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

Margeaux Thomas is a litigator and founder of The Thomas Law Office, P.C., a firm that focuses on "business divorces" – complex breakups between business partners. In this episode, Margeaux shares her journey from Ohio to the DMV, what drew her to commercial litigation, and how she built a thriving law firm dedicated to helping small businesses through conflict. She also talks about growing up around quiet entrepreneurship and why personality type plays a big role in choosing your legal niche.

Lawyer Side Hustles

While Margeaux's legal practice is her main business, she also maintains a vibrant presence on LinkedIn and integrates her personal interests, especially swimming, into her professional brand. By sharing her swim journey, personal milestones, and non-legal reflections, she's built an engaged audience that connects with her on multiple levels. This has become a powerful tool for business development.

Her "side hustle" isn't a separate business, but rather a lifestyle of authentic marketing and personal storytelling that enhances her professional success. Her experience demonstrates how being relatable and real online can complement a highly focused and serious legal career.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to carve out a niche in commercial litigation
• What it takes to build and scale your own law firm
• Why business divorces require both legal strategy and emotional intelligence

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The emotional complexity of business disputes
• The intersection of personality and legal practice areas
• How social media can support organic law firm growth

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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

Lem Garcia is a personal injury attorney and the founder of Lem Garcia Law in California. In this episode, Lem shares how he went from answering Craigslist job ads to running a 20-person law firm. With humility, insight, and honesty, Lem walks us through what it takes to start a firm from nothing and why self-belief and strategic thinking are key to long-term success.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Unlike some guests with side hustles unrelated to law, Lem's passion project is his firm itself. He sees law firm ownership as both a business and a creative pursuit. From writing SOPs to mentoring team members, Lem puts intention into every piece of the business.

Through firm leadership, Lem uses his law degree to create opportunity for others. He mentors staff, builds scalable systems, and remains deeply involved in both the legal and operational sides of his firm. His side hustle isn't separate from his practice; it is the practice.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to build a personal injury firm with no prior clients
• The value of mentorship and team-building in law firm growth
• Why self-belief matters more than "golden handcuffs"

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The emotional reality of launching a firm with a newborn at home
• How law school theory differs from real-world legal practice
• What makes mentorship a vital part of successful leadership

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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

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.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Sarah is the founder of the Former Lawyer Podcast, a platform dedicated to helping lawyers who are unhappy in their careers explore alternative paths and find fulfillment outside of the legal profession. Through her podcast, Sarah interviews former lawyers who have successfully transitioned into different careers, providing listeners with real-life examples and inspiration. She also offers coaching programs, such as the Former Lawyer Collaborative, where lawyers can join a community, access a curriculum, and receive guidance on navigating career transitions.

Sarah's mission is to break the stigma around leaving the legal profession and to empower lawyers to pursue work that aligns with their values and passions. She has practiced law for ten years and understands the challenges and pressures that lawyers face. Sarah's approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, as she helps lawyers navigate the process of self-discovery and find clarity in their career paths. Through her podcast and coaching programs, Sarah provides a supportive and informative space for lawyers to explore their options and make meaningful career changes.

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

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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

Vernon Thomas is a military attorney, community servant, and judicial candidate for the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. In this heartfelt conversation, Vernon and Kyla reflect on his legal journey—from public defender and prosecutor to staff attorney and JAG officer—and how each role shaped his approach to justice. With lessons from his father, mentorship from respected judges, and deep Southern roots, Vernon is driven by more than ambition—he's driven by service.

LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES

Vernon's not one to chase flashy side hustles—his hustle is service. In addition to his military service and legal practice, he helps run the Cutting Edge Music Business Conference, a long-running event originally founded by his father and godfather. The conference helps attorneys gain education in television, film, and music law, especially as digital media transforms the industry. Vernon contributes by advising on ethical issues and supporting work-for-hire contracts for local creatives.

Through this work, Vernon supports artists and advocates for fair contracts and informed decision-making. It's a creative outlet that intersects naturally with his legal career—and a meaningful way to stay rooted in his family legacy while helping others grow.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• What it looks like to build a legal career rooted in public service
• How Vernon balances military service, family life, and legal work
• What it really takes to run for judge—and why it matters

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The weight and responsibility of being on the bench
• How clerks, court staff, and mentors shape the judicial process
• The importance of intentionality and legacy in legal careers

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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

Steven Cunningham is a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and the founder of Simple Academy, a company that helps teams boost performance and productivity using AI tools. In this episode, Steven talks about what it means to pivot early, lean into innovation, and reimagine what legal training can prepare you to do. Whether you're AI-curious or career-curious, Steven Cunningham's story offers both inspiration and practical insights.

LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES

Steven's "side hustle" evolved into a full-time business: Simple Academy. It began when he was running a book-summary service and saw the writing on the wall—AI could (and would) make his existing business obsolete. Rather than panic, Steven leaned in. He became an early adopter of AI tools, studying how they worked and where they could add value. Soon, he was helping other business owners understand how to use AI to improve performance.

Simple Academy now helps teams reimagine their workflows using AI. From executive coaching to custom prompt design, Steven and his team teach organizations how to think differently about time, value, and output. His legal background—especially his ability to communicate clearly and break down complex tools—makes him an ideal teacher in this fast-changing space. For Steven, the hustle isn't just a business. It's a creative outlet, a problem-solving lab, and a way to show that legal skills can drive innovation, not just interpretation.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How lawyers can use their research and analysis skills to lead in tech and AI
• What it means to leave law early and still use your training meaningfully
• Why understanding behavior change is key to AI adoption

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The mindset shift lawyers need to make when transitioning to tech
• How to talk to resistant clients and help them trust AI tools
• What AI will—and won't—replace in the next decade

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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

Samora Legros is an advisory manager, advocate, and board member of the Max & Thérèse Cadet Dental Fund, Inc. In this powerful episode, Samora and fellow board members share how a family legacy has grown into a 33-year commitment to improving oral healthcare in Haiti. From mobile dental clinics and maxillofacial surgeries to supporting the next generation of Haitian dentists, this is a story of service, strategy, and impact. You don't have to be a dentist to support public health—you just have to care.

How You Can Help

The Max & Thérèse Cadet Dental Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the U.S. that raises funds to directly support operations at the dental clinic in Haiti. These funds pay for essential procedures, dental supplies, equipment upgrades, and full maxillofacial surgeries for those who could not otherwise afford care. Contributions of any amount make an impact, and monthly giving provides consistent support for this vital work.

Lawyers and legal professionals can support the Cadet Dental Fund in unique ways: through strategic networking, pro bono consulting, fundraising, and amplifying the foundation's story. Whether by contributing financially or helping to widen the circle of support, advocates of all backgrounds—and especially those with legal skills—can play a key role in sustaining the clinic's mission. Visit cadetdentalfund.com to get involved.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How one family's story became a national dental care movement
• The real impact of advocacy and infrastructure in global health
• How lawyers can use their skills to support public health causes

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Maxillofacial surgery and dental care access in Haiti
• The role of students and dental education at the clinic
• How to support the Cadet Dental Fund and get involved

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

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Frances Joseph is a fractional CFO who helps law firm owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. With a deep understanding of both accounting and mindset, Frances joins the show to talk about why lawyers need to stop treating their business like an afterthought and start building something sustainable. This episode is a must-listen for anyone running—or dreaming of running—a law firm.

Financial Mindset & Profit First

Frances is a firm believer in "Profit First"—a model that flips traditional accounting on its head. Instead of treating profit as what's left over, her clients decide on their profit upfront and spend only what's left after setting that money aside.

She also helps clients deal with money shame, scarcity mindsets, and the fear of being financially visible. For Frances, numbers aren't scary—they're powerful tools. She makes accounting approachable and fun, and she helps lawyers feel in control of their future.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How and when to hire a CFO for your firm
• What it means to create a profitable business from day one
• The mindset shift that makes lawyers confident about money

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• What it looks like to exit your law firm, even years from now
• Why lawyers often fear financial visibility—and how to overcome it
• How the "Profit First" method helps law firm owners take control

Join the FREE mailing list!

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

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2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR

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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

What do type A lawyers, podcast editing, sweet delusion, and four different recording cities have in common? Kyla Denanyoh. In this solo episode, Kyla celebrates her 10-year law school graduation anniversary and the 5-year milestone of the You Are A Lawyer podcast by sharing 10 things you (probably) didn't know about her. From launching a podcast with no experience to accidentally becoming a manager again, this is a personal, honest, and very Kyla conversation about risk, creativity, and the joy of just talking.

Lawyer Side Hustles

You Are A Lawyer started as a passion project and quickly became Kyla's side hustle. Then it became a business. Now, she runs podcast editing services, offers LinkedIn strategy and social media support, and works exclusively with business owners and creatives who are building something worth talking about.

And yes—she loves editing. She talks about it like writing a letter, like storytelling with scissors. She's not afraid to slice up an audio file, reframe a conversation, or make something clearer. That's where her creativity shines. And that's what keeps this podcast growing, season after season.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Why risk-taking gets easier with practice (and why Kyla actually enjoys it now)
• What she never expected to do—but is doing anyway (hint: managing a team, editing audio, running a business…)
• How her love of words led her to create a podcast that's now in its 13th season

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Why she only edits podcasts for business owners (and why it's a hell yes)
• How delusion, when used correctly, is a strategy
• The surprising ways creativity shows up—even when you're a "classically trained 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

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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

Anna Krolikowska is a divorce attorney, mediator, and past president of the Illinois State Bar Association. In this thoughtful and candid episode, Anna shares how she transitioned from litigation to collaborative law, navigated new motherhood while leading 30,000+ lawyers statewide, and built a career that supports her life, not the other way around. This is a powerful listen for anyone wondering if they can have it all—or what "all" should really look like.

Lawyer Side Hustles

In addition to leading her firm and bar association, Anna is also a published author. After her presidency, she asked herself, 'What's the next stage in the life of Anna?' The answer: writing. She contributed to The Everyday Woman's Guide to Thrive in Your Busy Life and The Iconic Woman's Guide to Empowerment, using her chapters to speak directly to women navigating divorce and professional burnout.

Through her writing, Anna encourages other women to embrace imperfect balance, financial empowerment, and self-trust. Whether it's a dance party in your living room or a career pivot into something unexpected, she believes joy is a valid goal—and that being present with your family and your clients can (and should) coexist.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to pursue bar leadership while navigating parenting and burnout
• What collaborative law is and why it transformed Anna's legal practice
• Why you shouldn't ignore opportunities just because you're scared

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• How to build your personal brand as a woman in law
• Why being visible as a parent in legal leadership matters
• How law students and young lawyers can cast a wider net for their careers

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

Nathan Sawaya is a world-renowned brick artist who left his career as a corporate lawyer to follow his childhood passion—creating art out of LEGO bricks. In this episode, Nathan shares how law school gave him the critical thinking and risk-assessment skills to launch a creative business, why he let his law license expire, and what it really takes to bet on yourself. His story is a powerful reminder that you can build your dream life, one brick—and one bold decision—at a time.

Lawyer Side Hustles

What started as a creative outlet—experimenting with LEGO bricks after long days at the office—eventually became Nathan's full-time career and artistic identity. He didn't wait for permission or a perfect plan; he started small, shared his work online, and let passion guide the pivot. When his website crashed from too many visitors, he took it as a sign and made the leap.

Today, he's not just a brick artist—he's a bestselling author, international exhibitor, and producer on LEGO Masters. His exhibitions tour the world, and his book The Art of the Brick: A Life in LEGO reveals the thought and emotion behind his sculptures. His story is the ultimate side hustle success—proof that your 5–9 can become your life's work when you dare to go all in.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Why trusting your creative instincts can lead to unexpected success
• How law school prepares you for entrepreneurship—even in the arts
• What it really takes to walk away from a traditional career with no safety net

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• The importance of identifying which risks are worth taking
• What lawyers can learn from artists (and vice versa)
• Why letting go of "the backup plan" might be your best move yet

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