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

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.

"I still talk about law school. I talk about my law school experience. I talk about what it means now for my career. And I talk about doors that it was able to open for me as a young Black professional in the workspace that I'm in now," remarked Tramelle on You Are A Lawyer.

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

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Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

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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.

"Developing skills is always good, but also recognizing what is and is not the right fit is really, really important. If you get that feeling, then, you know, figure out something different. Like don't just stay stuck in that cycle. You'll be very unhappy," emphasizes Alyssa Devine, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.

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.

"Don't get discouraged… We don't have the society where you go to work for a company for 30, 40 years. We can change jobs. That's acceptable. That's expected. And that's okay," shares Alyssa Devine on You Are A Lawyer.

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

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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

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.

"A key to that success is preparation... do everything you have to do. Don't put it off till tomorrow because you don't know what's coming tomorrow. Get it done. Get it done now and then be creative in what you do," emphasizes Dan Callahan on Episode 114 of You Are a Lawyer.

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

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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

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.

"Law school and being a lawyer, even if you only do it for a few years before you start some other entrepreneurial endeavor, is a great experience," says Lisa Gill, owner of Graygill Consulting, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.

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

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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 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.

"The assumption is usually that you will take the bar exam until you are victorious. With my mind on these whispered conversations about not passing or not taking the bar exam, I had a chat with an attorney friend who was unhappy with their career choice. They had questions about how I found my career, and I realized that all law school graduates have the common struggle of finding career success, regardless of whether they pass the bar exam," explains Kyla Denanyoh on You Are A Lawyer.

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

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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

Yasmine Salem Hamdan is a business owner, podcaster, and coach. After law school at Texas A&M, Yasmine started practicing IP and trademark law. In 2020, Yasmine founded Coaches & Company, which has helped more than a thousand entrepreneurs protect their businesses and brands.

In this episode, Yasmine emphasizes the importance of being intentional in our actions and conversations, especially when networking and building relationships in the business world. Taking just five minutes to follow up with someone can make a huge difference in our professional lives. Let's consciously try to be intentional and proactive in our interactions.

To empower women in trademark law and business strategy, it is essential to provide education, resources, and support. This can include workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities catering to women entrepreneurs and professionals. Sharing success stories and showcasing female role models in the field can also inspire and motivate women to pursue their ambitions.

In the podcast, Yasmine Salem Hamdan discusses their journey into IP law and their realization of the untapped potential in the online market. she observed that many businesses, particularly those in the local and traditional sectors, did not have a strong online presence or the necessary business savvy to navigate the digital landscape. This presented an opportunity for Yasmine to launch their practice and cater specifically to the needs of online brands.

We also dive into the personal experiences of our guest entrepreneurs and share anonymous client situations to provide practical examples of navigating the challenges of running a business. Yasmine recently launched the podcast "The Business of Doing Business" under her Coaches & Company brand.

Join the FREE mailing list! 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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarealawyer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Inspired by watching courtroom dramas with her grandmother, Miriam Airington-Fisher discusses her background and lifelong passion for law. From focusing on public defense and criminal law to running her firm and becoming an author and speaker, Miriam has a unique perspective on the legal practice because "moms a lawyer."

In this podcast episode, Miriam Airington-Fisher shares her journey of intentionally building a family-friendly law firm for herself and her team. Recognizing the significance of work-life balance, especially as a working parent, she consciously created a work environment that allowed her to be there for her child. This realization occurred when her oldest child started kindergarten, prompting her desire to leave the office at three o'clock.

Through these resources, she gradually acquired the knowledge and skills to create a business and transform her law practice into a successful venture. Consequently, her firm experienced growth and received inquiries from other women attorneys interested in her family-friendly work environment. This informal mentoring eventually evolved into a formal consulting side hustle and led to the publication of her book, "Mom's a Lawyer." The host's experience highlights the importance of continuously seeking knowledge and learning from various resources to develop and expand a law practice.

Creating a Family-Friendly Law Firm

Miriam Airington-Fisher's book guides women attorneys who want to start their practice or find a better work-life balance within the legal profession. It offers practical advice and strategies for building a successful law firm while prioritizing family and personal well-being. By sharing her journey and lessons learned, Fisher empowers other women to pursue their passions and create a career that aligns with their values.

Side Hustles for Lawyers

Miriam Airington-Fisher is a lawyer who runs a busy law practice with diverse focus areas. Practicing law does not immediately make one a good business owner, yet Miriam has found a way to integrate her career, business, and family life. On You Are A Lawyer, Miriam discusses her love of criminal defense, immigration, and plaintiff-side civil litigation.

Based in Virginia, Miriam's criminal defense practice covers state and federal courts with complex legal issues and high stakes for their clients. Miriam's practice specializes in immigration law too, where cases are held in federal court. Miriam Airington-Fisher's practice accepts clients from all across the country and overseas. She even has a small office in Guatemala City to support her bilingual client base.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Unlikely career inspiration from courtroom dramas
• The joy of starting your law firm
• The value of your kids understanding their mom's profession

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• How to create a family-friendly law firm
• The struggle to balance work and motherhood
• How to write a book around family obligations
• The lie of work/life balance

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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

Jodie Zerega is a legal recruiter and founder of Zerega Consulting, focusing on finding superb candidates for her law firm and corporate clients. In additional work managing a team of ten, Jodie created the Attorney Jobs app where law students and attorneys can find fulfilling legal roles.

Jodie shares her journey from considering law school to becoming a director of recruiting at a law firm. She discusses her experience working with legal recruiters and how it inspired her to start her consulting company, Zerega Consulting.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The value of legal recruiting and consulting
• How to write the proper job description for a legal role
• The benefits of moving around within a legal firm or department

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• What inspires entrepreneurs to take risks
• How to identify job preferences
• The challenges of finding a fulfilling legal job

Jodie Zerega launched the Attorney Jobs app, allowing attorneys to explore job opportunities discreetly. This is particularly beneficial for lawyers who may be considering a move to another city or state. The app allows attorneys to search for jobs in specific locations and understand available opportunities. This allows them to make informed decisions about their career path and potentially find a job closer to home.

"So there wasn't a one-stop place for attorneys, and also understanding how valuable attorneys time is, you know, our sort of mantra is you can find your perfect job in under six minutes," explains Jodie Zerega on the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Another advantage of working with legal recruiters is their nationwide reach. Jodie Zerega's consulting business serves clients across the United States and Canada. This broad network allows recruiters to connect attorneys with job opportunities in various locations, expanding their options and increasing their chances of finding the right fit. Whether an attorney wants to move back home or explore new cities, recruiters can provide valuable insights and connections.

"So there wasn't a one-stop place for attorneys, and also understanding how valuable attorneys time is, you know, our sort of mantra is you can find your perfect job in under six minutes," explains Jodie Zerega on the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

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In this episode of the You Are A Lawyer podcast, host Kyla interviews Kerri Coby White, founder of KerriJames, a company focused on digital growth strategies for law firms. Kerri shares her journey in the legal industry and how she found her passion in helping law firms with data-driven strategies. They also discuss the transformative power of owning your own business and the challenges that come with it. Tune in to gain insights into the analytical minds of lawyers and the importance of finding balance in work and personal life.

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ADVERTISER: This podcast is edited and managed by KD Creative. KD Creative offers done-for-you podcasting services by launching podcasts for small business owners and editing podcasts for existing podcasters.

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Exciting news! The You Are Lawyer podcast celebrates 13,000 downloads! 🎉 Join host Kyla Denanyoh as she shares her gratitude and reflects on the podcast's growth in this BONUS episode.

On You Are Lawyer, Kyla highlights the humanity of lawyers and loves to discuss every lawyer's fun, quirky, and unique background. As she celebrates over 100 lawyers interviewed, Kyla is also excited about the consistent growth of the podcast.

The podcast provides a platform for lawyers to share their unique stories, both within and outside the legal world. Through these interviews, listeners gain insights into the legal profession and find inspiration in lawyers' diverse paths.

You Are A Lawyer has garnered a loyal following, as evidenced by the numerous five-star reviews it has received. Reviewers praise Kyla's energetic and compassionate hosting style, which brings out fascinating and intriguing tidbits from her guests. The conversations are described as appointment listening, capturing the attention and interest of the audience.

The podcast also fosters a sense of connection among its listeners, as they can hear from lawyers they may know personally. This adds a layer of familiarity and relatability to the conversations, making them even more engaging.

Are you a business owner who wants a podcast? Skip the boring stuff and hire KD Creative to manage and publish your podcast. Get into the ears of your ideal customer with podcasting. Visit skiptheboringstuff.com to work with KD Creative.

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