WILL - Women Interested in Leaving Law

WILL - Women Interested in Leaving Law

The WILL Podcast - For Women Lawyers Searching for Freedom, Flexibility and Fulfilment. Are you tired of having to “always be available,” the anxiety, and a nagging sense that something is missing? The WILL Podcast offers an honest exploration for how to find relief, meaning and work that allows you to enjoy your life, (without throwing away all you’ve invested). This podcast is for any woman lawyer who has ever questioned if they want to stay in law or not. Here you’ll find a window into how others have dealt with the money, identity and figured out what else they could do (in law or out). Each episode is a journey into the lives of women lawyers who got fed up with the status quo. You’ll hear about persistent doubt, piles of debt, and physical and mental depletion. Our guests reveal how they navigated the expectations of workplace cultures and inner critics that keep them isolated and wondering “what’s wrong with me.” You’ll hear conversations not being shared beyond a whisper in the halls of big law. You’ll discover: * Inspirational stories of lawyers who’ve redefined success on their own terms * Strategies to overcome the common career pitfalls women lawyers get stuck in * Ideas for how to realign work with your deepest values and aspirations Hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst, the WILL Podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire a movement. With WILL Alumni and Guests breaking the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. If you think, “I’ve got to get out of here, but I don’t know what else to do, and I’m trepidatious,” you’ve found a sanctuary. WILL is where doubt transforms into daring, and frustration becomes freedom. WILL Book a Consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

  1. Oct 23

    The Call from Law to Mediumship: Stacy Schaffer

    Imagine that you’re attached to the “lawyer identity” to the point that you can’t “let go” of fixed attitudes, beliefs and judgements? In this episode, Elena chats with Stacy Schaffer; a former lawyer turned medium, coach, and healer. Stacy shares her journey of letting go of who she “was” to make room for what was calling her forward. Her calling was literal, as she moved from law into mediumship.  In this episode, you’ll learn, how: Letting go of identities and “shoulds” creates space for something new.To own your choices (even when you think you don’t have any).The ego pushes you to hold onto comfort and safety at the expense of your soul.If you’ve been feeling pressured to have all the answers, or afraid to step outside the identity you’ve built as a lawyer, this episode reminds you that you have a choice. And sometimes the path becomes clear, once you begin. About Stacy is a Medium, Coach and Healer. She channels higher guidance for her clients by connecting with their angels, guides and/or loved ones in spirit. Spiritual Coaching is a part of her practice to help others connect with their own gifts and intuitive guides and guidance. Stacy also teaches about spiritual topics and conducts mediumship development circles for developing mediums to practice. She has studied under and mentored other students for world renowned mediums and always seeks to empower those who come into her life. Stacy is a collaborator by nature and feels that spiritual work should be done in cooperation with others. Connect Email: stacyschaffermedium@gmail.com  Web: www.stacyschaffermedium.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacyschaffermedium Instagram: @stacyschaffer13  WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160

    The Call from Law to Mediumship: Stacy Schaffer
  2. Oct 7

    Fall Sunday Sprint: What it can give you!

    In this episode, five WILL Members and Alumni share their experiences with the Sunday Sprint and what it did for them.  The Sunday Sprint is an end-the-year-strong community event where you reset how you do your morning and evenings. Create new micro habits, rituals, and routines that prioritize you, give you a reset, and create momentum for the end of the year without white-knuckling it. For example, one of the women who had her first Sunday Sprint last year said she now no longer checks email first thing in the day. In fact, she doesn't check it for at least the first hour, or not until she gets into the office! The Sunday Sprint runs for six weeks, October 11 to November 15, 2026. We meet Sunday mornings from 10 to 11:30 am ET. Instead of the Sunday scaries, the Sunday Sprint can help you plan your days, take an intentional pause, and create a buffer for “me time” in your mornings and evenings. Give the best of yourself to you and the other people who matter most in your life. Join the Sunday Sprint and Save $200 with coupon code PREGAME200. Sign up here: https://sundaysprint.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/sunday-sprint-2026  If you are listening to this episode at another time of year, sign up for my newsletter so you get all the latest happenings and first dibs. https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/subscribe/ WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160 Show Notes Save $200 on the Sunday Sprint! Register by Oct. 10th with code: PREGAME200Missed this year's Sprint?  Sign up to the WILL newsletter to get first dibs on the next one:https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/subscribe/

    Fall Sunday Sprint: What it can give you!
  3. Sep 25

    Goodbye Law, Hello Photography: Anushila Shaw

    Imagine leaving law for photography, excitedly opening your own studio and then finding yourself in the middle of a global pandemic! In this episode, Elena talks with lawyer turned fashion and beauty photographer; Anushila Shaw.    Anushila shares how she transitioned from securities litigation into photography, and made it work by leveraging her lawyer skills and work ethic, even during the pandemic!   Hear how she’s persevered and now has clients like Vera Wang, Victoria’s Secret and Clinique.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How your curiosity can lead you to a new career Why your lawyer skills are valuable assets, and how to leverage themHow to take small, consistent steps toward creating new opportunities If you’ve been wondering whether your creative interests can lead you to a career where you have agency and autonomy,  Anushila’s story shows you how she did it, and you can too.     About Anushila Anushila is a fashion and beauty photographer based between New York and Toronto. She grew up across India, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. That kind of itinerant childhood teaches you to read a room quickly: who someone is, how they want to be seen and what they're not saying. It also teaches you that beauty is not one thing. It looks different depending on where you are, who raised you, what the light is like.  That's what she brings to all her work. Her work has appeared in Acne Paper and C★ndy Magazine. She photographed The Drawer by Vince Aletti, winner of the 2023 Paris Photo–Aperture PhotoBook of the Year. Her commercial clients include Clinique, Victoria's Secret, and Vera Wang. Connect Website: www.anushilashaw.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anushilashaw/  Instagram: @anushilashaw   WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160

    Goodbye Law, Hello Photography:  Anushila Shaw
  4. Sep 11

    What Galvanizes Us to Change? Reflections on September 11th and 50 Conversations with Women Lawyers

    *Trigger warning: Discussion of September 11th, 2001 In this episode, I recognize the 25th anniversary of September 11th, which happens to coincide with the 50th WILL podcast episode. I share my September 11th story because I was here in New York City.  I reflect also on what happened afterwards for many people, as it was a galvanizing event. I also share how that connects to what I've learned from 50 podcast episodes with women lawyers who want to make their careers and lives more meaningful and fulfilling. Finally, I invite you to a fall Equinox Wooshop where you can take stock of where you are, release what's no longer serving you, and renew your commitment to what you truly want to create in the months ahead as we approach the end of the year. In the Fall Equinox Wooshop: Release, Reveal, Renew, you’ll: Identify what you’re ready to releaseUncover the truth about what you really wantChoose one small step toward renewal and change If you’ve been feeling stuck, uncertain, or afraid to make a change in your career, this episode offers a potent invitation to reflect on what’s most important to you and where you want to head? Show Notes WILL fall Equinox Wooshop: https://wooshop.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/fall-wooshop-page-page WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160

    What Galvanizes Us to Change? Reflections on September 11th and 50 Conversations with Women Lawyers
  5. Aug 28

    Fear of Failure? Ghazal Tajmiri on Following Your Dreams

    We may tell our children, “Reach for the moon and even if you fall short, you land among the stars.” Yet, do we take our own advice?  In this deeply personal conversation, Elena sits down with former big law attorney and WILL Coach Ghazal Tajmiri to talk about what happens after you decide to leave law and follow your dreams. Ghazal shares the invisible challenges that come with stepping away from the legal profession that has shaped your identity for years. The fear of disappointing others, the uncertainty of not knowing what's next, and the grief of saying goodbye to the lawyer identity.    She opens up about how WILL helped her move from burnout and over-functioning to clarity.  She describes how community was essential to her transition, and how she eventually discovered coaching as the next chapter of her career. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you're more than your job title and how to untangle your identity from your career.The powerful question that helped Ghazal finally leave big law.Why finding your next career doesn't require having everything figured out first. If you've ever found yourself asking, "Can I leave big law and follow my dreams?" this episode is for you. About Ghazal Ghazal is a former corporate litigator now working in her second career as a trauma informed life and leadership coach, helping her clients live with greater joy and fulfilment in their personal and professional lives. She guides her clients to recognize and cut through limiting stories imprinted on us through societal, cultural, and family conditioning. In addition to her private coaching and consulting business, Ghazal is a WILL Coach and a faculty member of NI2C - a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved groups impacted by interpersonal trauma. Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghazaltajmiri/ Email: gtcoachingconsulting@gmail.com   WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160 Follow Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Show Notes WILL: Women Interested In Leaving Law Loveable - Women interested in leaving law WILL Newsletter: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/form/2OOmfRouYf83WdrVvONF

    Fear of Failure? Ghazal Tajmiri on Following Your Dreams
  6. Aug 14

    What Do You Want? Finding Purpose Beyond Big Law with Megan Senese

    In this episode, Elena sits down with Megan Senese, co-founder and principal of Stage, a woman-owned business development and marketing firm that helps lawyers grow authentic, sustainable books of business. After years of doing marketing for big law firms, Megan shared similar struggles that women lawyers face, such as feeling stuck, burning out and questioning purpose.  One simple exercise called the "I Want Circle" helped her move beyond the golden handcuffs of big law and build a business aligned with her values.  Together, she and Elena explore why business development is truly about relationships, why authenticity beats networking scripts, and why one of the most important career questions is also the simplest: What do you actually want?   In this episode, you'll hear: Why prestige, promotions, and compensation don't always lead to fulfillment.How Megan's "I Want Circle" exercise became the filter that guided every career decision and helped her confidently say no to opportunities that weren't aligned.Why authentic business development starts with genuine relationships, consistency, and knowing yourself, NOT networking.Whether you're considering leaving law, building your own practice, or simply looking for more purpose in your career, this conversation offers practical wisdom and powerful reflection. About Megan Megan Senese is the co-founder and Principal of stage, a woman-owned business development and marketing firm focused on generating relationships, revenue, and growth for lawyers and law firms.   Connect Website: www.stage.guide   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megansenese/  WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160 Follow WILL: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

    What Do You Want? Finding Purpose Beyond Big Law with Megan Senese
  7. Jul 31

    How Stephanie Wilkins Moved from Big Law to Legal Tech

    “I was unhappy every single day. I was a good lawyer, but I hated it.  Then I wondered, ‘How good might I be at something I actually liked doing?’” For Stephanie Wilkins, this question was a wake up call. After eight years as a litigator with a partnership lined up, Stephanie made the decision to walk away without a clear plan. A “crazy/scary” and necessary move. In this episode, Stephanie shares why walking away from a potential partnership gave her the space to figure out what she liked doing.  What followed was a year of travel that confirmed her decision to leave.  She found her way onto a more aligned path  in writing, journalism and legal tech. We talk about: What it felt like to walk away from big law without a plan.The difference between burnout and misalignment.How to reconnect with what you’ve always loved, and turn it into a career.Why “quitting” isn’t failure and how to manage expectations - yours and others. How to break into legal tech and why it’s full of opportunity right now. If you’re wondering what you can do off the “traditional lock-step legal path” out there for you, listen to this conversation!  About Stephanie Stephanie Wilkins is the Director of Content at Legaltech Hub, where she helps lead the company in building out its editorial content and thought leadership strategy. Previously, she was the Editor-in-Chief of Legal Technology and Legaltech News at ALM, where she served as a guide for the entire ALM newsroom in tackling the intersection of law, technology, and AI. In a past life, Stephanie was a successful litigator in the New York offices of Clyde &; Co and Dewey & LeBoeuf. Connect https://www.legaltechnologyhub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wilkins/  WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160

    How Stephanie Wilkins Moved from Big Law to Legal Tech
  8. Jul 28

    From In-House Executive to Coach: Pam Richardson’s Journey Beyond Law

    “I thought people with rich husbands could make career pivots, not me.” After 20 years as a lawyer and in-house executive, Pam Richardson had the career many attorneys work decades to achieve. But beneath her title, compensation and success, she couldn’t shake the feeling “There has to be something more than this!” As a single mom of twins, leaving law felt impossible. In this episode, Pam shares how she slowly shifted from feeling trapped in a high-achieving legal career to building a path toward work that feels aligned and meaningful. We cover: Why so many women lawyers struggle to imagine careers outside law.The mindset shifts that helped Pam stop seeing herself as “stuck.”How coaching, community, and possibility changed the trajectory of her career.The financial planning and practical steps behind making a sustainable career transition.Why lawyers often stay years longer than they want to. As a woman lawyer, leaving a legal career is almost unthinkable, especially if you believe you can’t do anything other than be a lawyer or you are accustomed to people-pleasing. This conversation is a powerful reminder that meaningful change is possible as a woman lawyer, even if it happens one step at a time. About Pam After more than 20 years as an attorney and in-house executive advising leaders at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, Pam decided to step away from the practice of law and focus fully on the work she finds most meaningful; partnering directly with people as they navigate growth, change, and leadership challenges.  She founded Waypoint Partners where she works with organizations and individuals at all stages of their careers. Connect https://pamrichardsonllc.com/ WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160 Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawWeb: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com References Alternative Careers Panel Discussion: What Claude/Chat Can’t Tell You” Watch here: https://alternativecareers.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/

    From In-House Executive to Coach: Pam Richardson’s Journey Beyond Law
5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

The WILL Podcast - For Women Lawyers Searching for Freedom, Flexibility and Fulfilment. Are you tired of having to “always be available,” the anxiety, and a nagging sense that something is missing? The WILL Podcast offers an honest exploration for how to find relief, meaning and work that allows you to enjoy your life, (without throwing away all you’ve invested). This podcast is for any woman lawyer who has ever questioned if they want to stay in law or not. Here you’ll find a window into how others have dealt with the money, identity and figured out what else they could do (in law or out). Each episode is a journey into the lives of women lawyers who got fed up with the status quo. You’ll hear about persistent doubt, piles of debt, and physical and mental depletion. Our guests reveal how they navigated the expectations of workplace cultures and inner critics that keep them isolated and wondering “what’s wrong with me.” You’ll hear conversations not being shared beyond a whisper in the halls of big law. You’ll discover: * Inspirational stories of lawyers who’ve redefined success on their own terms * Strategies to overcome the common career pitfalls women lawyers get stuck in * Ideas for how to realign work with your deepest values and aspirations Hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst, the WILL Podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire a movement. With WILL Alumni and Guests breaking the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. If you think, “I’ve got to get out of here, but I don’t know what else to do, and I’m trepidatious,” you’ve found a sanctuary. WILL is where doubt transforms into daring, and frustration becomes freedom. WILL Book a Consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

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