Victoria Collier, a lawyer and founder of Quid Pro Quo, specializes in helping lawyers buy and sell law firms, as well as coaching law firms on how to build value and become sellable in the future. In this conversation, Victoria shares her journey of selling her own law firm, the importance of education and options in the legal industry, and the power of niching down and finding your expertise within a niche. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of law firm buying and selling.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Quid Pro Quo, founded by Victoria Collier, is a unique business that specializes in helping lawyers buy and sell law firms. With a focus on providing coaching, valuations, and guidance on building law firms with future sellability, Quid Pro Quo offers a comprehensive range of services to support lawyers in their transition. Victoria's own experience of selling her law firm in 2020 and her early success in helping others sell their firms inspired her to start the business. Through her podcast, Smart Lawyers Position to Transition, Victoria aims to educate lawyers about their options and the process of selling a law firm. She emphasizes the importance of positioning oneself for a successful sale and highlights the various ways lawyers can exit their firms, whether by stepping back from their role or completely exiting the firm.

Quid Pro Quo's mission is to empower lawyers with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their law firms and successfully navigate the process of selling or transitioning their practices.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The valuation process for selling a law firm
• Different ways to exit a law firm
• The importance of education and options when it comes to selling law firm

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Adapting leadership skills for virtual teams
• The process of selling a law firm using Facebook
• Finding a niche area of 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

Erin Potempa-Wall, a lawyer turned beauty brand founder, shares her journey from practicing law to starting her own beauty company. She shares her experiences as a prosecutor and former law firm owner, her passion for equity and civil rights, and how her philosophy background helped shape her advocacy approach.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

After law school, Erin worked as a prosecutor before starting her own law firm with a classmate. However, she wanted to start something new and build a brand to bring good into the world. Erin founded The Beachwaver Co., a beauty company specializing in rotating curling irons and vegan haircare products, alongside her sisters. Erin's legal background was instrumental in protecting the company's ideas and ensuring proper legal compliance.

The Beachwaver Co. focuses on innovation, accessibility, empowerment, and sustainability. Erin emphasizes that feminism is about supporting women and men to be who they want to be and doing what makes them fulfilled. The company aims to provide confidence and opportunities for individuals to pursue their passions.

Erin credits her legal education for providing a strong foundation in contract review, negotiation, and finding her voice. She believes that law school helped her develop the skills necessary to run a business and make informed decisions.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The importance of finding your voice and advocating for yourself and others
• How to see potential career changes and pursue different paths
• What it means to support brands that align with sustainability and empowerment

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Equality, civil rights, and advocating for children’s rights
• Building a feminist beauty company
• How to fully actualize your potential

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

Keith Ligori, managing partner and founder of Ligori & Ligori Law Firm, shares his journey from working in the state attorney's office to building a successful personal injury practice. With a passion for trial advocacy and a dedication to helping clients, Keith discusses the importance of courtroom experience, family members as co-workers, and advice for young lawyers looking to make their mark in the legal profession. 

What You Can Do With a Law Degree

According to Keith, there are several things you can do with a law degree. One option is to specialize in a specific area of law, such as personal injury, criminal defense, or family law. By diving into a particular field, you can become an expert and significantly impact your clients' lives. 

Another option is to explore marketing and public relations opportunities within the legal industry. Having a background in marketing can help you effectively promote yourself and your firm without resorting to cheesy advertising tactics. Additionally, getting involved in professional organizations and attending seminars can help you stay on top of the law and build relationships with other lawyers in the community.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Why marketing and PR are essential for lawyers
• The value of gaining courtroom experience in criminal law and personal injury law
• Advice specifically for law students and young lawyers

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The rewards and challenges of trial advocacy
• Finding passion in legal practice
• The benefits of working for yourself and opening your own law firm

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

Dan Reilly, the co-founder of Legably, a platform that connects lawyers, paralegals, and law students with short-term freelance opportunities, joins the You Are a Lawyer Podcast this week. Dan shares the story behind Legably's creation, the challenges of introducing freelance platforms to the legal profession, and how the platform revolutionizes how attorneys and legal professionals work. 

What You Can Do With a Law Degree

A law degree opens possibilities and allows individuals to pursue various career paths. As Dan, the co-founder of Legably, mentioned in the podcast episode, "The true answer is you really can do anything." Whether practicing law in a firm, working in-house for a company, starting your own business, or even transitioning into a different field, the skills and knowledge gained from a law degree are precious. New lawyers must keep their options open, explore other areas of interest, and be open to new opportunities. The key is to find what aligns with your passions and strengths and to adapt and continuously evolve in your career journey.

This highlights the versatility of a law degree and its applicability beyond traditional legal practice. The critical thinking, analytical skills, and attention to detail developed through legal education can be valuable assets in various industries and professions. So, whether you choose to practice law or venture into other fields, a law degree provides a solid foundation and opens doors to many opportunities.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• About the creation and purpose of Legably
• Benefits of using Legably for solo practitioners and law firms
• The availability of Legably and how to access it

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The challenges of introducing freelance platforms in the legal profession
• Advice for new lawyers exploring different areas of law, finding their niche
• The importance of understanding the business aspect of practicing 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

Sarah Cottrell, founder of the Former Lawyer Podcast, discusses the challenges and identity struggles that lawyers often face, the misconceptions surrounding the legal profession, and the importance of exploring alternative career paths. Sarah shares her journey from practicing law to becoming an entrepreneur and offers valuable insights for lawyers seeking fulfillment outside traditional legal practice. Tune in to gain insights into the nuances of being a lawyer and the importance of setting boundaries.

What You Can Do With a Law Degree

According to Sarah, there are various options for individuals with a law degree beyond practicing law. She emphasizes different ways to help and advocate for people, and being a lawyer is just one avenue. Sarah encourages individuals to explore their motivations and values when assisting others, as numerous career paths can align with those goals. She also highlights the importance of understanding that being a lawyer is not the only way to make a meaningful impact and that there are many fulfilling options outside the legal profession.

Sarah shares that a law degree opens up many possibilities and that individuals should not limit themselves to traditional legal roles. It encourages law students and lawyers to think outside the box and consider alternative career paths that align with their interests, values, and strengths.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Some of the myths of big law
• Why therapy is essential for self-discovery
• How to transition from lawyer to entrepreneur

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The narrow ideas of achievement and career paths
• Alternative career choices for lawyers
• How law school can sometimes limit self-expression

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

Tramelle Howard, an external relations and policy manager, lawyer, and East Baton Rouge school board member, shares his journey from aspiring sports reporter to advocate for equity in education. He discusses his transition from law school to his current role and offers valuable insights on the importance of public-facing work. 

Creating Your Career Path

Despite initially pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, Tramelle's passion for education led him to change his trajectory and focus on advocating for students. His story highlights the importance of creating a career path that aligns with your passions. He recognized that he could significantly impact students' lives by working in education policy rather than practicing family law.

Tramelle’s journey serves as a reminder that following a traditional career path is not always the best option. He emphasizes the need to create your way and not be limited by societal expectations or norms. By doing so, individuals can find fulfillment and happiness in their work, even if it deviates from the traditional route. Tramelle's success as an external relations and policy manager and as a school board member demonstrates that pursuing your passions and creating your career path can lead to meaningful and impactful work.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Why it is essential to create your career path
• The power of diverse advocacy and representation
• How a law degree can have value in non-traditional legal roles

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Finding a career path that aligns with your passions
• Education policies are practices that work towards equity in education 
• Influencing hiring practices in education

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.co

Alyssa Devine, founder of Purple Fox Legal, shares her journey from initially wanting to be a veterinarian to discovering her passion for intellectual property law and entrepreneurship. She advises law students and young lawyers on building relationships, embracing change, and finding the right career fit. The episode highlights the significance of developing skills while also understanding when it's necessary to pivot and find a different path.

What You Can Do With a Law Degree

As Alyssa Devine highlights in this podcast episode, law students and young lawyers have the opportunity to explore different areas of law and develop a vast network of connections. Alyssa advises law students to not only focus on the legal field but also to build relationships with business owners and professionals from other industries. 

With a law degree, individuals can pursue careers in various fields, such as litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, entertainment law, and more. They can work in law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations or even start their law firms or businesses. The key is to continuously learn and adapt to the changing landscape of the legal profession. With the right mindset and a willingness to explore different opportunities, individuals with a law degree can carve out successful and fulfilling careers in various fields.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The importance of balancing business and legal considerations
• Why choosing a strong trademark is invaluable
• The origin story of Purple Fox Legal

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Unexpected success in entrepreneurship
• Starting a business after the pandemic
• Changing careers and taking risks

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

Daniel Callahan, a highly successful trial lawyer based in California, has a truly remarkable legal career. With a track record of securing massive verdicts and awards, including the second-highest verdict in Orange County history, Dan shares his secrets to success, emphasizing the importance of preparation, creativity, and hard work. We also learn about his consulting company, Callahan Consulting Group, where he offers mentorship and case matching services to fellow attorneys. 

Preparation and creativity are the driving forces behind achieving success, as highlighted by Dan Callahan in this episode. The importance of thorough preparation cannot be overstated. By taking the time to diligently prepare, one can anticipate challenges, gather necessary information, and develop a solid foundation for success. 

As Callahan emphasizes, it is crucial to tackle tasks promptly and not procrastinate, as tomorrow's uncertainties may hinder progress. By completing tasks in a timely manner, individuals create space for creativity to flourish. Being creative allows for innovative problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and finding unique approaches to achieve desired outcomes. By combining preparation and creativity, individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable results in their endeavors.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Why creativity is important in legal practice
• The importance of preparation and hard work
• What role punitive damages has in legal cases

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Details about the high-profile case involving a $934 million verdict
• Advice for law students and new lawyers
• Marketing strategies for lawyers

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

Lisa Gill, a business owner, law firm owner, and consultant shares her non-traditional path to law school, her experiences in the legal profession, and her passion for helping small business owners navigate the legal landscape. She also discusses her consultancy, Graygill Consulting, which focuses on empowering women and providing guidance on legal and financial matters. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Lisa's unique journey and expertise.

Unlocking the Power of a Law Degree: Empowering Change and Navigating the Legal Landscape

Lisa Gill shares her non-traditional journey into the legal profession and highlights the transformative power of a law degree. With a law degree, individuals have the opportunity to make a real impact, whether it's advocating for clients, shaping legislation, or providing valuable legal guidance to businesses. The possibilities are endless, and the skills acquired in law school, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, can be applied to various fields and endeavors.

Navigating the legal landscape can be complex, but with a law degree, individuals have the tools to navigate the intricacies of the legal system and make a difference. As Lisa's story demonstrates, a law degree opens doors to diverse career paths, from practicing law in a traditional firm setting to starting a consultancy or even pursuing a career in politics. The legal knowledge and skills gained through law school provide a solid foundation for success in various industries and empower individuals to effect change, advocate for justice, and make a positive impact on society. So, whether you choose to practice law, start your own business, or pursue a different path, a law degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Why speaking up and sharing your voice makes a positive impact
• About the process of starting a law firm
• The significance of prenuptial agreements and financial literacy for women

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The impact of the pandemic on the legal profession
• Why it’s important to get involved with the bar association
• What it’s like being married to a 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

Kyla Denanyoh shares her motivation for starting the podcast and how her legal education has impacted her career. She discusses the lack of content and conversations surrounding law school graduates who have not passed or chosen not to take the bar exam, and her desire to create a space for these individuals. Kyla also shares her personal journey, from her childhood dream of becoming a defense attorney to her current role as the operations manager of a law firm. Join us as we explore the stories of law school graduates who have forged their own paths to career success.

Creating a Community for Law School Graduates

From Kyla’s desire to create a space for law school graduates who have not passed or chosen not to take the bar exam, the You Are A Lawyer podcast was born. The podcast aims to celebrate the stories of law school graduates who have created their own paths to career success, regardless of their bar exam status.

Kyla’s own experience of not passing the bar exam and feeling a sense of disappointment and uncertainty also motivated the creation of the podcast. She shares how she initially grieved the fact that she had not passed the bar exam and didn't want to talk about law school or the bar. However, Kyla eventually realized that as a law school graduate, she was still a lawyer. This realization led her to embrace her law degree and share her experiences with others. The You Are A Lawyer podcast aims to provide a platform for law school graduates to share their stories and inspire others who may be navigating their own paths to career success.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The motivation behind the You Are A Lawyer podcast
• The importance of community for non-barred law school graduates
• How a law school graduate is still a lawyer, despite bar exam results

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Common struggles in finding career success for law school graduates
• Kyla’s personal journey from childhood dream to now
• The definition of a 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