The Former Lawyer Podcast

Sarah Cottrell
  • 4.8 (75)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Former Lawyer Podcast

Do you hate working as a lawyer? Are you an unhappy lawyer who wants to leave the law, but isn't sure what to do next? Do your family and friends think you're crazy for wanting to leave the law, or are you too afraid to tell them you don't want to be a lawyer? The Former Lawyer Podcast is for you! Each week, host Sarah Cottrell interviews a different former lawyer who has left the law behind. Hear inspiring stories about how these former lawyers are thriving and found their way to careers and lives they love.

  1. How to Take A Mental Health Leave of Absence From Your Law Firm with Megan Nogasky

    4 HR. AGO

    How to Take A Mental Health Leave of Absence From Your Law Firm with Megan Nogasky

    For countless reasons, December can be a pretty rough month for lawyer's mental health. So for the next couple of weeks, we're going to have some re-releases of some episodes in the podcast dealing with mental health. So there will be three episodes. This first episode will be how to take a mental health leave of absence from your firm, and I'm joined by guest Megan Nogasky.See show notes at formerlawyer.com/176

    29 min
  2. I'm Not Here to Convince You to Leave the Law

    DEC 9

    I'm Not Here to Convince You to Leave the Law

    On today’s podcast episode, Sarah clarifies a question she often hears when she tells people about the work she does: “Do all the lawyers who you work with end up leaving law?” There is a sense that she is trying to convince people to leave their careers as lawyers and move on to something else, and she wants to answer that question and chat about it.A fundamental belief that Sarah has is that people are the experts on their own experience. She is not trying to convince anyone of anything. Th...

    10 min
  3. From Law School to Literary Agent with Lilly Ghahremani

    DEC 2

    From Law School to Literary Agent with Lilly Ghahremani

    Lilly Ghahremani knew from her first day of law school that she had made a mistake, but like so many lawyers, she kept going, earning her degree and even passing the bar. What came next wasn’t the traditional legal path but an unexpected journey into the publishing industry. Today, Lilly is a literary agent with over 20 years of experience, co-founder of Full Circle Literary, and an advocate for authors navigating the complex world of publishing.In this episode, Lilly shares how her legal bac...

    43 min
  4. How the Sunk Cost Fallacy Keeps Lawyers Stuck in the Law

    NOV 25

    How the Sunk Cost Fallacy Keeps Lawyers Stuck in the Law

    Struggling with the fear of leaving law behind? This week, Sarah unpacks the sunk cost fallacy—a common mental block for lawyers considering a career change. She explores why we tend to overvalue past investments and undervalue the cost of staying in an unhealthy profession. You’ll also learn why leaving law doesn’t mean your legal experience is wasted. If you’ve ever felt stuck weighing the pros and cons of walking away, this episode is for you.Download Sarah’s free guide, First St...

    10 min
  5. Escaping the Legal Grind to Build a Balanced Life with Dan Branagan

    NOV 18

    Escaping the Legal Grind to Build a Balanced Life with Dan Branagan

    On today’s podcast episode, Sarah chats with Dan Branagan. He is a member of the Collab and a former lawyer who now works as a data analyst. They discuss how his journey to escape the legal grind and his process of finding other roles that might work for him using the program's framework. Let’s dive in and learn about Dan and his journey.See show notes at formerlawyer.com/248

    41 min
  6. How Toxic Workplaces Make You Doubt Yourself—And Why Leaving Law Can Help

    NOV 11

    How Toxic Workplaces Make You Doubt Yourself—And Why Leaving Law Can Help

    In this episode, Sarah dives into how toxic workplaces—especially law firms—can lead to deep-rooted self-doubt and self-gaslighting. She breaks down the ways negative environments distort our sense of self-worth and confidence, making it feel impossible to see a way out.For those who feel trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, Sarah shares insights into how leaving a toxic legal environment can help you reconnect with your strengths and reclaim your confidence. If you're questioning whether it's t...

    12 min
  7. How a Misalignment of Values and Career Helped a Lawyer Become a Therapist with David Sazant

    NOV 4

    How a Misalignment of Values and Career Helped a Lawyer Become a Therapist with David Sazant

    In this episode of The Former Lawyer Podcast, host Sarah Cottrell talks with David Sazant, a former litigator who transitioned from practicing law to becoming a therapist. David shares how he recognized that his legal career was not in line with his personal values and explains the process he went through to make the leap into mental health. For those considering a career outside of the legal profession, especially in therapy, David’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration.Throughout ...

    42 min
  8. How Law Firms Mismanage Billable Hours and Create Anxiety for Associates

    OCT 28

    How Law Firms Mismanage Billable Hours and Create Anxiety for Associates

    In this episode, Sarah dives into the toxic environment many law firms create by pushing junior associates to take responsibility for generating work they have no control over. She exposes how leadership fails to support their teams, leading to stress and anxiety for those just starting their legal careers. If you’re tired of being blamed for a lack of billables, this episode is for you. Plus, learn how to take action and explore new career options.See show notes at formerlawyer.com/245

    10 min
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4.8
out of 5
75 Ratings

About

Do you hate working as a lawyer? Are you an unhappy lawyer who wants to leave the law, but isn't sure what to do next? Do your family and friends think you're crazy for wanting to leave the law, or are you too afraid to tell them you don't want to be a lawyer? The Former Lawyer Podcast is for you! Each week, host Sarah Cottrell interviews a different former lawyer who has left the law behind. Hear inspiring stories about how these former lawyers are thriving and found their way to careers and lives they love.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Cottrell
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    275
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Former Lawyer Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Former Lawyer Podcast

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