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

Kyla Denanyoh

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. Ranked at 17 of the Top 90 Legal Podcasts, this podcast 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: kyla@youarealawyer.com.

  1. Save Your Relationships with Mediation or Divorce Like a Pro (February 2023)

    6일 전

    Save Your Relationships with Mediation or Divorce Like a Pro (February 2023)

    Debra Whitson is a New York-based attorney, former prosecutor, family law mediator, and author of Divorce Like a Pro. In this conversation, she shares how mediation offers a healthier alternative to courtroom battles—and why divorce doesn’t have to destroy families. With decades of experience, Debra helps clients find clarity, peace, and dignity in even the most difficult transitions. LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES Debra’s side hustle became a calling: she wrote Divorce Like a Pro to provide an accessible, empowering guide for anyone going through separation or family breakdown. The book distills her real-world experience into practical advice and it’s a resource she wishes more people had earlier. “I wrote the book because I found myself saying the same things over and over again to clients… there are better ways.,” shares Debra Whitson in Episode 75 of You Are a Lawyer.When she’s not running her practice or writing, Debra is a global advocate for women’s rights through Zonta International. Her passion for service, travel, and equity informs her entire professional ethos, from her client relationships to her vision of justice. LISTEN TO LEARN Why courtroom litigation often makes family issues worse, not betterHow mediation can lead to reconciliationThe biggest myths Debra wants to debunk about divorce and conflict WE ALSO DISCUSS Debra’s early career as a prosecutor and what pushed her to shift pathsHer book Divorce Like a Pro and why she felt called to write itHow international travel and service work shaped her career and values Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit 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 Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

    22분
  2. Reinventing Your Legal Career Through Coaching

    9월 18일

    Reinventing Your Legal Career Through Coaching

    Elise Holtzman left Big Law to raise her children, without a clear roadmap for what came next. Now she’s a leadership coach and founder of The Lawyer’s Edge, helping lawyers build confidence, develop business skills, and grow professionally. In this episode, Elise shares the mindset shifts that led her from practicing law to coaching those still in the field. LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES What began as a curiosity became a calling. Elise explored executive coaching and soon realized she could use her background in law to serve other lawyers. That side interest eventually became The Lawyer’s Edge, which she now runs full-time, offering coaching programs, firm-wide trainings, and a popular podcast. “I didn’t set out to start a business. I set out to help people,” Elise Holtzman shares in Episode 210 of You Are a Lawyer.Elise’s story shows how side projects can evolve into full-fledged careers. By paying attention to what energized her, and what drained her, she built a business that supports both her clients and her life. She encourages other lawyers to give themselves permission to try something new, even if it starts small. LISTEN TO LEARN How to overcome the fear of leaving traditional law practiceWhat lawyers actually need when it comes to leadership and business developmentHow to build a coaching business tailored to legal professionals WE ALSO DISCUSS The identity crisis many lawyers face when stepping away from the professionWhy law school doesn’t prepare you to be a leader or entrepreneurHow to balance motherhood and career reinvention Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit 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 Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

    27분
  3. Building a Legal Tech Startup from Law School

    9월 11일

    Building a Legal Tech Startup from Law School

    Lamia Rahman is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of SEEKR, a tech startup creating wearable AI devices for the blind. In this inspiring episode, Lamia shares her journey from law school in Hong Kong to the front lines of legal tech, accessibility, and advocacy. LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES SEEKR began as a passion project and has since grown into a globally recognized AI startup. The company develops wearable devices that help blind and visually impaired users navigate the world more independently. Lamia co-founded SEEKR during her law degree, blending her passion for tech with her desire to serve. “It was a small idea at first. Now we’re building something that’s used across countries. That’s wild,” Lamia Rahman shares in Episode 209 of You Are a LawyerMore than a “side hustle,” SEEKR is a mission-driven business, fueled by Lamia’s belief that tech should be inclusive and empathetic. In the episode, she shares what it’s like to build a team, pitch to investors, and develop AI that solves real-world problems, all while still figuring out what comes next in her legal career. LISTEN TO LEARN How Lamia co-founded an AI startup that creates wearable tools for the blindWhy legal knowledge helps entrepreneurs navigate business growthHow public speaking and networking open unexpected career doors WE ALSO DISCUSS Her experience studying law in Hong Kong as an international studentHow being a woman of color in tech and law shaped her journeyWays to combine social justice, accessibility, and innovation Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit 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 Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

    31분
  4. How To Grow a Thriving Multi-Practice Law Firm feat. Daniel Rosenberg

    9월 4일

    How To Grow a Thriving Multi-Practice Law Firm feat. Daniel Rosenberg

    Daniel Rosenberg is a former prosecutor and defense attorney turned novelist who’s turning real-life courtroom experience into gripping legal thrillers. In this episode, he shares how his background in acting and law helped him build a successful writing career, why COVID was the creative catalyst he needed, and how his novels teach readers about the legal system, without getting lost in legalese. LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES Daniel’s side hustle as an author didn’t just stem from a love of books—it came from lived experience. Drawing from real cases he prosecuted and defended, he built compelling plots that read like fiction but are grounded in courtroom realism. He even test-ran his early manuscripts with a jury of trusted friends and lawyers for feedback. “Write what you know… because I can spot right away someone who’s never been in a courtroom,” Daniel Rosenberg shares in Episode 208 of You Are a LawyerHe also manages his own publishing relationships and book marketing, blending legal savvy with entrepreneurial spirit. From book signings to readings to podcast interviews, Daniel shows that you can take a legal career and build something entirely new, without leaving your skills behind. LISTEN TO LEARN How courtroom experience can shape compelling legal thrillersWhy creative skills are valuable assets in a legal careerHow to write fiction that’s both entertaining and educational WE ALSO DISCUSS The role of performance and storytelling in trial workHow Daniel's background in acting helped him excel in law and writingPractical advice for lawyers who want to write books or pursue creative paths Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit 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 Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

    23분
  5. How to Advocate for Food Justice Through Law feat. Candace Spencer (November 2021)

    8월 28일

    How to Advocate for Food Justice Through Law feat. Candace Spencer (November 2021)

    Candace Spencer is a legal consultant, mediator, and food justice advocate based in Washington, D.C. With a unique blend of legal insight and a lifelong passion for food, Candace has built a career at the intersection of environmental mediation, sustainable agriculture, and racial equity. In this episode, she shares how she’s using her legal background to support Black farmers, empower dairy-free living, and reshape the food system from the inside out. LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES Candace’s side hustles are anything but side projects; they’re deeply aligned with her mission. Her YouTube series SSpilled Milk educates and uplifts the dairy-free community with humour and heart. She also creates downloadable legal guides for small food entrepreneurs, helping people start businesses with confidence. “It means so much to me when my friends include me with dairy-free options. That’s what Spilled Milk is about—making that kind of support easier for everyone,” shares Candace Spencer in Episode 37 of You Are a Lawyer. Whether she’s consulting on food policy or baking allergen-friendly desserts, Candace is creating systems of care. Her legal and creative ventures work in harmony, bringing clarity, inclusivity, and joy to underserved communities. LISTEN TO LEARN Why legal skills can support advocacy work outside traditional law firm rolesHow Candace empowers people through food-focused legal consultingWhat it means to find creative freedom and impact in your legal career WE ALSO DISCUSS The flaws Candace saw in traditional legal educationWhy dairy-free living is about more than dietary restrictionHow Black farmers and food entrepreneurs can benefit from accessible legal tools Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit 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 Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

    27분
  6. How to Find New Purpose After a Legal Career feat. A.X. Foster

    8월 21일

    How to Find New Purpose After a Legal Career feat. A.X. Foster

    A.X. Foster is a former prosecutor and defense attorney turned novelist who’s turning real-life courtroom experience into gripping legal thrillers. In this episode, he shares how his background in acting and law helped him build a successful writing career, why COVID was the creative catalyst he needed, and how his novels teach readers about the legal system, without getting lost in legalese. LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES A.X.’s side hustle as an author didn’t just stem from a love of books—it came from lived experience. Drawing from real cases he prosecuted and defended, he built compelling plots that read like fiction but are grounded in courtroom realism. He even test-ran his early manuscripts with a jury of trusted friends and lawyers for feedback. “Write what you know… because I can spot right away someone who’s never been in a courtroom,” A.X. Foster shares in Episode 206 of You Are a Lawyer. He also manages his own publishing relationships and book marketing, blending legal savvy with entrepreneurial spirit. From book signings to readings to podcast interviews, A.X. shows that you can take a legal career and build something entirely new, without leaving your skills behind. LISTEN TO LEARN How courtroom experience can shape compelling legal thrillersWhy creative skills are valuable assets in a legal careerHow to write fiction that’s both entertaining and educational WE ALSO DISCUSS The role of performance and storytelling in trial workHow A.X.'s background in acting helped him excel in law and writingPractical advice for lawyers who want to write books or pursue creative paths Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit 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 Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

    23분
  7. How to Take the Leap from Big Law to Solo Practice feat. Gary Martoccio

    8월 14일

    How to Take the Leap from Big Law to Solo Practice feat. Gary Martoccio

    Gary Martoccio is an employment lawyer and solo practitioner who left a large firm after 12 years to build his own plaintiffs-side practice. In this episode, Gary shares what it’s like to advocate for employees, run your own firm, and earn multiple state licenses through bar exams and reciprocity. If you’re curious about employment law or considering going solo, this episode gives a real-world perspective you won’t find in law school. WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A LAW DEGREE Gary’s journey shows how a law degree can provide both structure and flexibility. Even if your first idea doesn’t stick (or your clients don’t make it to the big leagues), your training equips you with skills to succeed in high-stakes environments. “Don’t just limit yourself to traditional practice… it truly sets you up for so many different avenues," shared Gary Martoccio on Episode 205 of You Are a Lawyer. Today, Gary practices employment law across multiple states thanks to a smart mix of bar exams and reciprocity. He reminds lawyers and law students that options expand when you take strategic risks early on and the earlier you pivot toward work that feels aligned, the better. LISTEN TO LEARN How to start and grow your own law firm after working in Big LawWhat it really looks like to practice plaintiffs-side employment lawHow to use bar reciprocity and strategy to gain licensure in multiple statesWE ALSO DISCUSS The emotional and professional payoff of advocating for employeesHow to tell if your law firm (or area of law) is a good long-term fitWhy it’s never too late to pivot toward work that energizes you Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit 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 Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

    20분
  8. How to Turn a Law Degree into Freedom feat. Nick Troxel (February 2023)

    8월 7일

    How to Turn a Law Degree into Freedom feat. Nick Troxel (February 2023)

    Nick Troxel is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Troxel Fitch, LLC, a business-focused law firm in Denver. In this episode, he shares how he went from driving Lyft after law school to building a thriving firm with his law school roommate. If you've ever dreamed of starting your own legal business, or wondered if it's worth the ris, this conversation is for you. LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES Nick didn’t have a side hustle in the traditional sense—his firm was the hustle. He and his partner built it in real time, taking every contract and client they could, learning by doing, and stretching every dollar. The early months were full of late nights, part-time jobs, and small wins that added up to something bigger. Over time, that side hustle became a full-fledged, thriving firm. “I didn’t do this to be super rich or anything. I mean, I want freedom. And that’s ultimately what entrepreneurship can give you,” shares Nick Troxel in Episode 76 of You Are a Lawyer. In addition to running his practice, Nick also co-authored How to Be a Lawyer, a book that aims to demystify the transition from law school to practice. His passion for helping new lawyers build sustainable careers has become a core part of his identity. He proves that a non-traditional career doesn’t mean a lesser one. It often means a more fulfilling one, especially when it’s built with intention and courage. LISTEN TO LEARN What it really takes to start a law firm straight out of law schoolWhy lifestyle goals should guide your legal career decisionsHow to build resilience through uncertainty (and global pandemics) WE ALSO DISCUSS Entrepreneurship as a mindset, not just a jobHow to avoid “golden handcuffs” in your careerWhy law students should focus on the life they want—not just the job they think they should take Join the FREE mailing list! Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.  1) Visit 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 Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

    17분

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소개

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. Ranked at 17 of the Top 90 Legal Podcasts, this podcast 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: kyla@youarealawyer.com.

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