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

Krista Contino Saumby became a patent prosecutor and worked at the big law firms that intimidate everyone. This happened after Krista studied mathematics, became an electrical engineer, and took multiple bar exams.

After realizing that stress from her career was negatively affecting her health, Krista Contino Saumby worked with a career coach to determine what she wanted from her career. Now, Krista Contino Saumby is the founder of The Law Bridge.

The Law Bridge helps first-generation lawyers understand general professional skills and how to avoid major pitfalls in their careers. Krista Contino Saumby likes to say that she is helping new lawyers "navigate the invisible furniture" of this new culture.

Krista Contino Saumby also serves as the Director of Career Services with Elon University School of Law.

Listen to learn:

• How to work in patent prosecution
• The importance of taking the bar exam even if you don't want to practice law
• How others can motivate you to become a lawyer or attend law school

We also discuss:

• How to assist first-generation lawyers with professional development
• Best career choices if you have a JD and an engineering background
• Why career coaches are beneficial to unhappy lawyers

Krista Contino Saumby is licensed to practice law in Minnesota, North Carolina, California, and the patent bar. Learn more about Krista Contino Saumby:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgethelaw/

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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Support your favorite lawyer's favorite podcaster and grab some You Are A Lawyer merchandise at shopyouarealawyer.com.

Join the FREE mailing list and get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla.

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)!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Grab Kyla's favorite books here: https://amzn.to/3FpCo2K

Terrance Pryor has an atypical legal career because he was an atypical law student. Terrance attended law school for five years as a part-time student, transferred from one school to Georgia State Law, and started working in two new legal fields before they were cool.

Terrance is a former Division I football player and leaves a great impression on everyone he meets, which is seen in how he builds rapport with people and takes advantage of incredible opportunities when they appear.

Now, Terrance Pryor is the in-house counsel for data and privacy operations at General Motors.

Listen to learn:

• How to transition from being a professional athlete
• The importance of deciding what you want out of your career
• How to attend school part-time and work full time

We also discuss:

• Best career choices if you have a JD and an interest in technology
• How to study for the LSAT in a short time frame
• Why your career doesn't have to be your passion

Terrance Pryor is licensed to practice law in Georgia. Learn more about Terrance Pryor:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tpryor_esquire/, https://www.instagram.com/thecoalitionofblackamerica/

Facebook: @thecoalitionofblackamerica

Twitter: ​​https://twitter.com/Tpryor51, https://twitter.com/BlackCoalition1

Website: https://linktr.ee/TpryorEsquire

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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Merch: Support your favorite lawyer's favorite podcaster and grab some You Are A Lawyer merchandise at shopyouarealawyer.com.

MORE EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY How Career Strategists Help Lawyers Discover Their Passions feat. Michelle Thompson -

https://www.youarealawyer.com/posts/michelle-thompson-career-strategist-and-lawyer

Why Lawyers Should Podcast (and How To Get Started) feat. Robert Ingalls -

https://www.youarealawyer.com/posts/robert-ingalls-lawpods-founder-and-lawyer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Grab a book mentioned in this episode: https://amzn.to/3FpCo2K

Join the FREE mailing list and get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla.

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)!

Rebecca Larson became the owner and founder of Your Home Legal, a real estate law firm even though she had no interest in property law or real estate while in law school. After a colleague asked Rebecca to cover their real estate closings for a few months, Rebecca Larson realized that she REALLY enjoyed real estate law and all of its nuances. Now, Rebecca Larson works on risk mitigation and management between real estate buyers and sellers.

Listen to learn:

• How to find the motivation to take the bar exam multiple times
• The importance of taking the bar exam in multiple states
• How to manage a small law firm

We also discuss:

• How to mitigate your risks in real estate transactions
• Best career choices if you are interested in real estate
• Parent to child property transfers in California

Rebecca Larson is licensed to practice law in California, Virginia, and D.C. Learn more about Rebecca Larson:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/_yourhomelegal

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yourhomelegal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/rebecca-larson-realestateattorney/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKGo1-riFEUBpBLXITy6mcQ

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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

ADVERTISER: Support your favorite lawyer's favorite podcaster and grab some You Are A Lawyer merchandise at shopyouarealawyer.com.

Kyla Denanyoh is bursting with energy and excitement because of THREE huge things.

First, there is a You Are A Lawyer newsletter that is released on the opposite weeks of the podcast episodes and you need to join it and find out what is happening behind the scenes with the podcast.

Second, if you are interested in weekly You Are A Lawyer podcast episodes, let Kyla know all about it. Email [email protected] and tell Kyla that you want WEEKLY You Are A Lawyer podcast episodes.

Third, in celebration of Kyla's birthday, Kyla wants you to tell five people about the You Are a Lawyer podcast. Not ten people, not one person, but tell FIVE people about the You Are A Lawyer podcast because this podcast is all about:

• Finding out why people went to law school,
• What people are doing in their current careers,
• Why do people change their minds about their careers, and
• Why people are doubling down on what they really enjoy.

You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Kyla Denanyoh is a 2015 graduate of Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kyla Denanyoh is not a licensed or practicing attorney. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Christon Halkiotis always knew that she wanted to become a prosecutor. After interning with the District Attorney's office as a 3L, Christon Halkiotis excelled as a prosecutor where she participated in more than 300 bench trials and 35 jury trials. In 2019, Christon Halkiotis opened her law firm where she serves criminal defense clients.

Listen to learn:

• How to be a zealous advocate for your client
• The importance of the personal relationships between lawyers and criminal defendants (and having a physical office for clients to visit)
• How to become a court-appointed attorney on the North Carolina Capital Defense Roster

We also discuss:

• The power shift from being a prosecutor to working in criminal defense
• The difference between bench trials and jury trials
• The prestige of being admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States Bar

Christon Halkiotis is licensed to practice law in North Carolina. Learn more about Christon Halkiotis:

Instagram: @cshlawpllc.com

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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Join the FREE mailing list and get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla.

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)!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Grab Kyla's favorite books here: https://amzn.to/3FpCo2K

Jaya Saxena practiced law for a few years before working in law school administration and back to a law firm, but focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Now, as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Brattle Group, Jaya Saxena creates strategy and acts as an internal consultant to ensure that DEI is represented in all aspects of the company.

Listen to learn:

• How Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a cross-functioning role, regardless of where the program is housed in a company. DEI is not strictly an HR function.
• The importance of focusing on what you can control to eliminate stress
• Why pre-law programs benefit law students

We also discuss:

• How most careers are non-linear yet meaningful and beneficial
• Cultural pressures that motivate people to seek advanced degrees or attend law school
• Five-year undergraduate and Master's degree programs at Carnegie Mellon University

Jaya Saxena is licensed to practice law in Maryland. Learn more about Jaya Saxena:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thezenlegalmama

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayasaxena2010/

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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Join the FREE mailing list and get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla.

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)!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Grab Kyla's favorite books here: https://amzn.to/3FpCo2K

James Mattox III intended to become a parole officer before a college professor encouraged him to impact more lives by becoming a lawyer. James Mattox III started law school without knowing anyone who looked like him or came from a small town. Now, James Mattox III is co-founder of the law firm that specializes in personal injury, bankruptcy, and Texas family law.

Listen to learn:

• Advice for cofounding a law firm
• Why bankruptcy and personal injury law pair are complementary practices
• The benefits of virtual law firms for new lawyers

We also discuss:

• How bankruptcy and personal injury law interact
• Best career choices if you have a JD and want to own a business
• How an encouraging teacher can change your life
• The importance of getting honest advice when choosing a law school

James Mattox III is licensed to practice law in Texas. Learn more about James Mattox III:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattoxlawfirm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themattoxlawfirm/

Website: https://www.themattoxlawfirm.com

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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

MORE EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY From First Gen Lawyer and Higher Ed Fundraiser feat. Jera Oliver -

https://www.youarealawyer.com/posts/jera-oliver-philanthropy-director-and-lawyer

The Importance of Mentorship for Lawyers feat. Anjie Vichayanonda - https://www.youarealawyer.com/posts/anjie-vichayanonda-leg-up-legal-founder-and-lawyer

Rho Thomas Wants Lawyers to Enjoy Life and Become Financially Free -

https://www.youarealawyer.com/posts/rho-thomas-money-coach-and-lawyer As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Grab a book mentioned in this episode: https://amzn.to/3FpCo2K

Join the FREE mailing list and get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla.

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)!

Sharon Christie began teaching women lawyers to run successful businesses. After realizing that she no longer loved being a partner in a law firm, Sharon Christie set up her own law firm where she worked on disability cases. Now, Sharon Christie created Bold Women Lawyers, where Sharon coaches and consults with female lawyers with solo or small practices.

Listen to learn:

• How to create a social security and disability law practice
• The importance of leaving the law when it no longer suits you
• How to look at different areas of law before leaving the practice
• How to structure your life around traveling every quarter

We also discuss:

• How to change careers from nursing to law
• Best career choices if you have a JD and enjoy teaching
• Why hiking through Europe could be beneficial to a lawyer
• How to be totally in control of your time

Sharon Christie is licensed to practice law in Maryland. Learn more about You Are A Lawyer guest Sharon Christie:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/boldwomenlawyers/?hl=en

Twitter: www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-christie-3849961/

Website: www.boldwomenlawyers.com

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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Join the FREE mailing list and get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla.

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)!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Grab Kyla's favorite books here: https://amzn.to/3FpCo2K

Jolene Blackbourn ignored moot court, law review, and on-campus interviews; everything she could to avoid litigation. After a professor explained that Jolene had a knack for litigation work, Jolene Blackbourn found that she enjoyed the research and preparation needed for trial. Eventually being known as the "Trial Queen," Jolene excelled when she worked in-house on corporate defense matters. Now, Jolene Blackbourn runs The Legal Learning Center, where she helps students graduate in less time and with less debt.

Listen to learn:

• How to find your debt to income ratio before attending law school
• The importance of examining careers before committing to law school
• How to use a podcast to become an author

We also discuss:

• How corporate defense lawyers help small business owners
• Best career choices if you have a JD and enjoy mentoring
• Why you should research the salaries of lawyers in different roles

Jolene Blackbourn is licensed to practice law in California. Learn more about Jolene Blackbourn:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolene-blackbourn-esq/

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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Join the FREE mailing list and get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla.

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)!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Grab Kyla's favorite books here: https://amzn.to/3FpCo2K

Devin Zito studied computer information before creating a company that wrote code for financial companies. After being encouraged by his wife to attend law school, Devin Zito studied as a part-time student in both the day and evening programs at Southern Law because Devin wanted to continue running his technology company. Now, Devin Zito is the Director of Information Services and Corporate Counsel at Assurance Financial.

Listen to learn:

• How to attend law school while running a business
• The importance of using your college credits to prepare for law school
• Why your solo practice should align with your existing non-legal interests

We also discuss:

• The impact of being an adjunct law professor
• How an information systems background is a good foundation for law school
• Why keeping in touch with people is REALLY important (yay networking!)

Devin Zito is licensed to practice law in Louisiana. Learn more about Devin Zito:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-j-zito-1013593a/

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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

MORE EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY How Career Strategists Help Lawyers Discover Their Passions feat. Michelle Thompson -

https://www.youarealawyer.com/posts/michelle-thompson-career-strategist-and-lawyer

Why Lawyers Should Podcast (and How To Get Started) feat. Robert Ingalls -

https://www.youarealawyer.com/posts/robert-ingalls-lawpods-founder-and-lawyer

From Intern to Data Privacy Counsel feat. Terrance Pryor -

https://www.youarealawyer.com/posts/terrance-pryor-data-privacy-counsel-and-lawyer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Grab a book mentioned in this episode: https://amzn.to/3FpCo2K

Join the FREE mailing list and get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla.

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)!