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

Jon Groth, a personal injury attorney and managing partner of Groth Law Firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, shares his journey from law school to running a successful practice with a diverse range of cases, including car accidents and vaccine injuries. In this episode, Jon emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and effective communication in the legal profession, while also discussing the unique challenges and rewards of managing a law firm. He highlights the value of connecting with clients from all walks of life and the significance of adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of law and technology.

Lawyer Side Hustles

As Jon Groth discussed in his podcast episode, the legal profession offers unique opportunities for attorneys to leverage their skills beyond traditional practice. For instance, Groth mentioned his experience with marketing himself while he was an associate. This proactive approach not only helped him generate revenue for the firm but also laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to running his own personal injury law firm.

In addition to traditional legal practice, lawyers can engage in various side ventures, such as consulting, teaching, or even creating content through podcasts and social media. Groth's own podcast, Groth Gets It, exemplifies how attorneys can share their knowledge and connect with a broader audience while simultaneously enhancing their personal brand. By embracing these side hustles, lawyers can not only increase their income but also foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development, which Groth emphasizes as essential in the legal field.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The importance of continuous learning and professional development in the legal field.
• How to effectively communicate with diverse clients and professionals.
• Strategies for leveraging technology and social media for law firm marketing.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its application in law firm management.
• The significance of understanding different legal specialties and their complexities.
• The role of mentorship and giving back to the legal community.

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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

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

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Brooke Salazar joins us in this episode to share her inspiring journey as a first-generation lawyer and business owner. With a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Brooke discusses the importance of authentic networking and sponsorship in building a successful career, as well as her insights on navigating the complexities of compliance and employee benefits. Tune in to hear her valuable advice for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in the legal field.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Lawyers increasingly seek side hustles to diversify their income and explore their passions outside of traditional legal practice. As Brooke Salazar highlighted in her conversation, many attorneys find fulfillment in leveraging their unique skills and experiences to create additional revenue streams. For instance, Brooke mentioned her own journey of running a law firm while also writing a book aimed at first-generation professionals. This dual focus not only allows her to share valuable insights but also helps her connect with a broader audience who may benefit from her experiences.

Brooke emphasized the importance of authenticity in building a side business, underscoring the idea that successful side hustles for lawyers often stem from genuine relationships and a clear understanding of one's strengths. By engaging in side projects that resonate with their personal and professional values, lawyers can enhance their careers while also contributing positively to their communities.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The importance of sponsorship in advancing your career and how it differs from mentorship.
• Strategies for building authentic connections in professional settings.
• Insights on navigating the complexities of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the workplace.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The challenges faced by first-generation professionals and how to overcome them.
• The impact of personal upbringing on professional identity and confidence.
• The balance between authenticity and professionalism in the legal field.

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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

Daya Naef is a seasoned attorney and the founder of The Success Partner, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping law firms and solo practitioners navigate pivotal stages in their careers. In this episode, Daya shares her journey from construction law to coaching, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, the limitless possibilities for young lawyers, and the value of creative pursuits outside of the legal profession. Join us as we explore how Daya empowers others to find their path and thrive in their legal careers.

Lawyer Side Hustles

In today's evolving legal landscape, many lawyers are exploring side hustles to diversify their income and pursue their passions outside of traditional practice. Daya Naef, founder of The Success Partner, exemplifies this trend by blending her legal expertise with coaching and consulting for law firms. Her business serves as a "co-pilot" for attorneys looking to grow their practices, whether they are solo practitioners or part of a small firm. This approach not only allows lawyers to leverage their skills in new ways but also provides them with the flexibility to explore their interests, such as Daya's passion for art and community engagement.

Daya emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities beyond the conventional legal career path. This mindset encourages young lawyers and law students to consider alternative avenues for their law degrees, such as starting their own businesses or consulting practices. By advocating for themselves and seeking out diverse experiences, lawyers can find fulfillment and success in both their primary careers and side ventures, ultimately enriching their professional lives.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to navigate career transitions and the value of having a co-pilot in your professional journey.
• Insights on work-life balance and setting boundaries in a demanding profession.
• The significance of advocating for oneself in a law firm environment to explore different practice areas.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Daya's journey from construction law to coaching and consulting for law firms.
• The role of creativity in a lawyer's life and how it can enhance overall well-being.
• The benefits of mentorship and coaching for young 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

Chibundu Nnake, a lead privacy campaign manager at Google, shares his journey from being a walk-on football player at Ohio State to navigating the intersections of law, technology, and advocacy. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of creating generational access and opportunities for others, while also encouraging young lawyers and law students to explore diverse career paths beyond traditional legal roles. Chibundu's insights highlight the value of networking, self-awareness, and the pursuit of passion in shaping a fulfilling career.

Lawyer Side Hustles

As Chibundu Nnake highlighted in the podcast, the law degree offers a unique advantage, providing credibility and a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. This versatility allows lawyers to venture into various fields, such as tech, advocacy, or even entrepreneurship. By leveraging their legal expertise, lawyers can create side businesses that align with their interests, whether it's consulting, teaching, or developing legal tech solutions.

Chibundu's perspective encourages lawyers to not only seek fulfillment in their primary careers but also to explore side hustles that resonate with their values and aspirations. By doing so, they can enhance their professional satisfaction and create additional opportunities for growth and impact in their communities.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The importance of creating generational access and opportunities for others in your field.
• Strategies for transitioning into tech and other industries using your legal background.
• Tips for upskilling and reskilling to remain competitive in the job market.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The role of advocacy and policy work in shaping the tech landscape.
• Insights into the political landscape and working on presidential campaigns.
• The importance of being adaptable and open to career pivots for long-term happiness and success.

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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Follow the podcast:

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

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Robert Ingalls is a former attorney who turned his passion for storytelling into a successful media business as a podcast producer. In this episode, he describes his struggle from being over-anxious working in the legal industry to finding joy in podcasting, focusing on the importance of doing what you love and the impact of creativity in your career. Come join Robert as he shares the challenges he encountered, the mistakes he made, and how he now supports others in making their voice heard through podcasting.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Lawyers are increasingly exploring side hustles as a way to diversify their income and pursue passions outside of traditional legal practice. Robert Ingalls, a former lawyer turned podcast producer, exemplifies this trend with his venture, LawPods. Through LawPods, Robert helps lawyers create and manage their own podcasts, allowing them to share their expertise while building their personal brand. This not only provides a creative outlet for lawyers but also serves as a valuable marketing tool in an increasingly digital world.

Engaging in a side business like podcasting can be a fulfilling way for lawyers to reconnect with their passions and alleviate the stress that often accompanies legal work. Robert's journey illustrates that with determination and the right support, lawyers can successfully pivot to new ventures. He emphasizes the importance of taking action, encouraging lawyers to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and explore opportunities that align with their interests, ultimately leading to greater job satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to recognize and address anxiety in your professional life.
• Strategies for transitioning from a traditional legal career to a nontraditional one, such as podcasting.
• Tips for leveraging your legal education and skills in new and creative ways.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The mental health challenges faced by lawyers and the importance of addressing them.
• The benefits of podcasting as a medium for connection and expression.
• The potential for lawyers to pivot to different practice areas or careers without losing their identity.

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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

In this episode, Josue Jimenez, a law school administrator and attorney, takes us through his career trajectory, from working as a legal assistant in Michigan, to becoming the Assistant Director of Admissions at Campbell University School of Law. Josue reflects on his passion for helping prospective law students explore the path forward, and for working with first-generation students who might not have those options available at home. He also discusses his commitment to a community oriented law career, the impact it's had on his journey, and the momentum he's building with various initiatives he's advising that will help be a sure-fire success for future law grads.

Lawyer Side Hustles

In many of the podcast episodes, guests have mentioned that they wanted to find a side hustle to diversify their income, pursue an interest, or to give back. For example, many lawyers do pro bono work or volunteer with nonprofits, which often helps these organizations while also helping the lawyer develop new skills and connections. Josue mentioned his involvement in "Know Your Rights clinics" and his desire to get more involved with pro bono projects, emphasizing the importance of using legal expertise to support underserved populations. This kind of work can be fulfilling and provide valuable experience that complements a lawyer's primary career.

There also are various entrepreneurial activities that require legal skills, or allow lawyers to use their skills in some new way to create a side hustle. This could include providing legal consulting, creating an online course or writing legal content. When choosing a side hustle, it's useful to first ask yourself what you truly want out of it. Thoughtful side projects can create opportunities for lawyers to engage with their communities and values in meaningful ways.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The journey of a law school graduate from student to law school administrator.
• Insights on how to navigate the law school application process, especially for first-generation students.
• Tips on how to effectively engage with prospective law students and the admissions process.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The significance of being involved in student organizations during law school.
• The role of the Wallace Public Service Fellowship in shaping Josue's career path.
• The launch of the First Generation Blueprint program aimed at supporting first-generation 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

Meagan Smith joins us in this episode to share her unique journey as a lawyer navigating the complexities of the legal profession while embracing her identity and personal growth. From her experiences with the bar exam to her current role as counsel for multiple firms, Meagan emphasizes the importance of finding joy in one's work and the value of community support among women in law. Tune in as she discusses how her law degree has shaped her life and the significance of celebrating both small and large victories along the way.

Lawyer Side Hustles

In today's legal landscape, many lawyers are exploring side hustles to diversify their income and pursue their passions outside of traditional law practice. As Meagan Smith highlighted in her conversation, the flexibility of being of counsel for multiple firms allows her to engage in various legal fields while also managing her own solo practice. This dual approach not only alleviates the stress of overhead costs but also enables her to focus on areas of law that resonate with her personal interests and values. By leveraging her legal expertise in different capacities, Meagan exemplifies how lawyers can create a fulfilling career that balances professional responsibilities with personal aspirations.

This perspective encourages lawyers to seek out side hustles that align with their passions, whether it be teaching, consulting, or engaging in creative projects. By doing so, they can cultivate a more enriching professional life that not only enhances their legal practice but also contributes to their overall well-being. In a profession often characterized by high stress and long hours, pursuing side ventures can provide a much-needed outlet for creativity and personal growth.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Strategies for managing stress and mental health while navigating the challenges of law school and practicing law.
• The significance of building a supportive community and maintaining friendships that uplift and celebrate each other's successes.
• The value of celebrating small wins and recognizing your achievements, even if they don't align with traditional expectations.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Personal experiences with the bar exam and the emotional journey of passing or failing.
• The impact of the pandemic on personal and professional life, including parenting during lockdown.
• The role of identity in the legal profession and how to maintain authenticity while being 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

Whitney Knox Lee is an anti-racism equity consultant and attorney who is passionate about addressing the racial wealth gap through her estate planning practice, Wills for the People. In this episode, she shares her journey from civil rights law to consulting, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive estate planning for Black households and communities of color. Whitney also discusses the challenges of navigating wealth conversations within these communities and the need for accessible legal services.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Lawyers often seek side hustles to explore their passions, diversify their income, and create platforms for advocacy outside of traditional legal practice. Whitney Knox Lee exemplifies this approach through her podcast, Impostrix Podcast, which serves as a healing space for professionals of color navigating the complexities of race and identity in the workplace. By leveraging her legal background and personal experiences, Whitney not only addresses issues of racial toxicity but also provides a platform for others to share their stories and insights. This side hustle allows her to engage with a broader audience while fulfilling her commitment to anti-racism and equity.

Whitney emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's interests beyond the confines of a legal career. This perspective encourages lawyers to embrace their unique skills and experiences, using them to create meaningful projects that resonate with their values. Whether through podcasts, consulting, or other entrepreneurial ventures, side hustles can empower lawyers to redefine their professional identities and contribute to social change in impactful ways.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The importance of estate planning, particularly for Black households and communities of color.
• How wealth equity gaps affect financial planning and the significance of creating wills.
• Strategies for normalizing conversations about money and wealth within families and communities.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Whitney's journey from civil rights attorney to anti-racism equity consultant and estate planning advocate.
• The cultural challenges surrounding discussions of wealth and financial literacy in communities of color.
• The systemic barriers that contribute to the wealth gap and how estate planning can help address these issues.

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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

Gordon Firemark, a media producer and lawyer based in Los Angeles, shares his journey from television sports production to running an entertainment law practice in this episode. As the go-to expert for podcast-related legal matters, Gordon discusses his experience in podcasting and teaching entertainment law. He also delves into his diverse career, including producing shows, practicing law, and teaching courses on entertainment and intellectual property law.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Gordon Firemark, a media producer and lawyer, shared his experience of balancing multiple roles, including running an entertainment law practice, teaching courses, and producing podcasts. He emphasized the importance of staying interested in different areas and finding excitement in helping people across various spectrums. Gordon's approach to having multiple jobs reflects a non-linear career path that allows for continuous growth and learning opportunities.

Gordon's story serves as a testament to the benefits of having a side business as a lawyer. By engaging in various activities such as teaching, producing shows, and running a law practice, he has been able to maintain a sense of excitement and interest in his work. His ability to balance different roles while still being present for his family showcases the flexibility and fulfillment that side hustles can offer legal professionals. Gordon's journey exemplifies how having a side business can not only enhance one's career but also provide a sense of purpose and enjoyment in the legal profession.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The importance of positioning oneself as an expert in a specific field through podcasting
• The different aspects of entertainment law and the peculiarities of the entertainment industry
• The benefits and challenges of working in live theater, TV production, and podcasting

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Gordon's experience as a media producer and lawyer, and how he uses his background in television sports production in his entertainment law practice
• The evolution of Gordon's podcast, "Entertainment Law Update," and his role as the "podcast lawyer"
• Gordon's daily routine, which involves creating content, practicing law, and teaching courses on entertainment law and intellectual property

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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

Karla Aghedo owns a bookstore, homeschools her children, writes books and works as an attorney. Through her experience in law school and practice, Karla emphasizes the value of finding solutions and building a supportive team to navigate challenges effectively. Listen as Karla discusses her passion for wellness and education and the impact of her law degree on her diverse endeavors.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Side hustles have become increasingly popular among lawyers looking to diversify their income streams and pursue their passions outside traditional legal practice. Karla Aghedo, a seasoned attorney specializing in white-collar criminal defense, has successfully ventured into multiple side businesses while maintaining her legal career. As the owner of her law firm, an executive wellness mindset coach, and the proprietor of a Christian bookstore called SisStore Joy, Karla exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit many lawyers aspire to embody.

Karla's journey showcases the possibilities for lawyers to explore diverse interests and create successful side businesses alongside their legal careers. By leveraging her problem-solving skills and analytical mindset honed through law school and legal practice, Karla navigated entrepreneurship challenges with resilience and adaptability. Her commitment to empowering professional women through wellness coaching and providing a platform for authors to share their work reflects her dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond the courtroom.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The importance of problem-solving skills and analytical thinking gained from law school and how they can be applied in various aspects of life
• The value of perseverance and determination in pursuing one's goals, even in challenging circumstances
• The benefits of creating solutions to problems and taking the initiative to address needs in different areas, such as wellness coaching, owning a bookstore, and homeschooling

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Karla's journey from being a prosecutor to starting her law firm and branching out into entrepreneurship, wellness coaching, and owning a bookstore
• The inspiration behind Karla's wellness workshops for women and the impact of reclaiming power through wellness
• The role of law school in shaping problem-solving skills, confidence, and the ability to build effective teams in various endeavors

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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