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

Olivia "Liv" Ash, a lawyer, artist, author, and health educator, discusses how she blends creativity and advocacy to address loneliness and foster connection. As the founder of Liv Balanced, LLC and author of Painting the Landscape of Loneliness, Liv shares her journey of using art and research to inspire others to embrace vulnerability and self-expression. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how lawyers can leverage their skills and passions to build meaningful, multidimensional careers.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Liv's side hustles as a galleried abstract artist and author exemplify how lawyers can pursue creative passions while maintaining their professional careers. Her art, which is deeply personal and therapeutic, allows her to express emotions and explore themes of connection and isolation. Liv's paintings are not only exhibited in galleries but also featured prominently in her projects, such as the cover of her book, Painting the Landscape of Loneliness.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Liv is a published author whose book explores the epidemic of loneliness and provides strategies for building meaningful connections. She draws from her personal experiences, research, and professional expertise to offer readers a roadmap to self-discovery and healing. Through her side hustles, Liv proves that lawyers can use their skills and passions to create meaningful work that extends far beyond the legal field.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to identify and leverage your legal skills for opportunities outside of traditional practice.
• Why exploring non-traditional career paths can lead to greater fulfillment and alignment with your passions.
• Tips for navigating transitions and managing self-doubt during career changes.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Olivia's personal journey from practicing law to finding a creative and fulfilling career.
• The importance of community and mentorship in career transitions.
• How to balance professional responsibilities with personal growth and exploration.

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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Christine Job, a business strategist and podcast host, shares her inspiring journey of moving to Spain and creating a fulfilling life abroad. In this episode, Christine reveals how she helps women of color build businesses that support professional and financial wellness, and why living abroad can be a pathway to true personal growth. If you've ever dreamed of living internationally while pursuing your passions, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Christine's entrepreneurial journey began in law school when she explored business incubators and started consulting on the side. She discovered that lawyers are uniquely positioned to turn their expertise into thriving businesses by identifying their marketable skills and addressing client needs. Her work now focuses on helping women of color launch businesses abroad, blending her legal and strategic expertise.

Christine encourages lawyers to embrace non-traditional careers, whether through side hustles or full-time ventures. Her approach highlights the importance of aligning your passions with your expertise to create businesses that offer both personal fulfillment and financial freedom.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to build a business abroad using your existing expertise and marketable skills.
• Why professional fulfillment and financial wellness should guide your decisions when moving abroad.
• Tips for crafting a life abroad that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Christine's personal journey to Spain and how she transitioned to entrepreneurship.
• The importance of recognizing your accomplishments and trusting your instincts.
• How Christine's podcast, Flourish in the Foreign, empowers women to tell their stories and embrace their own paths.

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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

Rachel Clar, founder of Interconnected Us, helps women lawyers leverage connections and grow their influence in the legal field. In this episode, Rachel shares actionable insights on networking, confidence building, and creating meaningful professional relationships. Whether you're looking to bring in new business or expand your opportunities, Rachel's advice will inspire you to take the next step in your career.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Rachel Clar's entrepreneurial journey illustrates how side hustles can evolve into full-time careers that align with your passions and skills. Through her coaching business, Interconnected Us, Rachel helps women lawyers leverage their networks, grow their influence, and build careers that reflect their true potential. What began as informal coaching for friends on evenings and weekends became a thriving business, empowering women lawyers to take control of their careers and step into leadership roles with confidence.

Interconnected Us offers women lawyers a structured approach to networking and growth, starting with Rachel's Rainmaking Roadmap, a three-hour intensive designed to solve a specific problem and create a tailored strategy for success. From there, participants can join her mastermind program, where Rachel delves deeper into confidence-building, professional development, and actionable steps to achieve long-term career goals. Her programs are grounded in the belief that lawyers already possess the skills they need to succeed, and with the right mindset and tools, they can unlock incredible opportunities. Rachel's work demonstrates the potential of turning a

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to build and use your network effectively to grow your legal career.
• Why confidence and mindset shifts are critical for professional success.
• Tips for having powerful conversations that lead to business growth and career advancement.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Rachel's journey from practicing law to coaching women lawyers.
• The importance of cultivating kindness in your internal and external boundaries.
• How to reframe self-doubt and use vulnerability as a tool for growth.

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Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

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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

Kate Dwyer, a public interest fellow and legal advocate, shares her bold decision to step off the traditional law school conveyor belt and prioritize her mental health over societal expectations. In this inspiring episode, Kate talks about the realities of failing the bar exam, why the path to becoming a lawyer isn't one-size-fits-all, and how trusting yourself can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Kate's journey demonstrates that a legal career doesn't have to follow a straight path. By stepping back from the bar exam and prioritizing her well-being, she opened herself up to non-traditional roles that still utilize her legal education. For lawyers and law students alike, Kate's story highlights the value of exploring JD-advantage jobs or side hustles that provide fulfillment outside of traditional practice.

Lawyers can combine their passions and practical skills to create meaningful careers without sacrificing their mental health. Whether it's advocacy, public interest work, or project management, Kate encourages others to trust themselves and seek out roles that align with their values and aspirations.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to prioritize your mental health and redefine what success means after law school.
• Why the bar exam does not determine your worth or professional capabilities.
• How to trust yourself when making career decisions and embrace a non-traditional legal path.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Kate's experience working in immigration law and her passion for advocacy.
• The systemic flaws of the bar exam and the importance of reform.
• How social media, like Twitter, can foster community, vulnerability, and validation for lawyers and law students.

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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

Joel Oster, a constitutional lawyer turned stand-up comedian, shares how he combined his passion for public speaking with his legal expertise to create a career he loves. From teaching hilarious CLE courses to arguing cases at the U.S. Supreme Court, Joel's journey is filled with practical advice and laugh-out-loud moments. This episode offers inspiration for lawyers looking to break free from traditional paths and find joy in their work.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Joel's career is a testament to the power of side hustles and blending passions with professional expertise. By merging his love for public speaking and humor with his legal background, Joel created a unique business teaching CLEs and performing legal stand-up comedy. He encourages lawyers to explore creative outlets and think beyond traditional career paths.

Lawyers with side hustles can not only diversify their income but also find new ways to engage with their profession. Joel's approach shows how stepping outside the norm can lead to fulfilling opportunities that still leverage your legal skills.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to leverage your legal skills to create a unique and fulfilling career path.
• Why combining your passions with your professional expertise can lead to incredible opportunities.
• Practical tips for engaging your audience, whether in CLEs, public speaking, or courtroom advocacy.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Joel's experience as a constitutional lawyer arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
• The power of humor in making legal concepts memorable and accessible.
• Lessons on perseverance and risk-taking when shifting career directions.

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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

Alex Mitchell, owner of Cumberland Law Group, shares his journey from law school to building a thriving multi-state law firm specializing in tax defense, criminal defense, and personal injury. In this episode, Alex reveals how strategic networking and authentic connections have propelled his career, offering practical advice for young lawyers and law students looking to grow their legal careers. Whether you're exploring niche practice areas or dreaming of running your own firm, Alex's story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Alex's journey underscores the diverse opportunities a law degree can unlock, including side hustles and non-traditional legal careers. While many law students envision roles at big law firms or in traditional practice areas, Alex points out that the legal profession offers space for entrepreneurial ventures and specialized niches. His own career pivot into tax law highlights how identifying untapped markets can lead to fulfilling and lucrative opportunities. For lawyers seeking alternative paths, Alex recommends embracing the versatility of a law degree and exploring roles in compliance, consulting, or other adjacent fields where legal expertise is highly valued.

Alex also emphasizes the importance of staying open to unexpected opportunities, sharing how his firm expanded during the pandemic by identifying a market gap in North Carolina. His story illustrates how side hustles and non-traditional careers can emerge from networking and strategic decision-making. For those considering a leap outside of traditional practice, Alex's advice is clear: leverage your legal knowledge to create unique solutions and value in spaces where it's most needed.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How strategic networking can open doors and create career-defining opportunities in law.
• Why identifying niche markets, like tax law, can position you as a sought-after expert.
• Practical tips for balancing law firm management with active casework and client representation.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Alex's journey from aspiring prosecutor to tax attorney and multi-state law firm owner.
• The importance of authenticity and building genuine professional relationships.
• Insights into overcoming imposter syndrome and thriving as a first-generation lawyer.

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Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

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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

Kenya Rothstein is an environmental attorney and podcast host who knows firsthand how resilience and rejection can shape a dream career. In this episode, Kenya shares her journey from navigating law school during a pandemic to launching her podcast, Thank You for Saying NO, where she reframes rejection as a powerful opportunity for growth. Join us as Kenya discusses how embracing "no" moments can lead to unexpected paths and inspire lasting success.

Lawyer Side Hustles

For many lawyers, side hustles or non-traditional legal careers offer a way to explore passions beyond the courtroom, and Kenya is no exception. Alongside her work as an environmental attorney, Kenya hosts her podcast, Thank You for Saying NO, where she reframes rejection as an opportunity for growth. Her journey demonstrates how legal skills like research, storytelling, and preparation can seamlessly translate into creative projects, allowing lawyers to pursue fulfilling ventures while maintaining their professional roles.

Kenya's side hustle is more than just a creative outlet—it's a way to connect with others and inspire them to embrace resilience in the face of challenges. She believes lawyers are inherently creative problem-solvers, capable of using their unique skill set to pursue diverse interests and build impactful side businesses. Her story is a testament to the idea that being a lawyer doesn't mean being limited to one identity; instead, it's an opportunity to explore new avenues and redefine what success looks like in the legal field and beyond.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to reframe rejection as an opportunity for growth and resilience.
• Why embracing "no" moments can lead to unexpected career paths and personal success.
• How to balance vulnerability and professionalism in creative pursuits like podcasting.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Kenya's experiences as an environmental attorney and the challenges of litigation.
• How skills from law school translate into other areas like podcasting.
• The unexpected ways life can align when you follow your purpose.

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Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

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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

Kyla Denanyoh is a podcaster, digital educator, and business owner passionate about helping others thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys. In this episode, Kyla shares five must-do strategies for content creators and business owners in 2025, emphasizing the power of being vocal, consistent, and intentional about your work. Through actionable insights and personal anecdotes, she inspires listeners to elevate their brand visibility and embrace new ways to grow their businesses.

Storytelling for Connection

Storytelling is a critical skill for connecting with your audience because it allows you to build genuine relationships, create memorable impressions, and clearly communicate your purpose. As Kyla explains, it's not about fabricating stories or exaggerating, but about crafting authentic narratives that resonate. People are drawn to relatable and engaging accounts that show who you are and what you stand for. Whether it's through a 30-second elevator pitch or a longer conversation, storytelling helps you stand out and make your message unforgettable.

In a world saturated with content, a well-crafted story gives your audience a reason to care. Kyla shares how storytelling sets the tone for your brand, letting people know what you're about and why they should trust you. For her, this means showing business owners how podcasts can be the solution when traditional marketing falls short. By clearly articulating your 'why' and presenting it as part of a relatable narrative, you create a connection that leaves a lasting impact.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to amplify your brand visibility by being vocal and assertive.
• Why storytelling is a critical skill for connecting with your audience.
• The importance of consistency in building trust and recognition.
• How boosting others' brands can strengthen your own.
• The mindset shift needed to commit to doing the work and achieving success.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Why passive marketing produces passive results.
• How Kyla integrates podcasting into everyday conversations.
• Practical ways to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
• Tips for navigating social media algorithms effectively in 2025.

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Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com

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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

Jasmin Robinson is a trailblazing attorney and law school coach dedicated to increasing diversity in the legal profession. In this episode, she shares her journey from being the first lawyer in her family to founding Jas Talks Law, a consulting brand that has helped students secure over $2 million in scholarships. Jasmin emphasizes the importance of personalized guidance in the law school admissions process and her mission to empower future lawyers, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds.

Lawyer Side Hustles

In the podcast episode featuring Attorney Jasmin Robinson, the discussion highlights the growing trend of lawyers engaging in side hustles, particularly through her own venture, Jas Talks Law. This business not only serves as a law school admissions consulting brand but also addresses the significant underrepresentation of Black lawyers in the legal profession. Jasmin's journey exemplifies how lawyers can leverage their expertise to create additional income streams while making a meaningful impact in their communities. By helping aspiring law students secure scholarships and navigate the admissions process, she has successfully combined her passion for law with entrepreneurship.

By establishing side businesses like Jas Talks Law, attorneys can not only enhance their professional fulfillment but also contribute to addressing systemic issues within the legal field. Such initiatives not only empower future lawyers but also allow current practitioners to utilize their skills in innovative ways, ultimately enriching the legal landscape.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The importance of mentorship and guidance in the law school admissions process.
• Strategies for writing compelling personal and diversity statements for law school applications.
• Insights on how to secure scholarships and financial aid for law school, including the significance of eliminating financial barriers.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Jasmin's journey as the first lawyer in her family and her motivation to help future lawyers.
• The challenges and experiences of law school, including the balance between studying and working.
• The creation and success of Jas Talks Law, including the development of workbooks and online courses.

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Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com

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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

Vernon Thomas, a military attorney in the United States Army Reserves and a city prosecutor in New Orleans, shares his unique journey from aspiring English teacher to successful lawyer. In this episode, he reflects on the influence of his father, a prominent attorney, and discusses the importance of analytical skills in legal practice, as well as his unconventional approach to studying for the bar exam. Vernon also emphasizes the value of mentorship and the diverse opportunities that a law degree can provide.

Lawyer Side Hustles

In this episode, the discussion highlights the growing trend of lawyers engaging in side hustles alongside their primary legal practices. Vernon exemplifies this by balancing his role as a municipal prosecutor with a private criminal defense practice. This dual approach not only allows him to diversify his income but also enriches his legal experience. By managing both responsibilities, he gains insights from different areas of law, which ultimately enhances his effectiveness as an attorney.

Thomas's involvement in the Cutting Edge Music Conference illustrates how lawyers can leverage their expertise in niche markets, such as entertainment law, to create additional opportunities. This conference serves as a platform for legal professionals to connect with others in the entertainment industry, providing valuable insights into the complexities of intellectual property and agency relationships. By engaging in such side ventures, lawyers can not only expand their professional networks but also explore their passions outside of traditional legal work. This multifaceted approach to a legal career can lead to greater job satisfaction and a more robust understanding of the law's application in various contexts.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Insights into the unique experiences of a military attorney and the differences between military and civilian law practices
• The importance of analytical skills in law and how they can be applied in various legal contexts
• The significance of mentorship and learning from family legacies in the legal profession

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The impact of family background on career choices and the advantages of having a legal mentor
• The role of the Cutting Edge Music Conference in educating about entertainment law and the evolving landscape of digital content
• Advice for prospective law students, emphasizing that it's never too late to pursue a legal education and the importance of hard work and dedication

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