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

Kyla Denanyoh
  • 5.0 (24)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
You Are A Lawyer: Take Risks and Change Careers in Law

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. How to Pay Yourself and Still Grow Your Firm feat. Frances Joseph

    6D AGO

    How to Pay Yourself and Still Grow Your Firm feat. Frances Joseph

    Frances Joseph is a fractional CFO who helps law firm owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. With a deep understanding of both accounting and mindset, Frances joins the show to talk about why lawyers need to stop treating their business like an afterthought and start building something sustainable. This episode is a must-listen for anyone running—or dreaming of running—a law firm. Financial Mindset & Profit First Frances is a firm believer in "Profit First"—a model that flips traditional accounting on its head. Instead of treating profit as what’s left over, her clients decide on their profit upfront and spend only what’s left after setting that money aside. “The regular accounting formula is revenue minus expenses equals profit. And we're now saying revenue minus profits equals expenses,” shares Frances Joseph in Episode 191 of You Are a Lawyer.She also helps clients deal with money shame, scarcity mindsets, and the fear of being financially visible. For Frances, numbers aren’t scary—they’re powerful tools. She makes accounting approachable and fun, and she helps lawyers feel in control of their future. LISTEN TO LEARN How and when to hire a CFO for your firmWhat it means to create a profitable business from day oneThe mindset shift that makes lawyers confident about moneyWE ALSO DISCUSS What it looks like to exit your law firm, even years from nowWhy lawyers often fear financial visibility—and how to overcome itHow the "Profit First" method helps law firm owners take control 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

    24 min
  2. How To Reflect, Reinvent, and Keep Talking feat. Kyla Denanyoh

    APR 24

    How To Reflect, Reinvent, and Keep Talking feat. Kyla Denanyoh

    What do type A lawyers, podcast editing, sweet delusion, and four different recording cities have in common? Kyla Denanyoh. In this solo episode, Kyla celebrates her 10-year law school graduation anniversary and the 5-year milestone of the You Are A Lawyer podcast by sharing 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about her. From launching a podcast with no experience to accidentally becoming a manager again, this is a personal, honest, and very Kyla conversation about risk, creativity, and the joy of just talking. Lawyer Side Hustles You Are A Lawyer started as a passion project and quickly became Kyla’s side hustle. Then it became a business. Now, she runs podcast editing services, offers LinkedIn strategy and social media support, and works exclusively with business owners and creatives who are building something worth talking about. “I work with business owners... You are an author, you're selling books, you are trying to get monetized... Sharing your story will just boost everything else,” shares Kyla Denanyoh in Episode 190 of You Are a Lawyer.And yes—she loves editing. She talks about it like writing a letter, like storytelling with scissors. She's not afraid to slice up an audio file, reframe a conversation, or make something clearer. That’s where her creativity shines. And that’s what keeps this podcast growing, season after season. LISTEN TO LEARN Why risk-taking gets easier with practice (and why Kyla actually enjoys it now)What she never expected to do—but is doing anyway (hint: managing a team, editing audio, running a business…)How her love of words led her to create a podcast that’s now in its 13th season WE ALSO DISCUSS Why she only edits podcasts for business owners (and why it’s a hell yes)How delusion, when used correctly, is a strategyThe surprising ways creativity shows up—even when you’re a “classically trained lawyer” 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

    11 min
  3. How To Embrace Career Growth Without Burning Out feat. Anna Krolikowska

    APR 17

    How To Embrace Career Growth Without Burning Out feat. Anna Krolikowska

    Anna Krolikowska is a divorce attorney, mediator, and past president of the Illinois State Bar Association. In this thoughtful and candid episode, Anna shares how she transitioned from litigation to collaborative law, navigated new motherhood while leading 30,000+ lawyers statewide, and built a career that supports her life, not the other way around. This is a powerful listen for anyone wondering if they can have it all—or what “all” should really look like. Lawyer Side Hustles In addition to leading her firm and bar association, Anna is also a published author. After her presidency, she asked herself, ‘What’s the next stage in the life of Anna?’ The answer: writing. She contributed to The Everyday Woman’s Guide to Thrive in Your Busy Life and The Iconic Woman’s Guide to Empowerment, using her chapters to speak directly to women navigating divorce and professional burnout. “Life is short and there are so many different opportunities available to us... If you remain open to possibilities, people will cross your path,” shares Anna Krolikowska in Episode 189 of You Are a Lawyer.Through her writing, Anna encourages other women to embrace imperfect balance, financial empowerment, and self-trust. Whether it’s a dance party in your living room or a career pivot into something unexpected, she believes joy is a valid goal—and that being present with your family and your clients can (and should) coexist. LISTEN TO LEARN How to pursue bar leadership while navigating parenting and burnoutWhat collaborative law is and why it transformed Anna’s legal practiceWhy you shouldn’t ignore opportunities just because you’re scaredWE ALSO DISCUSS How to build your personal brand as a woman in lawWhy being visible as a parent in legal leadership mattersHow law students and young lawyers can cast a wider net for their careers 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

    21 min
  4. How To Build a Creative Career Brick by Brick feat. Nathan Sawaya (May 2022)

    APR 10

    How To Build a Creative Career Brick by Brick feat. Nathan Sawaya (May 2022)

    Nathan Sawaya is a world-renowned brick artist who left his career as a corporate lawyer to follow his childhood passion—creating art out of LEGO bricks. In this episode, Nathan shares how law school gave him the critical thinking and risk-assessment skills to launch a creative business, why he let his law license expire, and what it really takes to bet on yourself. His story is a powerful reminder that you can build your dream life, one brick—and one bold decision—at a time. Lawyer Side Hustles What started as a creative outlet—experimenting with LEGO bricks after long days at the office—eventually became Nathan’s full-time career and artistic identity. He didn't wait for permission or a perfect plan; he started small, shared his work online, and let passion guide the pivot. When his website crashed from too many visitors, he took it as a sign and made the leap. “I didn’t want that safety net... I let my license expire and just went for it,” shares Nathan Sawaya in Episode 188 of You Are a Lawyer.Today, he’s not just a brick artist—he’s a bestselling author, international exhibitor, and producer on LEGO Masters. His exhibitions tour the world, and his book The Art of the Brick: A Life in LEGO reveals the thought and emotion behind his sculptures. His story is the ultimate side hustle success—proof that your 5–9 can become your life’s work when you dare to go all in. LISTEN TO LEARN Why trusting your creative instincts can lead to unexpected successHow law school prepares you for entrepreneurship—even in the artsWhat it really takes to walk away from a traditional career with no safety netWE ALSO DISCUSS The importance of identifying which risks are worth takingWhat lawyers can learn from artists (and vice versa)Why letting go of “the backup plan” might be your best move yet 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

    17 min
  5. How To Pivot With Purpose and Confidence feat. Danielle Lyn

    APR 3

    How To Pivot With Purpose and Confidence feat. Danielle Lyn

    Danielle Lyn is a practicing attorney, coach, speaker, and podcast host who is boldly redefining what career success looks like. In this honest and energizing episode, Danielle shares her transition from corporate law to a more aligned life of coaching and creating content that empowers others. Whether you’re a law student feeling boxed in or a mid-career professional exploring a pivot, this episode is a must-listen. Lawyer Side Hustles Danielle is the founder and host of Redefined Radio, a podcast and creative space where she tells her story, shares mindset tips, and highlights others who have pivoted from traditional careers. What began as a quiet dream rooted in her love for music and performance has evolved into a powerful platform that fuels her passion and helps others see what’s possible. “Let’s just do it for no other reason because it’s fulfilling to you. And whatever comes from it, comes from it,” shares Danielle Lyn in Episode 187 of You Are a Lawyer.Through the podcast—and her coaching and speaking work—Danielle is using her voice to bridge the gap between what people do and who they truly are. She’s reclaiming her creativity, reimagining success, and helping others feel seen in the process. LISTEN TO LEARN Why casting a wide net is one of the most strategic things you can do in your legal careerHow to overcome imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs while transitioning careersThe importance of defining success for yourself—not your school, your firm, or your parents WE ALSO DISCUSS How HBCU pride and mentorship fuel Danielle’s commitment to helping othersWhat law school doesn’t teach you about the actual practice of lawHow creativity and storytelling can reignite your purpose and serve your career long-term 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

    35 min
  6. How to Embrace Career Evolution and Follow Your Curiosity feat. Juliet Peters

    MAR 27

    How to Embrace Career Evolution and Follow Your Curiosity feat. Juliet Peters

    Juliet Peters has never been afraid to reinvent herself. She started in journalism, moved into litigation, transitioned to in-house counsel, and now runs Framework Legal, a business law firm helping entrepreneurs navigate transactions and growth. Throughout her career, curiosity has been her greatest asset—leading her to explore new industries, embrace change, and design a career that fits her strengths. In this episode, Juliet shares why lawyers should lean into career evolution, how asking the right questions leads to success, and why flexibility is the key to longevity in law. Lawyer Side Hustles Juliet’s work extends beyond legal services—she is also a coach and mentor, working with women entrepreneurs to navigate leadership, business ownership, and growth. She believes that women bring unique strengths to leadership but often face structural and societal challenges in scaling their businesses. “Women do way better in communities. When they create and build a community, everyone in that community rises,” shares Juliet Peters in Episode 186 of You Are a Lawyer.As she pivots her career again, she is focusing more on coaching, leadership development, and media work. Returning to her journalism roots, she plans to build a media platform focused on educating and supporting women business owners. She encourages lawyers to embrace side businesses that align with their interests, whether in writing, coaching, or creating digital platforms to share knowledge. LISTEN TO LEARN How curiosity can shape a legal career that evolves with youWhy embracing change, rather than resisting it, leads to better career satisfactionHow asking the right questions—whether in journalism, law, or business—can open doors to new opportunitiesWE ALSO DISCUSS Juliet’s career pivots from journalism to litigation to business lawWhy flexibility and a growth mindset are critical in legal and business careersThe art of curiosity—how asking the right questions leads to smarter decisions and better business outcomes 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

    32 min
  7. How to Turn Your Legal Expertise Into Multiple Revenue Streams feat. Susan Guthrie (April 2022)

    MAR 20

    How to Turn Your Legal Expertise Into Multiple Revenue Streams feat. Susan Guthrie (April 2022)

    Susan Guthrie spent decades as a successful family law attorney, but when life pushed her to relocate and reimagine her career, she embraced innovation instead of starting over. Now, she’s a nationally recognized mediation expert, online business owner, and podcast host, helping legal professionals expand their skills beyond traditional practice. In this episode, Susan shares how she transitioned from courtroom litigation to a thriving mediation business, the importance of leveraging technology in law, and why attorneys should think bigger when it comes to using their expertise. Lawyer Side Hustles Susan’s career pivot didn’t just lead her to mediation—it led her to building multiple successful businesses. When she first moved her practice online, colleagues started asking her how she did it, which led to the creation of Learn to Mediate Online, a training program that has now educated thousands of professionals. “People kept coming back and saying, ‘Well, what more can you teach me?’ So I started creating programs on online marketing, website development, and podcasting. It all grew from people asking me for more information,” shares Susan Guthrie in Episode 185 of You Are a Lawyer.In addition to her mediation training programs, Susan also hosts The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, where she shares insights on family law, conflict resolution, and life after divorce. Her businesses show that lawyers can generate income and build authority in their field through education, media, and digital services. LISTEN TO LEARN How to transition from litigation to mediation and build a thriving practiceWhy online mediation and digital tools are changing the legal industryHow to use your legal knowledge to create multiple income streamsWE ALSO DISCUSS Susan’s career shift from traditional law firm life to entrepreneurshipThe biggest challenges lawyers face when moving into mediationHow to build a brand and business beyond billable hours 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

    32 min
  8. How to Turn Your Experiences Into a Powerful Story feat. Mark C. Fava

    MAR 13

    How to Turn Your Experiences Into a Powerful Story feat. Mark C. Fava

    Mark C. Fava has had a career unlike most lawyers. A former naval flight officer, aviation lawyer, and now a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace manufacturing company, Mark has spent decades leading in high-pressure environments. His new book, Lessons from the Admiral, Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, shares leadership insights from his time working with an admiral and how those lessons apply to law, business, and life. In this episode, we dive into his career pivots, risk-taking, and why understanding people—not just legal rules—is the key to success. Lawyer Side Hustles Mark’s career has been defined by leadership, storytelling, and mentorship—all of which led him to his side hustle as an author and speaker. His book, Lessons from the Admiral, Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, is not just a collection of naval stories—it’s a leadership guide for professionals, including lawyers, looking to refine their decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills. “The same habits I learned as an admiral's aide transferred almost flawlessly to being a lawyer... It's very simple things, being on time, striving for perfection, knowing the audience, knowing the people in the room,” shares Mark C. Fava in Episode 183 of You Are a Lawyer.Beyond writing, Mark C. Fava speaks at industry events, law schools, and leadership conferences, sharing insights from his military and legal career. His side hustles allow him to combine his passion for mentorship with his expertise in leadership and law, proving that lawyers can build fulfilling careers outside of traditional practice. LISTEN TO LEARN How leadership skills from the military translate into law and businessWhy taking strategic career risks leads to greater opportunitiesHow to develop relationships that open doors and create long-term success WE ALSO DISCUSS Mark C. Fava’s experience as a naval flight officer and aviation lawyerThe process of writing Lessons from the Admiral and its biggest takeawaysHow storytelling and strategic thinking shape great leadership in law 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

    25 min
See All (200)

Trailer

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada