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

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

Rating
★★★★★
5
from
27 reviews
This podcast has
270 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Kyla Denanyoh
Explicit
No
Date created
2020/04/16
Latest episode
2026/10/22
Average duration
27 min.
Release period
10 days

Description

Are you an ambitious lawyer who feels limited in life? A law student who daydreams about impacting the world? Did you struggle with the bar exam? Are you bored working as a lawyer? You Are A Lawyer is an interview-based podcast that promotes lawyers with fearless career changes, ambitious side hustles, and extraordinary lives. On this top-rated podcast, Kyla talks to law school graduates, attorneys, and lawyers about the risks they've taken, the joys (and challenges) of law school, and their transitions out of legal careers. You Are A Lawyer will motivate you to start that business, unpack some drama from law school, consider a nontraditional career, and push you to embrace the hobby you’ve been hiding. There are so many ways to use your law degree. Whether you’re working as an artist, tech investor, coach, or blogger, if you’ve graduated from law school, YOU ARE A LAWYER, and your law degree is valuable. Find more episodes and resources at www.youarealawyer.com. Contact Kyla with any questions: [email protected].

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Why Lawyers Should Think Differently About Mediation feat. Felicia Harris Hoss
2026/10/22
Felicia Harris Hoss is an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator who transitioned from litigation to helping parties resolve disputes more efficiently. In this episode of You Are A Lawyer, Felicia shares why early dispute resolution deserves more attention, how mediation can help clients save time and money, and why lawyers should recognize that successful advocacy doesn't always require a courtroom.  Lawyer Side Hustles Beyond conducting mediations and arbitrations, Felicia contributes to the legal profession through writing, policy development, and community involvement. She authored the report supporting American Bar Association Resolution 500, which promotes early dispute resolution, and has worked with colleagues and law students on an article examining how attorneys can use early mediation more effectively. She also serves as a director of the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center in Houston, where mediation services help community members resolve conflicts. "Think about it earlier in the process. Don't wait until you're about to go to trial to say, maybe we should go negotiate," Felicia Harris Hoss expresses in Episode 267 of You Are a Lawyer. Felicia's professional activities demonstrate how lawyers can use their expertise beyond representing individual clients. Through continuing legal education, writing, policy work, and community dispute resolution, she helps other attorneys understand the value of resolving conflicts before litigation becomes unnecessarily expensive. Her work also introduces law students and newer attorneys to opportunities within the legal profession that may receive less attention than traditional courtroom practice.    This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
2026/10/22
Introducing EZRA FRECH: "I Was Put on This Earth to Change the Way We See Disability" from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Ezra Frech shares the mindset, discipline, and determination that have shaped his career and led him to win two Paralympic gold medals. From turning heartbreak in Tokyo into motivation to using visualization and meditation to perform under pressure, Ezra reveals how he prepares for the biggest moments of his career. He also opens up about competing on Dancing With the Stars, breaking down misconceptions about disability, and founding Angel City Sports to make adaptive sports more accessible to the next generation. Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-in protections for teens. Learn More. At https://chase.com/sapphirereserve JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 "Pressure Doesn't Exist" 02:51 The Day Ezra Was Born 06:24 The 15-Hour Surgery At Age 3 11:15 The Kindergarten Letter 13:29 Learning To Handle The Stares 16:21 Overcoming Stigma And Bullying 23:18 Falling In Love With Sports 27:00 Changing Culture & Looking Ahead to LA 2028 31:09 Mentorship From Pau Gasol 33:56 A Message From Novak Djokovic 36:53 How Do You Define Confidence? 40:43 The Moment That Inspired His Paralympic Dream 44:35 Making Team USA At 14 48:41 How Running Blades Actually Work 52:09 Tokyo Heartbreak & "The Man In The Arena" 58:53 Visualizing Paris Gold Every Morning 01:04:50 Protecting His Good Leg 01:11:33 Winning Double Gold & The 20-Minute Rule 01:17:00 Meditation Under Pressure 01:20:34 A Lifelong Dream to Compete on Dancing With the Stars 01:24:14 Inside the Dancing With the Stars Family 01:27:19 Learning To Dance On A Blade 01:30:12 Pressure Is A Privilege 01:32:10 Making Adaptive Sports Mainstream 01:37:10 Ezra On Final 5 Episode Resources Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ezrafrech/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@ezrafrech Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/teamezra05/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].
Lawyers! Stop. Playing. Small. feat. Wani Iris Manly, Esq.
2026/10/15
Wani Iris Manly, Esq. is an IP attorney, entrepreneur, author, and speaker who has spent nearly two decades creating a legal career that looks like her. In this episode of You Are a Lawyer, Wani shares how moving to Paris changed the trajectory of her career, why she built an IP practice serving online entrepreneurs, and how embracing creativity and self-expression helped her expand beyond the traditional expectations of being a lawyer. Lawyer Side Hustles Wani's ventures outside traditional legal practice eventually became substantial businesses of their own. After moving to Paris, she began writing and sharing her story, which unexpectedly opened the door to public speaking. During the COVID lockdown, when in-person speaking stopped and online entrepreneurship accelerated, she responded by creating Where Inspiration Meets Law®, offering legal education and templates to online coaches and entrepreneurs. That business also helped reshape her law firm's clientele. "I always thought I was going to be only a lawyer for my entire life," shared Wani Iris Manly on Episode 266 of You Are a Lawyer. Instead, Wani Manly became a speaker, author, consultant, and multi-business entrepreneur alongside her legal work. She now speaks about change and entrepreneurship, while continuing to serve clients through her IP practice and exploring emerging issues involving AI, intellectual property, governance, and ethics. What began as opportunities outside the expected lawyer path became an important part of both her income and her identity.   This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Building a Law Practice Without Borders feat. Nikita Lamar
2026/08/20
Nikita Lamar is a Texas attorney, entrepreneur, mediator, and author who built a virtual law firm while living in Mexico. In this episode, she shares how taking an unconventional path to law school shaped her career, why estate planning became deeply personal, and how lawyers can create careers that fit their lives instead of fitting into outdated expectations.   Lawyer Side Hustles Nikita's entrepreneurial mindset extends far beyond her law practice. Inspired by gaps she observed in the legal profession, she developed The Last Last, an estate planning journal that helps families organize important information before it's needed. More recently, she created Divorce Retreat, an innovative service that combines mediation, legal guidance, and professional resources into a collaborative experience for couples seeking an amicable divorce.  "You can create anything with your law degree," Nikita Lamar expresses in Episode 258 of You Are a Lawyer. Rather than waiting for someone else to solve problems she repeatedly encountered, Nikita chose to build solutions herself. Whether developing new legal services, writing resources for clients, or embracing virtual practice, she continues finding creative ways to use her legal education beyond traditional practice.  This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Why Lawyers Need to Stand Out feat. Lee Rudin
2026/08/13
Lee Rudin is a New Orleans personal injury attorney and founder of Get Rude, a law firm built around bold branding, authentic marketing, and exceptional client service. In this episode, Lee shares why he left defense work to represent injured people, how building a recognizable brand has transformed his practice, and why lawyers shouldn't be afraid to show their personality.  Lawyer Side Hustles Building Get Rude wasn't simply about opening a law firm. It was about creating a business that reflected Lee's personality while helping potential clients feel comfortable reaching out. Instead of relying solely on traditional advertising, he embraced social media, humor, costumes, and memorable content to stand out in a crowded marketplace.     "You just need to be authentically you," Lee Rudin expresses in Episode 257 of You Are a Lawyer. Lee explains that branding isn't about pretending to be someone else. It's about leaning into what naturally makes you different. His willingness to embrace creativity while remaining an excellent attorney has allowed him to build a practice that feels genuine and memorable, proving that authenticity can be one of a lawyer's greatest marketing advantages.   This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
From Lawyer to Legal Innovator feat. Sam Mollaei (August 2022)
2026/08/06
Sam Mollaei is a California attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Legal Funnel. After realizing traditional legal practice wasn't the life he wanted, Sam built multiple virtual law firms and now teaches attorneys how to automate client acquisition, streamline their businesses, and create practices that are virtual, scalable, and designed for freedom.  Lawyer Side Hustles Legal Funnel began after Sam successfully applied online sales funnels to his own law firms and realized other attorneys could benefit from the same systems. Today, he mentors hundreds of lawyers through group coaching, teaching them how to automate client intake, delegate work, and build businesses that continue growing without sacrificing their personal lives.  "I love giving. I love sharing," shares Sam Mollaei in Episode 56 of You Are a Lawyer. For Sam, mentorship has become just as meaningful as entrepreneurship. After experiencing the impact of having his own business mentor, he now helps attorneys create sustainable firms while encouraging them to think differently about what's possible with a law degree.  This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Why Bigger Isn't Always Better feat. Ruma Mazumdar
2026/07/30
Ruma Mazumdar is a New Jersey real estate and estate planning attorney who built a successful virtual law firm after leaving Big Law. In this episode, she shares how working as a paralegal shaped her legal career, why she chose entrepreneurship despite growing up around family business, and how redefining success led her to build a practice that supports the life she actually wants. Lawyer Side Hustles Launching her own law firm wasn't originally part of Ruma's plan. Growing up with entrepreneur parents, she witnessed the sacrifices that came with running a business and initially wanted the stability of traditional employment. But after several years in private practice and the shift toward remote work during the pandemic, she realized she wanted to build something on her own terms.    "I wanted to just have that sort of life," Ruma Mazumdar expresses in Episode 255 of You Are a Lawyer. Today, Ruma operates a fully virtual law firm while living outside the state where she practices. She has also embraced human design as a framework for understanding how she works best, allowing her to build a business that prioritizes sustainability over constant growth. Her journey demonstrates that entrepreneurship isn't simply about owning a business. It's about intentionally creating a career that aligns with your values and lifestyle. This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
What Law School Doesn't Prepare You For feat. Jay Coleman
2026/07/23
Jay Coleman is a criminal defense attorney, probate attorney, Social Security attorney, and law firm owner based in Arkansas. Returning to You Are a Lawyer six years after his first appearance, Jay reflects on how his career has evolved, the realities of running a law practice, and why finding balance has become just as important as building a successful legal career.   Lawyer Side Hustles For Jay, entrepreneurship wasn't always part of the plan. Like many lawyers, he initially imagined working for someone else. Running his own firm gradually taught him that practicing law and operating a business require two very different skill sets.   "I didn't go to law school planning to have my own business," Jay Coleman expresses in Episode 254 of You Are a Lawyer. Today, Jay spends as much time thinking about leadership, operations, and creating systems as he does practicing law. He's also intentionally working toward something many lawyers struggle to achieve: balance. Rather than measuring success solely by billable hours or case outcomes, he's learning to prioritize his own health, hobbies, and relationships alongside his growing practice. His journey reflects a reality many lawyers experience but don't often discuss openly.  This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Helping Small Businesses Win Big Contracts feat. Amber Johnson
2026/07/16
Amber Johnson is an attorney whose legal career has evolved from civil rights and compliance work into helping small businesses compete for multimillion-dollar airport contracts. In this episode, Amber shares how her law degree opened unexpected doors, why transportation is full of legal careers beyond aviation law, and how lawyers can use their skills to build stronger organizations and stronger communities.     Lawyer Side Hustles Although Amber no longer practices law full time, she intentionally maintains her law licenses while continuing to grow her leadership career. Along the way, she has discovered that the skills lawyers develop are remarkably transferable across industries.   "Think about what you're passionate about and then find a role that fits that," Amber Johnson expresses in Episode 253 of You Are a Lawyer. Amber's professional journey has taken her from diversity, equity, and inclusion work to civil rights compliance, public transportation, and now airport operations. Each transition built upon the last, proving that legal careers don't have to follow a straight line. Instead of limiting herself to one definition of success, she continues finding new ways to combine law, leadership, and community impact.  This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
The Mentor Every Future Lawyer Needs feat. Anjie Vichayanonda (December 2021)
2026/07/09
Anjie Vichayanonda is the founder and CEO of Leg Up Legal, a mentorship platform that connects aspiring law students with attorneys before they apply to law school. In this episode, Anjie shares how mentorship changed the course of her own career, why exposure matters before making the investment in law school, and how lawyers can use their knowledge to create opportunities for others. Lawyer Side Hustles Leg Up Legal began as an effort to solve a problem Anjie experienced firsthand. She knew how difficult it could be for aspiring lawyers to find mentors, learn about different practice areas, and understand what life as a lawyer actually looks like before committing to law school. Instead of accepting that challenge as inevitable, she built a platform designed to make mentorship more accessible.  "I wanna be able to teach these things to hundreds of people, thousands of people," shares Anjie Vichayanonda in Episode 28 of You Are a Lawyer. In addition to running Leg Up Legal, Anjie also became a published co-author of Networked, an anthology written alongside 19 other women lawyers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project captured stories of resilience, career pivots, personal challenges, and professional growth during a historic moment. Both the book and Leg Up Legal reflect Anjie's broader passion for helping people navigate uncertainty through connection, mentorship, and community.   This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
What Law School Never Taught You About Success feat. Robert Hartmann
2026/07/02
Bob Hartmann is a criminal defense attorney, author, and rainmaker who has spent nearly four decades building a successful law practice. In this episode, he shares why bringing in business is one of the most important skills lawyers can develop, how entrepreneurship created the lifestyle he wanted, and why lawyers should stop being afraid to build careers on their own terms.   Lawyer Side Hustles Bob's side hustle eventually became a second professional identity. After years of building his own successful practice, he began teaching other lawyers how to develop business, create referral networks, and build sustainable firms. His upcoming book, Making It Rain: The Art of Building a Successful Law Practice, shares practical lessons for attorneys who want greater control over their careers and financial futures. "You can absolutely live the life you want to live, not the life that's given to you or dictated to you by partners in a corner office," Bob Hartmann expresses in Episode 251 of You Are a Lawyer. Much of Bob's motivation comes from personal experience. By operating his own practice, he was able to coach his daughter's softball teams, attend her games, travel with her during recruiting visits, and prioritize family without sacrificing professional success. His story demonstrates that entrepreneurship is not only about earning more money. It can also create the flexibility and freedom to build a life aligned with your values. This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Building a Life Before Building a Legal Career feat. Daniel J. Hennessy
2026/06/25
Daniel J. Hennessy took an unconventional path to law school. After years working in ministry, education, nonprofit leadership, and even serving in Rome with the Vatican Museums, Daniel enrolled in law school in his forties. Today, he works as in-house counsel for a national real estate development company, helping cities bring transformative projects to life while maintaining the family-focused life he and his wife envisioned.   Lawyer Side Hustles One of the themes throughout Daniel's story is embracing change. Before law school, he successfully built careers in entirely different fields. Rather than viewing those experiences as detours, he sees them as essential parts of the person and lawyer he became. "Don't be afraid to make the changes that you need to make, even if they seem really big and scary," Daniel J. Hennessy expresses in Episode 250 of You Are a Lawyer. Daniel encourages law students and lawyers to focus less on the degree itself and more on understanding who they want to become. For him, success was not about following a predetermined path but about aligning his work with his values, relationships, and priorities. His journey serves as a reminder that law can be part of a meaningful life without becoming the entire identity.  This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Why Relationships Matter in Law feat. Santiago Cueto
2026/06/18
Santiago Cueto is an international business attorney, law firm owner, and author based in Miami, Florida. In this episode, Santiago shares how an interest in global affairs led him to law school, why he always envisioned owning a law firm, and how lawyers can build successful careers by combining legal knowledge with communication, leadership, and business development.  Lawyer Side Hustles Beyond practicing law, Santiago has embraced writing, speaking, mentoring, and entrepreneurship. He recently authored Winning Lawsuits in Florida, a book designed to answer the questions clients most frequently ask about litigation and dispute resolution. The project grew out of a client handbook his firm had already developed and became a way to educate a broader audience.  "Writing is a good way to get yourself known," Santiago Cueto expresses in Episode 249  of You Are a Lawyer. Santiago is also passionate about helping younger attorneys develop confidence, communication skills, and professional judgment. Through mentoring his team and sharing practical business insights, he encourages lawyers to think beyond legal doctrine and focus on the traits that ultimately drive long-term success. His perspective reflects a belief that law school provides the foundation, but growth continues throughout an entire career.   This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Criminal Justice Through a Creative Lens feat. Katherin Hervey (October 2021)
2026/06/11
Katherin Hervey is an award-winning filmmaker, artist, former public defender, and co-founder of On the Border Films. In this episode, Katherin shares how her legal background shaped The Prison Within, why storytelling became her form of advocacy, and how creativity helped her continue the work of justice outside traditional practice.  Lawyer Side Hustles Katherin's creative work is not a side project anymore. It is her life's work. As a filmmaker, director, producer, and artist, she uses storytelling to examine the hidden corners of the American landscape and the human experiences often ignored by traditional systems. The Prison Within premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, won Best Social Justice Documentary, and has since become part of legal education, prison curricula, and broader conversations about criminal justice reform.  "For The Prison Within, it was my baby, it came from my heart," shares Katherin Hervey in Episode 34 of You Are a Lawyer. Her filmmaking continues the advocacy she began as a public defender, but in a different form. Rather than arguing cases one at a time, Katherin creates work that invites audiences to question punishment, trauma, accountability, and humanity. Her path reflects a core YAAL truth: legal training can become a creative tool when lawyers allow themselves to follow the work that feels most honest.  This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Building a Law Career on Purpose feat. Jennifer Gardner
2026/06/04
Jennifer Gardner is a trial attorney, administrative judge, speaker, and law firm owner based in Los Angeles. In this episode, Jennifer shares how she built a career rooted in leadership and service, why lawyers need stronger communication and influence skills, and how legal professionals can use their creativity far beyond traditional practice. Lawyer Side Hustles In addition to running her law firm and serving as an administrative judge, Jennifer has expanded into leadership education and public speaking. She now teaches professionals and lawyers how to improve their influence, communication, persuasion, and visibility skills while helping highly sensitive communicators become stronger leaders. "These are the irreplaceable human skills that I think are going to become more valuable as we use AI more and more," Jennifer Gardner expresses in Episode 247 of You Are a Lawyer. Jennifer also created a free guide called How to Save Money on Legal Fees Before Hiring a Lawyer to help people navigate legal problems more efficiently and communicate more effectively with their attorneys. Her broader work reflects a consistent theme throughout her career: empowering people through education, preparation, and thoughtful leadership.   This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Podcast reviews

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


5 out of 5
27 reviews
★★★★★
Anne Hamer 2023/09/05
Great Experience!
Kyla Denanyoh hosts with a real flair for finding out the most interesting nuggets of a law career and unpacking them into helpful advice for anyone l...
★★★★★
Brian D.G. 2022/09/12
Check this podcast out!
Folks, this podcast is appointment-listening. Kyla is an energetic, compassionate host who really brings out fascinating and intriguing tidbits from h...
★★★★★
N. Wince 2022/07/10
Great Conversation with Morgyn & Kyla.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this conversation. Personally knowing both the interviewer and interviewee- it was great to hear both talk about the...
★★★★★
Bold Women Lawyers 2021/08/25
Love your shows
I really enjoy hearing from other lawyers about their work in the legal world and outside of the legal world. It is refreshing to hear different persp...
★★★★★
Iamthehotshot 2021/08/12
Informative show!
I’m interested in a career pivot and am learning a lot from each guest.
★★★★★
Lola from Astoria 2020/12/19
Great and Interesting Concept!
Love this fresh and needed take on law school and the career paths a law degree can take you.
★★★★★
I Am The Prize 2020/06/25
Great show - TiaVsFancyCash
I’m an aspiring law student & I came across your page on Instagram while scrolling and looking for inspiration to get motivated again on my journey to...
check all reviews on apple podcasts

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