WILL - Women Interested in Leaving Law

“What does your ideal day look like?” It was the first time that Hillary Sobel had ever been asked that question.32 years of feeling unseen, undervalued and “unallowed” to want anything else.22 years of knowing that law was not for her.Then in the space of 10 seconds, her world shifted on its axis.In this episode, WILL Alum Hillary Sobel talks about her life transformation from 32-years as a lawyer to seeing her face on a Times Square Billboard. We discuss openly:Why it’s NEVER too late to change careers (and what keeps women lawyers trapped).Why investing in yourself isn’t indulgent; it’s transformationalHow mindset work becomes the foundation for real reinventionHilary shares her fear, skepticism, identity shifts, and eventual success when she began to live her ‘ideal day’. About HillaryHillary began her career in law, grounded in an understanding of business and Corporate America from family entrepreneurs. Her practice focused on corporate-related litigation including securities and antitrust.After successfully practicing law, Hillary refocused her attention on advising growing, mostly women-founded, businesses. Through her consulting business, Minerva Turning Point Strategies, Hillary combines strategic thinking and curiosity to identify new pathways to growth. She has been published in Forbes Women on the intersection of profits and people, and in Medium on opening hard conversations to expand our understanding of each other. Hillary’s passion for storytelling and advocacy finds an outlet in speaking and writing. From her Substack, “The Cowgirl, The Shark, and Stilettos” (and other upcoming publications including a chapter in an anthology and her memoir), Hillary connects current and historical events to the stories of our daily lives. ConnectContact: hillary@hillarysobel.comWebsite: www.minervaturningpointstrategies.comSubstack: The Cowgirl, The Shark, and StilettosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-sobel Show NotesAbby WomackInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbywambach/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/WOLFPACK-Together-Unleash-Power-Change/dp/1250217709 WILL Transformhttps://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

In this episode Anne Marie Segal and I discuss how your resume isn’t a record of your past, but rather a strategic document designed to answer one question: Why should I hire you?Anne Marie walks us through the mechanics and mindset of moving beyond Big Law — without losing the gravitas that comes with it. We cover…Resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn optimization.Networking strategy, recommendations, and how to “straddle” a transition while still employed.How to assess real market demand for your skills.This conversation is tactical and psychological — because transitioning careers isn’t just about formatting. It’s about translation, positioning, and clarity.If you’ve ever wondered how to answer the question “Why should I hire you?” — this conversation gives you the framework, the mindset, and the tactics to do it with confidence.About Anne Marie SegalANNE MARIE SEGAL, founder and CEO of Segal Coaching LLC, partners with board candidates, General Counsel and other senior and rising executives to expand their impact and advance their leadership trajectories. She has helped hundreds of candidates prepare for job interviews and is excited to be able to help you today.Web: segalcoaching.com and segalcoachingacademy.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariesegal/WILLThe WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call Follow Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawWeb:https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

How Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction saved Courtney from Anxiety and Burnout. If you feel constantly stressed, even when things look “fine” from the outside…If you’re looping in your head, replaying the past and worrying about the future… If you wonder if something’s wrong with you or if working in law is wearing you down…This episode is for YOU! I’m joined by Courtney Schulnick, a former litigator and mindfulness-based stress reduction teacher.  We talk about anxiety, perfectionism, and what relief looks like for lawyers. Courtney shares her personal journey from chronic stress and fight-or-flight to presence.  She explains why relief doesn’t require leaving law, fixing yourself, or eliminating anxious thoughts. Listen in and you’ll hear:Why lawyer anxiety is a physiological response, not a personal failure.The difference between mindfulness and mindset (and why you need both).How awareness creates presence, and relief in your work and life. This episode is a grounded, compassionate look at how women lawyers can reduce stress, soften perfectionism, and reconnect with themselves.About CourtneyCourtney Schulnick, Esquire spent two decades as a litigator at Marshall Dennehey’s Philadelphia office, advocating in state and federal courts. Firsthand experience with the intense demands of legal practice led her to the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program, where she discovered the transformative power of mindfulness.Now a MBSR teacher at Jefferson’s Center for Mindfulness, Courtney integrates her legal background and mindfulness expertise to support professionals in high-stress environments. Website: https://www.courtneyschulnickmindfulness.com/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-schulnick-632a7a7YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConsciousCornerWithCourtneySpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ibo22EFSSpmpJ5eMyjIpb?si=zrdJkBBZRPOnH6UllX3s6AThe WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call Follow Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

This one’s spicy!  I am not the biggest curser.  I like the occasional f-bomb, but it’s not typically how I speak, so I don’t do it often in my business.  For some people, it’s part of their brand.  Not me.This is an exception.I had a BIG insight when working with one of my coaches who talked about re-writing our thoughts, beliefs and stories.  In my notes I wrote TBS for short. Then a bubble burst and I saw our limiting thoughts, beliefs and stories as This Bull Sh*t.I go into further detail in this short and FEISTY episode about how to drop TBS and grow a garden with all that fertilizer! (Wear headphones if little ones are around).  Specifically, I talk about:How limiting beliefs show up for women lawyers who feel trapped or stuck.How to recognize BS thoughts by paying attention to your body and inner language.A simple exercise to replace limiting stories with expansive, true beliefs.WILLThe WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reachFeel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call FollowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawWeb:https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

Imagine you’ve gone from big law to in-house and become a GC.  Yet, you feel empty. You’ve been a “success” and yet you long for more.Finally, you allow yourself to explore what else you can do and your passion for travel rises to the top.  At first you don’t believe it’s possible to make money doing that, but you take one small step at a time to explore.   (Travel is a multi-billion dollar industry after all!)In this episode of the WILL Podcast, Kathleen Fong shares how WILL guided her transformative journey to become a travel advisor. What helped her transition from GC to entrepreneur. How her legal skills have been instrumental in her new role.How she couldn’t have imagined it was possible to meet her financial goals for the year, but she surpassed them in October! Kathleen delights in the joy of helping clients create unforgettable travel experiences. For her the WILL Community and support was instrumental in pursuing her dreams.About KathleenKathleen Fong has been a practicing attorney for more than 20 years - in Big Law and in-house General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer roles from San Francisco to New York. She understands firsthand the pressures of a demanding legal career and the constant pull of competing priorities. After stepping away from full-time legal practice, she began exploring what a fulfilling next chapter could look like. Joining WILL helped her find purpose and joy through her lifelong passion for travel. She's now the founder of a boutique travel advisory grounded in the skills she honed as a lawyer: meticulous planning, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving. Today, she specializes in helping busy professionals, especially women lawyers including some WILL members, take thoughtfully curated, effortless, and exceptional trips, without the time-consuming detailsWILLThe WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call Follow Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawWeb:https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

Imagine everything in your business or career is successful, but something tugs at you to pause. Imagine allowing yourself to stop producing, proving, and hustling long enough to ask who you are without your work or title. In this episode, I’m joined by Goli Kalkhoran, creator of  ‘Lessons from a Quitter’, to explore what it means to press pause on a successful business and sit with uncertainty to uncover what’s next. She illuminates how:Success and alignment are not the same.Productivity and hustle culture are deeply tied to identity, especially for high-achieving women and lawyers.Growth requires stopping, stillness, and trust. Listen in as Goli offers a compassionate and honest perspective on evolving beyond fixed identities, and trusting what’s next.About GoliGoli Kalkhoran is a Master Certified Life Coach, and former attorney, who helps unfulfilled professionals create a career (and life) they actually like. She is the host of the Lessons from a Quitter podcast where she uses her platform to de-stigmatize quitting and provide resources and inspiration to individuals looking to pivot in their established careers. She challenges people to exceed their own expectations and guides them through the initial steps of starting over in order to build a more intentional, fulfilling life.At the time of recording this podcast, Goli had pressed pause on “Lessons from a Quitter” for an indefinite sabbatical.  Website: www.lessonsfromaquitter.comInstagram: www.lessonsfromaquitter.com/lessonsfromaquitterFacebook: www.facebook.com/lessonsfromaquitterYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessonsfromaquitterWILLThe WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call Follow Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawWeb: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.comShow NotesWhat Else If Not Law workshop, Feb 11th. Sign up here: https://whatelseifnotlaw.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/main

Do you feel successful on paper but internally frustrated, exhausted, or unfulfilled? Do you wonder whether the problem is the law itself, or whether you’re in the right environment?Do you feel anxious, wondering whether you will ever feel truly satisfied in your career?You’re far from alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Gillman; a former practicing attorney, turned legal matchmaker, and founder of Gillman Strategic Group. Jennifer helps rainmakers find the right law firm fit and re-claim fulfillment without leaving the profession.She shares her own unexpected transition out of practice and offers a candid look at what actually creates autonomy, leverage, and satisfaction for lawyers, especially women.  Listen in and learn:Why success and fulfillment are not the same.How building relationships and clients creates real power, flexibility, and boundaries.Why women consistently undervalue themselves and how that mindset limits compensation and choice. This conversation is an honest, nuanced look at what it takes to be a happy lawyer, whether that means staying put and changing the rules, moving firms strategically, or simply seeing new possibilities you didn’t know existed.About JenniferShe is the founder of Gillman Strategic Group, where she helps rainmakers find their exact right, perfect-fit firm and law firm owners navigate strategic mergers. After earning her J.D. from NYU School of Law and B.A. from Brandeis University, Jen practiced law for 12 years before transitioning to legal recruiting.Unlike traditional recruiters who find lawyers for firms, Jen finds firms for lawyers. She helps partners identify what they truly need to be fulfilled, whether that's better resources, growth opportunities, or work-life balance, and then matches them with firms where they can thrive.ConnectWeb:http://happyrainmakers.comShow notesBook: The Happy Rainmaker: A Little Tale About a Lawyer Who Found Success and Happiness Too. Launching on January 16th.

Imagine you make great money as a lawyer, yet feel trapped by the “golden handcuffs” and unsure if this is the life you want. Imagine you see that you could leave (big) law, reduce stress, AND pursue a life that aligns with your values, without sacrificing your financial stability. In this episode, financial advisor Niraj Chhabra, talks through how lawyers; especially women attorneys, can gain clarity around money, values, and career choices. He shares deep insights into how:Behavioral financial planning isn’t just about numbers; it’s about understanding the why behind your money choices and life impact.Many lawyers stay in roles long after they need to because of misconceptions about what they can afford and their values.Women attorneys face unique financial pressures like guilt around spending on support to long-term planning tied to longevity, caregiving, and confidence with decision-making. Listen as Niraj breaks down practical strategies on how to align your finances with your life goals and offers an empowering perspective for women in law to take control of both their money and their futures.About NirajNiraj Chhabra is the founder of Sidebar Advisors, a boutique financial planning firm built exclusively for attorneys navigating complex compensation structures, demanding careers, and long-term wealth strategies. The firm serves a range of legal professionals, from rising associates to equity partners, with a mission to provide personalized, behavior-focused guidance that supports both professional success and personal clarity. Niraj is also the host of the Sidebar Advisors podcast, where he highlights diverse journeys within the legal field and explores what’s ahead for the profession.ConnectWebsite: https://sidebaradvisors.com/ Niraj LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nirajchhabra Sidebar Advisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidebaradvisors/ Sidebar Advisors Legal Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033338  WILLThe WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call Follow Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

Imagine realizing your vision of practicing law doesn't fit in someone else's structure.Imagine trusting yourself enough to bring that vision to life. Building a firm grounded in your values, your instincts, and the impact you want to make.Imagine choosing to create something meaningful. Not because the path is certain, but because staying aligned with your purpose matters more than staying comfortable.In this episode, Princess Uchekwe, talks through how she made the leap into founding The Chief Counsel; her fractional general counsel firm that provides legal expertise to start-ups. She shares her journey of cultivating “quiet courage,” trusting her inner vision, and building a business rooted in clarity, collaboration, and competence. Listen is as Princess covers:Why courage isn’t just a series of bold moves, and more a quiet, daily self-trust that sustains you when external validation is missing.How legal advice can be reframed from “no” to “how,” so you can move forward with compliance, clarity, and confidence.How to make the leap into entrepreneurship even if you don’t feel 100% ready and why that leap might be exactly what helps you grow.She offers heartfelt advice to other women lawyers “Trust yourself, start where you are, and take the leap!”About PrincessPrincess, the Founder and Managing Attorney at The Chief Counsel, is a fractional general counsel firm for start-ups and emerging companies.Before starting The Chief Counsel, Princess spent seven years at Eldridge, a leading investment firm, where she served as Director and Legal Counsel. During her time there, she played a key role in advising on private equity and credit transactions across entertainment, technology, and real estate.Connect with PrincessWebsite: www.thechiefcounsel.com IG: www.instagram.comthe.chiefcounsel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-chief-counsel-law-firm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/princessuchekwe/ WILLThe WILL (Women Interested in Leaving Law) Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book a consult: https://bit.ly/4oq9l2dLI: https://bit.ly/4oskvDHWeb: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

In this special one year anniversary celebration episode of the WILL Podcast, I reflect on key moments in the podcast.  I share about the top themes from interviews with women lawyers - especially pivotal moments that helped them make their career changes.  I also focus (okay, rant!) on the importance of getting okay with discomfort as we grow and make bold new moves.  I highlight:The “straw that broke the camel's back” moments..How “aha moments” lead to perspective shifts.How discomfort is good for us. This episode encourages you to tune into your own 'straw that broke the camel's back' and/or “aha-ha” moments and how they can help galvanize you.  The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.Book a consult: https://bit.ly/4oq9l2d Follow:LI: https://bit.ly/4oskvDHWeb: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.comShow NotesSamorn Selim https://bit.ly/4pGzJG5Yael Eiserike https://bit.ly/445sfEsSarah Burke https://bit.ly/3KlAUflErin Cowling https://bit.ly/4iTEcDvCourtney Schulnick (unpublished)Consultants:Christina Gilibert, Marketing Strategist https://bit.ly/4ry7RFRHolly Cope, Global Legal Tech Creator https://bit.ly/44254eiPivot: The Nontraditional J.D. Careers Handbook by Alexandra Davis http://bit.ly/44yH02I

Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything for everyone else and still running on empty? Would you love to show up as confident and grounded, but you’re often overwhelmed, burned out, or questioning whether you even want to stay in law? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Career Leadership Coach Emily Hirsekorn, who helps lawyers build clarity, confidence, and fulfillment using her Career Leadership Code and a powerful Energy Leadership framework. Emily, as she explains “The big idea is there's energy behind our thoughts, our feelings, our actions and communication. . . . it’s very practical.” Listen in and learn: How to manage your energy (not just your time). How to recognize misalignment with your values. How to care for yourself without guilt. This conversation is a deep exhale for any lawyer who’s tired of pushing harder and ready to show up differently, with more clarity, confidence, and compassion for herself.   About Emily Emily is a career leadership coach for lawyers with a background in private legal practice, anti-bias education, law career advising, and professional development. She is credentialed with the ICF and is also certified with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) as an Energy Leadership™ Index-Master Practitioner and COR.E Leadership Dynamics™ Specialist. She offers iPEC’s robust leadership development curriculum designed to help maximize lawyer performance, influence, and fulfillment and delivers talks regularly on performance management and her signature framework The Career Confidence Code.   Connect www.hirsekorncoaching.com www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhirsekorn/  www.instagram.com/hirsekorn_coaching/   WILL   The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your call with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call   Follow Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

Imagine you are a Romanian immigrant Lawyer who relocates to New York at 22 years old, re-does law school and passes the NY Bar. Imagine you think you have to be “Superwoman” and do it all - set up and run a business, have a baby, look a certain way - and not realize the mistakes you're making along the way. Imagine you’re arrested and your 14 year-old daughter sees your mug shot while watching TV after school.    Andreea Parc never asked for help in her law practice because she thought “I can handle it.” Even while on trial for unethical practices, she felt that her ignorance of US procedures would lead to a non-guilty result. She made a mistake, and went to prison. Yet instead of prison being the proverbial “cage”,  Andreea felt free; liberated from the pressures of perfection, shame and a “Superwoman” identity. She shared everything she learned with her teenage daughter Alexa Dumitru, and created a dual-journey of transformation. Mother and daughter honestly share their experiences and how Andreea’s journey to prison, ultimately set both of them free.    About Andreea Andreea helps attorneys and law firms prevent ethical, financial, and emotional crises before they happen. Because prevention isn’t just about compliance — it’s about sparing yourself, your team, and your clients from the pain that follows when awareness breaks down. As a former attorney in private practice and CFO to the New York Taxi King (who was also an attorney), Andreea has lived through the high-stakes pressure, temptations, and blind spots and the decisions and behaviours that resulted in quiet destruction of even the most successful careers, firms and business. Today, through Quantum Risk Management Consulting, she bring that lived experience into a holistic framework that blends law, psychology, geneology, ethics, and human awareness — helping professionals recognize and manage risk from the inside out.   WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call   Follow Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

Do you spend much of your day thinking: “I need to do XYZ…”? Does your endless to-do list and litany of “shoulds” parade through your mind?   If it’s hard to hear what YOU TRULY want to do, you’re not alone.   Here are three questions that quickly cut through the internal noise.  Listen to these three simple questions. And because I LOVE you for being here, and value your time,  here they are!    Here they are: What do I think, “I need to do?” If I could see things differently, how might I see them? What does my highest, wisest self, want me to know? Listen in to play along and… Find clarity and emotional relief. Trigger deeper insights and see things differently. Connect with your higher self to provide guidance. This episode is your gateway to freedom from mental clutter and offers almost instantaneous relief.   WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call   Follow Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

Imagine you manage to navigate the pressures and achievements of your legal career, yet feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety and dissatisfaction. Imagine that after you set boundaries and say “no”, you see nothing bad happened.  This helps you loosen the grip of perfectionism, and unlock opportunities that align with your true self. If you’ve earned your gold stars, but happiness feels out of reach, this episode is for you. Yael Eiserike shares how therapy and mindset work can dissolve anxiety, ease perfectionism, and open up new paths forward.  Especially with: How to treat panic attacks and insomnia using practical tools. How small shifts, like setting a boundary or making a different choice create new possibilities and help break  patterns of perfectionism and people-pleasing. The importance of understanding your “why” in recognizing the patterns behind your behaviors. Yael’s story and approach provide a roadmap for reclaiming your autonomy, your well-being, and your sense of purpose, in law or beyond it.   About Yael Eiserike Yael is a former attorney and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW,) who specializes in therapy for high-stress professionals, career-changers, and those who struggle with balance.  She helps clients overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout. With a background that bridges law and mental health, she focuses on direct clinical work rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure work, supporting her clients to create meaningful change from within. Yael’s compassionate approach empowers women to find alignment and fulfillment on their own terms. Website: www.yaeleiserike.com   About WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call   Follow Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

Imagine being at the height of your legal career; earning more than ever, admired by peers, and yet feeling completely miserable.  That was Sarah Burke’s reality before she made one of the boldest choices of her life. To walk away from traditional legal practice in pursuit of autonomy, alignment and self-love. Imagine transforming from someone who's afraid to say “no,” to  becoming confidently building your own mediation practice, traveling the world, and stepping into your next chapter.  Sarah didn’t just change careers; she shed layers of who she thought she had to be and stepped into who she truly is. In this episode, we talk about: How to break free from people-pleasing and living in fear of others being “mad at you.” Why autonomy mattered more for Sarah than a pay check.   How Sarah learned to trust her internal vision over external expectations. How she built confidence through action, not waiting to feel “ready”.  How doing hard, scary things rewired her nervous system. If you've ever thought, “Could I really leave?”, Sarah’s story is your sign that "Yes, you can!"  Tune in to hear how she built a life and business on her own terms and how you can too.   About Sarah Sarah Burke is a skilled and empathetic mediator, arbitrator, and neutral professional dedicated to helping individuals and businesses resolve disputes efficiently and amicably. With over 15 years of litigation experience as a practicing attorney, Sarah now focuses on facilitating fair and balanced resolutions in mediation, pre-settlement conferences, and arbitration throughout Florida. Sarah’s professional background includes handling complex commercial litigation, insurance disputes, and multi-million-dollar claims, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges parties face in contentious matters. Her ability to break down complex issues, coupled with a calming and compassionate presence, allows her to guide disputing parties toward solutions that save time, minimize costs, and reduce the stress of prolonged conflict. Website: https://www.burkeresolutions.com   Show notes/References The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen. It may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.  Join us for the Sunday Sprint: Shine Your Light, from October 5th to November 9th. The Sunday Sprint is a 6-week reset designed to help you ground, grow, and finish the year strong. You’ll walk away with: Morning routines that energize and focus your day. Tools to create more time (yes, really!). Accountability, coaching, and community. Strategies to overcome fear and limiting beliefs. A renewed sense of clarity and momentum. Sign up here: https://elenadeutsch931.lpages.co/sunday-sprint-2025/    Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own? Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call  Follow Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

Imagine being a 29 year-old criminal prosecutor who’s diagnosed with breast cancer, only to realize the biggest shocker is that chemo is the “best experience of your life.” This wake-up call for Dina Cataldo began her journey into entrepreneurship and personal growth that ultimately led to coaching and moving to Sedona, Arizona.  Along the way she faced fear, guilt and shame, opening her up to self-compassion and creating a business and life she absolutely adores. In this episode, we talk about: Her journey through cancer - three times! Learning how you have more power than you know. Going from skeptical to a spiritual awakening. The connection between entrepreneurship and spiritual growth. How we’re programmed (and how to wake up). Creating strong boundaries—like with an unapologetic email auto-responder! Learning to listen to your inner voice, even when fear is loud. Why feeling not-enough is common for lawyers, and how to start healing it. Dina shares how even our deepest struggles can spark clarity and transformation.   About Dina Dina Cataldo is a Master Certified Coach who helps lawyers love their lives while growing their law practices. She's the creator of the program Time Peace for Lawyers™ and host of “Be a Better Lawyer” Podcast. She was a criminal prosecutor for over 15 years before leaving the law to help lawyers stop feeling overwhelmed in the law practices and live lives that feel fully lived. Free Workbook: "3 Sneaky Problems Stealing Your Time and Productivity (and How to Fix Them Now!)" can be downloaded here: https://dinacataldo.com/timepeace Connect with Dina: Website: https://dinacataldo.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-cataldo/  Instagram: https://instagram.com/dina.cataldo  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dinacataldo   Show notes/References Listen to this episode of the Be a Better Lawyer Podcast: Leaving the Law with Special Guest - Elena Deutsch Money book Elena refers to: Love Money, Money Loves You by Sarah McCrum Episode of the Born to Heal Podcast where Dina talks about her curing cancer naturally.  It’s amazing!    WILL - Women Interested in Leaving Law The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen. It may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.  Join us for the Sunday Sprint: Shine Your Light, from October 5th to November 9th. The Sunday Sprint is a 6-week reset designed to help you ground, grow, and finish the year strong. You’ll walk away with: Morning routines that energize and focus your day. Tools to create more time (yes, really!). Accountability, coaching, and community. Strategies to overcome fear and limiting beliefs. A renewed sense of clarity and momentum. Sign up here: https://elenadeutsch931.lpages.co/sunday-sprint-2025/    Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own? Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call    Follow Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

Imagine feeling stuck in a high-paying legal job as you’re buried deep in student loan debt. Imagine having everything you ever wanted in a career - Your dream job right in front of you, and then realizing you absolutely hate it. Imagine feeling unsure how to make a change…until one conversation shifts everything. In this inspiring episode, Jessica Medina shares how she went from being completely burnt out and in financial overwhelm, to a place of freedom, clarity, and renewed energy. She talks through the dawning realization that her dream job in enforcement is far from what she imagined. Burnt out, indebted and lacking love in her career, Jessica chose a new career path that not only helped her decrease her own debt, but help others in the same way. In this episode, she talks about: How the fear of financial security shuts down processing and the ability to think. Opening the mindset of clients to see beyond the ‘safe path’ and begin to feel passionate and dream. How she helps clients gain the freedom to make intentional choices. Many lawyers feel stuck in their jobs because of financial obligations, especially student loan debt. But once they gain clarity and control over their finances, it opens up real options: career pivots, sabbaticals, travel, or simply breathing room to reassess.  If this sounds like you, then we invite you to listen in and begin to dream again.   About Jessica Jessica Medina is a lawyer turned Accredited Financial Counselor on a mission to help attorneys create the financial freedom they need to do big things. She graduated from Columbia Law School in 2004 as a single mom of twins with over $200,000 in student loans and went straight to work at a big law firm.    After eight years she switched roles and became Senior Counsel at the Division of Enforcement at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. She left the government to work in an area of the financial industry outside of the securities world and now teaches other lawyers how to use their money to finance their dream lives. She especially enjoys working with her WILL member-clients to help them craft their exit plans and pursue their true passions. Learn more about Jessica Medina: www.jessicamedinallc.com. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn and Instagram @jessicamedinallc. The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen. It may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.  Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own? Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call   Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

When Mel Robbins agrees with you... Have you ever been in this situation before women in law? Your heart races when an unexpected email comes in from a difficult partner, or you wake up with a jolt in the middle of the night.  You wish you could stop the spiraling, self-doubt and overthinking but just keep going to that worst case scenario.  How about this instead? You have a simple, discreet tool you can use anytime, anywhere. It's effective in the office, on a call or in the courtroom. Use it and you feel calm, clear, and in control. Anxiety is one of the biggest challenges women lawyers face. From constant deadlines to unpredictable demands. The profession trains you to live in a state of high alert. But you don’t have to stay stuck in that state. In this solo episode, I share a quick and effective method to regulate #anxiety: Touch, Label & Choose (TLC). This technique helps you soothe your body, get present, and choose helpful thoughts. If you ever feel overwhelmed or frozen by stress, this episode is for you. Learn: 💡Why anxiety shows up in your body first (and why you can’t just “think” your way out of it). 💡 Simple ways to signal safety to your body (that you can do anytime, anywhere!) 💡How to label physical sensations to create emotional distance and regain calm.  This episode will help you calm anxiety in the moment, reset your nervous system, and access the grounded version of yourself that’s always there, but often buried under the stress.   Show notes: The Let Them Theory By Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/  Book a consult: www.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call  The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen. It may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.  Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own? Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call   Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

Trigger warning - adolescent suicide.  Imagine struggling to leave your firm but you’re "enmeshed" with your group, and don’t want to leave them.  Imagine you go to an in-house role, and keep “leaning in” at work, giving and giving, while your recognition flat-lines. Imagine you work in “occupational health and safety” but your own mental health is at the bottom of your priority list.  Imagine you’ve been making progress and aren’t able to fully put yourself first, until your 11 year old daughter makes a suicide attempt, and this wakes you up in a whole new way to how you have to resource yourself This is all part of Gwen Nightengale’s journey.  Gwen - a longtime occupational health and safety attorney, user of therapy and WILL Member documents her journey from burned out associate and in-house lawyer, to a boundaried and attentive attorney and mental health advocate. Gwen’s WILL journey takes many iterations - from the very first pilot group in 2017 to The Creator’s Circle Mastermind - a year-long journey through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.   Hear her speak how she found accountability, community and healing in WILL.  How it helps her break isolation, see she’s not alone, and continue to expand and grow.  Out of the cocoon and into the world!   About Gwen Gwen Nightengale is an in-house Environmental, Health, & Safety Lawyer with over 15 years of experience advising clients on workplace health and safety regulatory compliance. Before working in-house, Gwen practiced in the Workplace Health & Safety practice group for over 8 years at a Labor & Employment Law Firm in Washington, DC. Gwen earned both her bachelor’s degree in biology and her Juris Doctor degree from Howard University. Mental health and wellbeing is a passion that is near and dear to Gwen’s heart. Given that the long work hours, customer service focus, and ever evolving legal landscape can make the practice of law challenging and isolating, Gwen has been dedicating a lot of her time outside of work finding new activities that inspire joy, build community, and foster resilience. She is a member of the WILL Creator's Circle, which is a mastermind focused on Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. Her work in the Creator's Circle inspired her to create a Substack, A Deeper Well. Here, she speaks candidly about her mental health journey. If Gwen weren’t working as a lawyer, she would likely be an attorney wellness coach to support other minority women attorneys with practicing law resiliently and sustainably.  Gwen’s Show Notes Gwen’s Substack: A Deeper Well Above the Law Article - Elena and WILL: https://abovethelaw.com/2017/05/on-escaping-biglaw-an-interview-with-career-coach-elena-deutsch/ Emma Garret Coaching and More Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski The Secret of Life The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.  Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own? Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call   Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

What happens when your dream job becomes a nightmare that puts you in survival mode? In this episode, you will learn how to recognize burnout warning signs, choose yourself over prestige, and align your career with your values. This is exactly what happened to Samorn Selim. As the daughter of illiterate Lao refugees and the first in her family to go to college, she thought landing a big law job meant she'd made it. Instead, she found herself in survival mode and struggling with health issues. Samorn Selim shares how she worked through her fears to make big career changes and bet on herself:  from big law to Berkeley Law Career Counselor, and finally a bold leap to build Career Unicorns® – Spark Your Joy®.   Now a Forbes-featured career coach, Samorn has helped over 1,000 women, BIPOC, and first-generation professionals escape similar traps and find careers that actually energize them and align with their values. We dive deep into what it takes to walk away from the expectations, the prestige, the paycheck and how to listen to your inner wisdom, including: The early warning signs your body gives you before burnout hits. How to walk away from prestige without regret. A practical framework for making values-based career decisions. If you're exhausted from performing for others and ready to build a career that energizes rather than drains you, this conversation will show you exactly how to start.   Connect with Samorn Samorn Selim is the Founder of Career Unicorns and the host of Career Unicorns – Spark Your Joy podcast. As the daughter of illiterate Laotian refugees, the first to go to college in her family, and the former Director of Employer Outreach at Berkeley Law, Samorn has used her experiences to support over 1,000 first-generation professionals, women, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color in law, tech, and legal tech to land their dream jobs, get promoted to leadership, and overcome burnout to build sustainable and thriving careers. Her work has been featured in: Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and the BBC among others. Web: www.careerunicorns.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-unicorns-spark-your-joy/id1596874054 New book (#1 new release in Legal Self Help): Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy.   Show notes/references Samorn Selim’s Website: www.careerunicorns.com Book: Belonging: Self-Love Lessons from a Workaholic, Depressed, Insomniac Lawyer – Amazon Link  LinkedIn: Samorn Selim on LinkedIn Check out her new book: https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Lessons-Workaholic-Depressed-Insomniac   ⭐️ Exclusive offer! ⭐️ The first 10 people to listen to this episode and submit a review will win a complimentary copy of Samorn's new book: Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy. Terms:  Review the podcast. Submit a screen shot of your review via email  to support[at]womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com with your mailing address. If you’ve already submitted a review, please send a screenshot of sharing the podcast with a friend.   The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.  Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own? Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call   Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com