WILL - Women Interested in Leaving Law

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 

Imagine you’re stuck in your current situation because you worry what other people will think. Imagine thinking, “I don’t want to let other people down,” and yet some part of your soul feels a thud.  Because you’re letting yourself down. Imagine deciding to care-less (not not care!) what other people think, but you don’t know where to begin. Leaving long-held relationships at law firms or roles is one of the BIGGEST things that keeps women lawyers stuck. In this solo episode, see if you’re stuck in the “people-pleasing” pitfall. This is incredibly common among women lawyers, and it can silently sabotage your ability to make a switch. Is the fear of letting others down — partners, mentors, coworkers, friends — keeping you frozen? If so listen to this episode, we explore: Why fear of disappointing others may be holding you back How to re-frame what it means to “lose” relationships when you leave A new way of thinking to help you see that other people’s opinions are none of your business This episode will help you untangle the guilt, clarify your values, and begin to move forward with confidence.   Show notes/references Resources Mentioned: Mel Robbins – The Let Them Theory: Amazon link Contact Elena: elena@womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com Website & Consultations: https://www.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com Past WILL podcast episodes Meredith Eng – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breakdown-boundaries-breakthroughs-merediths-journey/id1781037581?i=1000703037254 

Imagine going from big law to an in-house role, that’s just as pressured and demanding. Imagine that you long for more connection and meaning in your work.  Imagine discovering your passion for Human Design and astrology.  You think this is the direction you want to pivot towards, but you’re scared as heck!  What will other people think? Imagine finding the support of others and summoning the courage to post about starting your astrology business on your socials.  (And only hearing positive things back!) This is the story of WILL Alum Marla Tseng.  She shares how WILL helped her navigate from a high-pressure in-house role to become a Human Design and Astrology practitioner. Marla left the practice of law in 2023 and set up her own human design and astrology business, and now helps others with what she has given herself - to align with what lights them up! In this episode, she talks through: What led her to leave law and enroll in WILL Transform. Her love of human design and astrology and an introduction into human design 'types'. How she works with clients. Marla Tseng uses human design and astrology to help unhappy professionals figure out the type of work that lights them up. She also uses Human Design to help corporate teams improve their collaboration. With her background as a lawyer in the corporate world for nearly 14 years, Marla now bridges the professional and metaphysical worlds, bringing a grounded, strategic, and heart-centered approach to her work with clients.    Connect with Marla IG: @marlajtseng www.manyworldsmanypossibilities.com   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   References WILL Transform Meredith chose the Transform VIP program, which included 1:1 coaching with Elena Deutsch. The WILL Transform Program is a comprehensive 6-month program designed specifically for busy women lawyers. It provides the support you need to make a meaningful career change. Learn more here: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/services/ Jenny McKee, Skywhispers Astrology www.skywhispersastrology.com The Gene Keys https://home.genekeys.com/ 

Imagine hitting burnout not once, but twice. The second time, you crash so hard, despite making many positive changes, you can’t walk! Imagine being an A+ perfectionist and battling daily with your inner critic and people-pleasing tendencies. Imagine meeting a therapist that finally switched you on to your values (and how everything you were doing was not in alignment with them). Now imagine turning your crash and burn into becoming a “compassionate coach”. You now help women lawyers get out of their own way, learn how to be self-compassionate and create fulfilling mindsets. You’ll love hearing how Jordana Confino went from lawyer to recovering-perfectionist and positive psychology coach. She shares how her personal experiences with burnout and physical pain helped her become the compassionate and successful coach she is today.   Jordana - profile and where to find her Jordana is a certified professional coach, Positive Lawyering professor, and founder of JC Coaching & Consulting, a company devoted to helping lawyers and other high-achieving professionals get out of their own way so they can enjoy greater satisfaction and sustainable success in their lives and work. As a self-described “recovering Type A+ perfectionist” herself, Jordana knows that many high-achieving, successful people hold limiting beliefs that prevent them from truly flourishing. Until fairly recently, she was one of them. But Jordana transformed her life leveraging the science of positive psychology and human motivation theory, and she is passionate about helping others do the same. Website: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/ Self-Compassion Guide: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/self-compassion-guide Values Discovery Guide: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/values   The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated guide for women lawyers. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, and 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   Summer SOULstice Wooshop Join our SUMMER SOULstice Wooshop on June 22nd (Early bird price until June 15th). Register here: https://elenadeutsch931.lpages.co/soulstice-wooshop-june-2025/   Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com    References Kristin Neff, Self-compassion

What is the nature of human existence? What are challenges?   What if challenges are opportunities to help you grow past your conditioning and habitual responses?   These very light questions 🤣 and how you can use challenges to expand and grow are the topic of this solo episode!  What if challenges are a chance for you to CLARIFY your VALUES and DESIRES? Listen in to shift the way you think so you can move through the hard stuff more easily and expand your capacity for more joy, alignment and pleasure. See how your challenges can become opportunities to become the person who has moved through the difficulties, into a new identity. This mini thought-provoking episode can help you deep-dive your own challenges and how they can transport you towards a greater YOU. 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

Imagine being a little kid and building your daily outfits around giant hair bows!  Imagine having part of your soul die while in law school, putting your head down and grinding it out. Imagine, being told by your future husband, that you always wear black. Estelle Winsett takes us on a journey from her childhood exuberant self, to a staid lawyer until she rediscovered her love of style and what it can do for women lawyers. As an attorney who practiced in multiple arenas - from litigation to universities and firm professional development roles, she knows how important it is for women lawyers to be taken seriously, without being TOO serious.  And how their personal style can speak for them without saying a word. At the bottom line of what Estelle does is help women accept who they are and shine!. This episode of the WILL Podcast might help you up your delight in how you dress to best represent yourself.    Where to find Estelle: Website: https://estellewinsett.com Click here to book a call with her: bit.ly/Stylecall Powerhouse Facebook Group: bit.ly/powerhousestyle (Free private FB Group) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estellewinsett IG: https://www.instagram.com/estellewinsett https://www.tiktok.com/@estellewinsettstyle   Show notes:    Interests can turn into income: Jenny McKee’s Episode - From Lawyer to Astrologer: The Path to Authenticity

Imagine you’re in a workplace where you know you’re not capitalizing on the best of what you have to offer. You're a creative relationship-builder and feel stymied by the billable hour.  Your current workplace isn't cutting it. You’re working in law, but not doing work that’s aligned with your values and making a difference in the lives of others.   Sound familiar? Rachel Clar's journey out of law started when she realized that a traditional law environment “created a rage inside”. She knew she wasn't living her fullest expression. In order to venture from her soul, she utilized her natural curiosity to: Leverage her strength in networking to build connections. Develop self-awareness, confidence and respect. Deconstruct fear-based perfectionism and workaholism. It was at this point that she cracked the code from the inside and founded Interconnected Us, to help women lawyers: Optimize their network. Go from invisible to making waves. Look inward and around themselves to facilitate core inner work. Listen in as Rachel talks through her journey from unhappy lawyer to aligned and mission-driven entrepreneur!   Connect with Rachel Website: https://www.interconnectedus.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelclar/   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 Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw   References Self Compassion by Krisin Neff: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Self_Compassion/PDAEzLL9mscC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT1&printsec=frontcover

Imagine a lifetime of pressure, conditioning and the internal critic saying: “work harder” “be perfect” and “you’re not good enough.”   This is on top of having a brain tumor and near death experience at 17, then losing your father at age 26.   Add in a lawyer practice in big law and the pressure to perform which ultimately leads to a breaking point. In desperation, you search  “Career coaches for women lawyers” on Google in the hope of finding relief.   Imagine the very day you have your consultation with Elena, there’s a panel of WILL Alumni talking about taking a leave of absence - and you enroll on the spot.   Meredith Eng generously shares her WILL journey with all the lows and highs including: How witnessing the vulnerability of other women lawyers gave her relief. Her decision to live a ‘full and expressive life’ while floating in the ocean. How she decided to take a big leap and leave big law BEFORE finding her right fit role. Mostly, hear from Meredith about how she learned to set boundaries and finally decide that her life is worth putting first.   Connect with Meredith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mereditheng/ Instagram: @mereditheeng   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    References Wilder A. Clements Wilder A. Clements brings experienced and value-driven counsel to purpose-driven businesses and organizations with challenging employment law questions. Clements Employment Law https://www.clementsemploymentlaw.com/   WILL Transform Meredith chose the Transform VIP program, which included 1:1 coaching with Elena Deutsch. The WILL Transform Program is a comprehensive 6-month program designed specifically for busy women lawyers. It provides the support you need to make a meaningful career change. Learn more here: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/services/   WILL Mastermind Based on the book 'Burnout', by the Nagoski Sisters About understanding burnout with activities around this.   WILL Creator's Circle The Creator’s Circle - a small-group journey through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron led by Elena Deutsch.  The Creators Circle opens one time per year.  It’s open to both lawyers, former lawyers and non-lawyers.     WILL Evolve Continuation program for WILL Alum, to support their ongoing journey and to avoid backsliding.   WILL Podcast Boundary Practice episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boundary-setting-practice-for-women-lawyers/id1781037581?i=1000679460040.   Jessica Meddina Financial councillor that helps lawyers create financial plans. Works closely with WILL members. https://www.jessicamedinallc.com.   Helena Bonham Carter, poetry https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5qXDx4oOnx/   One precious life Book of poems called ‘This Wild and Precious Life: A Journal’ by Mary Oliver. https://www.amazon.com/This-Wild-Precious-Life-Journal/dp/0593580281.   Jenny McKee A WILL Alum that switched from lawyer to being an astrologer. Her astrology website is Sky Whispers Astrology and she is available for readings. https://skywhispersastrology.com.   Anne Marie Segal Master the Interview, by Anne Marie Segal.

Imagine practicing law and realizing that as your supposedly indestructible office plant is dying, part of you is too.  You fear making a change because of all you’ve invested in your education, financially and time-wise. Imagine having exploratory conversations that lead you full circle from your dying plant to your career as a Death Doula and End-of-Life Planner ⚰️. Listen in as Marni Blank describes her ‘round-about’ journey and how she: Proved she could take that leap to start off as an entrepreneur. Utilized her skills as a lawyer in order to do what she loves in business. Shifted her mindset to feeling confident that she could figure out what to do (even while not knowing).   Connect with Marni Website: https://beginwiththeend.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marni-blank-esq-a335b28/    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    References Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir written in 2006 by Elizabeth Gilbert. It tells the story of a woman who embarks on a spiritual quest overseas to find inner peace and love.   The Death Deck, The Conversation Project https://thedeathdeck.com/  The Conversation Project - Have You Had The Conversation?   Takeaways Grounding practices can enhance presence in conversations. Transitioning from law to entrepreneurship can be challenging but rewarding. Financial concerns often hinder career changes, but mental health is paramount. Personal experiences can significantly influence career paths. Death Doulas provide emotional, practical, and spiritual support. Planning for end-of-life wishes is crucial for families. Not all Death Doulas have the same focus or services. It's important to have conversations about death and planning with loved ones. Being prepared can alleviate stress during difficult times. The role of a death doula can vary widely based on individual practice. It's important to have practical plans in place for end-of-life situations. Conversations about death should be normalized within families. Organizing digital life is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition for loved ones. Legal skills can be leveraged in non-traditional career paths. Embracing change can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. Life is short; prioritize what brings you joy and meaning. Creating legacy projects can help families remember their loved ones. Progress over perfection is key in planning and organization. Engaging in conversations about death can strengthen family bonds. Being prepared can alleviate stress for loved ones during difficult times.