chapter as a coach helps others step into their purpose with confidence. Side Hustles Dr. Rhonda’s “side hustle” is far from traditional. After retiring from the FBI, she launched a coaching business to help others find fulfillment in their careers. Her passion lies in career and leadership development, especially for those in law enforcement. She also offers training, speaks at events, and creates space for honest conversations about burnout, purpose, and growth. “I'm great at mentoring and coaching, particularly in that law enforcement space. I'm good. I'm great,” expresses Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese in Episode 199 of You Are a Lawyer. Her journey from federal agent to entrepreneur was not accidental. It was built on prayer, reflection, and a growing awareness that people were turning to her for guidance. Today, she is intentional about the size and structure of her business to maintain the life she wants; one that includes faith, flexibility, and continued service LISTEN TO LEARN * What a long-term FBI career looks like behind the scenes * How coaching and law enforcement can work hand in hand * Why fear keeps us stuck and how to move through it WE ALSO DISCUSS * The truth about leadership and being in the arena * Building trust and vulnerability in coaching relationships * The power of lived experience and mentorship in helping others grow 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/]

Bill Mitchell is a veteran litigator, negotiation strategist, and the author of The Disruptive Lawyer’s Little Black Book of Litigation Management [https://cmlawfirm.com/the-disruptive-lawyer/]. With three decades of experience, Bill has a bold message for lawyers: less litigation, more resolution. In this episode, he shares how he became a top 1% dealmaker by helping clients resolve cases faster and cheaper, without sacrificing strategy or results. Lawyer Side Hustles Bill’s side hustle? Changing how lawyers think. He authored The Disruptive Lawyer’s Little Black Book of Litigation Management [https://cmlawfirm.com/the-disruptive-lawyer/] and teaches a course called “Masters in Negotiation” for attorneys, claims professionals, and in-house counsel. His mission is to equip lawyers with the tools they didn’t learn in law school, including how to close cases with confidence and clarity. “I do an eight-part series on negotiation. If 92% of all cases settle, you need really good negotiators,” expresses Bill Mitchell in Episode 94 of You Are a Lawyer. His upcoming book, The Disruptive Lawyer’s Little Black Book of Negotiation, builds on that mission. Whether training junior associates or consulting with Fortune 500 legal departments, Bill is helping shift the mindset from litigation to resolution. LISTEN TO LEARN * Why 99% of lawsuits should never reach a courtroom * How lawyers can provide more value by closing, not extending, cases * Why client goals should define legal success, not just billable hour WE ALSO DISCUSS * How Bill built a national practice with a resolution-first mindset * The problem with traditional billing incentives in litigation * How to train new lawyers to think like dealmakers 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/]

Margeaux Thomas is a litigator and founder of The Thomas Law Office, P.C., a firm that focuses on "business divorces" – complex breakups between business partners. In this episode, Margeaux shares her journey from Ohio to the DMV, what drew her to commercial litigation, and how she built a thriving law firm dedicated to helping small businesses through conflict. She also talks about growing up around quiet entrepreneurship and why personality type plays a big role in choosing your legal niche. Lawyer Side Hustles While Margeaux’s legal practice is her main business, she also maintains a vibrant presence on LinkedIn and integrates her personal interests, especially swimming, into her professional brand. By sharing her swim journey, personal milestones, and non-legal reflections, she’s built an engaged audience that connects with her on multiple levels. This has become a powerful tool for business development. “I also post a lot about things that aren’t legal… People follow that and I go places and people talk about it, which is kind of cool,” expresses Margeaux Thomas in Episode 197 of You Are a Lawyer. Her “side hustle” isn’t a separate business, but rather a lifestyle of authentic marketing and personal storytelling that enhances her professional success. Her experience demonstrates how being relatable and real online can complement a highly focused and serious legal career. LISTEN TO LEARN * How to carve out a niche in commercial litigation * What it takes to build and scale your own law firm * Why business divorces require both legal strategy and emotional intelligence WE ALSO DISCUSS * The emotional complexity of business disputes * The intersection of personality and legal practice areas * How social media can support organic law firm growth 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/]

Lem Garcia is a personal injury attorney and the founder of Lem Garcia Law in California. In this episode, Lem shares how he went from answering Craigslist job ads to running a 20-person law firm. With humility, insight, and honesty, Lem walks us through what it takes to start a firm from nothing and why self-belief and strategic thinking are key to long-term success. Lawyer Side Hustles Unlike some guests with side hustles unrelated to law, Lem’s passion project is his firm itself. He sees law firm ownership as both a business and a creative pursuit. From writing SOPs to mentoring team members, Lem puts intention into every piece of the business. “If you explain the why behind what you're doing... they can apply that later on and be more confident in what they do,” expresses Lem Garcia in Episode 196 of You Are a Lawyer. Through firm leadership, Lem uses his law degree to create opportunity for others. He mentors staff, builds scalable systems, and remains deeply involved in both the legal and operational sides of his firm. His side hustle isn’t separate from his practice; it is the practice. LISTEN TO LEARN * How to build a personal injury firm with no prior clients * The value of mentorship and team-building in law firm growth * Why self-belief matters more than "golden handcuffs" WE ALSO DISCUSS * The emotional reality of launching a firm with a newborn at home * How law school theory differs from real-world legal practice * What makes mentorship a vital part of successful leadership 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/]

Sarah Cottrell, founder of the Former Lawyer Podcast [https://www.formerlawyer.com/], 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 practice. Tune in to gain insights into the nuances of being a lawyer and the importance of setting boundaries. Lawyer Side Hustles Sarah is the founder of the Former Lawyer Podcast [https://formerlawyer.com/category/podcast/], a platform dedicated to helping lawyers who are unhappy in their careers explore alternative paths and find fulfillment outside of the legal profession. Through her podcast, Sarah interviews former lawyers who have successfully transitioned into different careers, providing listeners with real-life examples and inspiration. She also offers coaching programs, such as the Former Lawyer Collaborative, where lawyers can join a community, access a curriculum, and receive guidance on navigating career transitions. "I create things that I wish I had when I was in a place that was not good," explains Sarah Cottrell in Episode 117 of You Are a Lawyer. Sarah's mission is to break the stigma around leaving the legal profession and to empower lawyers to pursue work that aligns with their values and passions. She has practiced law for ten years and understands the challenges and pressures that lawyers face. Sarah's approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, as she helps lawyers navigate the process of self-discovery and find clarity in their career paths. Through her podcast and coaching programs, Sarah provides a supportive and informative space for lawyers to explore their options and make meaningful career changes. LISTEN TO LEARN * Some of the myths of big law * Why therapy is essential for self-discovery * How to transition from lawyer to entrepreneur WE ALSO DISCUSS * The narrow ideas of achievement and career paths * Alternative career choices for lawyers * How law school can sometimes limit self-expression 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/]