Laurie Pascoe practiced law in Ottawa, Ontario for more than forty years while writing over fifty articles, teaching continuing legal education, and serving thousands of clients. In this episode, Laurie explains why lawyers must evolve, how client service impacts malpractice claims, and why thinking like a client can make your legal practice more effective and more enjoyable.Lawyer Side HustlesWriting has been Laurie’s creative and intellectual outlet. He has written articles for lawyers and articles for clients, using writing as a way to educate, clarify legal issues, and reduce client overwhelm. Long before law firm websites were common, he built one of the first in Ottawa and filled it with free educational content. He also became one of the earliest lawyers in the region to advertise legally after restrictions were lifted.“I had so many articles that when the internet came along, I had a million things to throw on my website right away,” shares Laurie Pascoe in Episode 79 of You Are a Lawyer.His most significant project became his book, Innovative Legal Service Applications: A Guide to Improved Client Services, published by the ABA. For Laurie, these writing projects were not hobbies. They were a way to teach lawyers, improve client outcomes, and share practical tools to help the profession evolve. His side work helped shape how many lawyers think about systems, client service, and ethics.This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Stephen Candelmo is a corporate lawyer turned tech founder who has spent nearly thirty years advising emerging companies and building his own ventures. In this episode, he explains how a recession, a machine learning experiment, and a desire for fairness inspired him to create Paralex, a legal platform that delivers fixed-fee, AI-powered legal services for small businesses and startups. He also shares why he believes the legal profession is on the edge of a major transformation.Lawyer Side HustlesStephen’s entrepreneurial path began long before Paralex. While still practicing corporate law, he launched a machine learning startup focused on sentiment analytics. The company served well-known customers and gave him a deeper understanding of product design, customer behavior, and the commercial side of technology. Years later, when large language models became available, he immediately began prototyping legal use cases instead of simply experimenting for fun.“Once you start innovating, you are always on the lookout for the next thing. It becomes a shift in mindset,” Stephen Candelmo expresses in Episode 222 of You Are a Lawyer.Paralex is the culmination of decades of corporate experience, business curiosity, and belief in legal accessibility. His side ventures were never hobbies. They were stepping stones that helped him create a platform where AI handles routine legal tasks while lawyers provide oversight, judgment, and accountability. For Stephen, entrepreneurship is not separate from being a lawyer. It is an extension of what lawyers can do when they combine their training with creativity.This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Daria Levina is a lawyer, academic, and business owner whose path spans Russia, the United States, Italy, and now Berlin. With two law degrees, a PhD in law, and a thriving admissions-advising business, Daria brings a global perspective to legal education and career design. In this episode, she shares what makes a PhD different from a JD, how stand-up comedy transformed her thinking, and why she believes education should be accessible to everyone.Lawyer Side HustlesOne of the most distinctive parts of Daria’s career is her entrepreneurial project, Harvard State of Mind, an admissions-advising business she built from years of helping friends apply to graduate and professional programs. What began as casual essay review turned into a robust library of courses, guides, and one-on-one services. Motivated by her own experience with education as a tool for social mobility, Daria is committed to making elite institutions feel accessible rather than exclusive.“Education has been not just a means of social mobility but pretty much the only means of upward mobility that was available… and I wanted to make that accessible,” Daria Levina expresses in Episode 221 of You Are a Lawyer.In addition to running her business, Daria performs stand-up comedy in Berlin. It has been a creative outlet that she describes as both therapeutic and unexpectedly practical. Comedy helps her process difficult experiences, develop new perspectives, and appreciate the collaborative nature of creative work. It’s proof that lawyers can be analytical and artistic at the same time.This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Edward Cohn is a criminal defense attorney who has spent 23 years running his own solo practice across three states. In this episode, he shares why opening his own firm right out of law school gave him the freedom he always wanted, how a background in music shaped his confidence and creativity, and why some lawyers thrive when they build their practice on their own terms.Lawyer Side HustlesWhile Edward doesn’t have a traditional ‘side hustle’, his entire career reflects an entrepreneurial mindset that many lawyers overlook. Instead of building a firm with multiple attorneys, he intentionally crafted a lean practice powered by autonomy, flexibility, and meaningful work. He writes his own pleadings, manages client communication, and supplements his bandwidth by hiring students or contractors when needed.“You’ve got to be a hustler. You’ve got to have that drive in you… For me, I always had that,” Edward Cohn expresses in Episode 220 of You Are a Lawyer.Running a solo practice is his entrepreneurial venture, one that lets him control his schedule, spend time with his homeschooled daughter, and avoid the burnout that many lawyers face. His story shows that autonomy itself can be a form of creativity, and that building a practice intentionally can function as the ultimate professional side project: one that supports your life instead of consuming it.This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Anne Hamer is a top-rated family lawyer based in Nashville, Tennessee, whose path to success was anything but traditional. After years in corporate and plaintiff work, and even a decade as a stay-at-home mom, Anne returned to the courtroom with a new sense of purpose. In this episode, she shares how to change your legal career at any age, how her own divorce reshaped her understanding of family law, and why it’s never too late to find work you love.Anne Hamer’s BackgroundBorn and raised in Memphis, Anne Hamer has spent much of her life in Tennessee, with a detour to New York for law school at NYU. She laughs now about being the Southern student with the unmistakable accent that made her memorable in class but also taught her to adapt and connect with people from every background. After graduation, she weighed a fast-paced life in Manhattan against a more balanced one back home and chose Tennessee."I just knew I was not going to have any kind of life if I stayed in New York. I wanted something different," shares Anne Hamer on You Are A Lawyer.Anne’s career began in corporate law at a large Nashville firm, where she handled IPOs and mergers but found herself uninspired by the work. After trying litigation, plaintiff work, and even stepping away from practice for 10 years to raise her children, she returned to law with a renewed sense of purpose. Today, she’s one of Tennessee’s most respected family lawyers, recognised by Super Lawyers for her compassionate yet strategic approach to high-conflict and high-asset divorce cases.This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Chelsea Jones is the founder of Chelsea Anne Media, a social media marketing agency that helps lawyers build personal brands that feel genuine, not forced. In this episode, she shares how one Upwork client turned into a thriving niche, why Instagram remains the most powerful platform for lawyers, and how authenticity can turn online visibility into real relationships.How Lawyers Can Build a Brand That WorksAccording to Chelsea, building a personal brand starts with simplicity. Many lawyers assume branding requires elaborate campaigns, but she insists it begins with clarity; knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to be known. From there, structure and consistency do the heavy lifting.“Your personal brand is you. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple, be yourself, and build a plan that reflects that," shares Chelsea Jones on Episode 218 of You Are a Lawyer.She advises lawyers to define four or five “content pillars” – the key themes or topics that represent their work and personality. Whether it’s educational posts, personal stories, or motivational insights, these pillars help create focus and flow. For Chelsea, social media success isn’t about perfection or virality. It’s about visibility that feels aligned, authentic, and sustainable.This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
Stephen Weisberg is a Detroit-based tax attorney who helps individuals and business owners resolve IRS controversies and tax-debt issues. In this episode, he shares how the 2008 recession launched him from corporate bankruptcy work into tax law, why most people wait too long to seek help, and what every lawyer (and taxpayer) should know before they get that letter from the IRS.What You Can Do With a Law DegreeStephen’s journey proves that a law degree is both a credential and a toolkit. His early work in bankruptcy law introduced him to financial systems and creditor negotiations, while his tax practice taught him how to translate that technical knowledge into advocacy for everyday people. Tax controversy work isn’t glamorous, but it’s vital—and it’s year-round.“People think I’m busiest during tax season, but that’s when the IRS is focused on filing. My work happens the rest of the year," shares Stephen Weisberg on Episode 217 of You Are a Lawyer.He’s built a steady stream of clients through LinkedIn networking, attorney referrals, and partnerships with CPAs, CFOs, and financial planners. The relationships he’s developed prove that collaboration, not competition, sustains a modern law practice. Most of his cases are handled remotely by phone or Zoom, reflecting how legal work has evolved since the pandemic.Did you know that children as young as 10 can be prosecuted as adults in Pennsylvania? You Are A Lawyer has partnered with YSRP, the Youth Sentencing and Re-Entry Project, to bring awareness to their fight to keep young people out of adult prisons and to advocate for youth lifers. Visit YSRP.org to support this cause. Thank you.
Sergio Gregorio is a lawyer, podcast host, and creative who’s redefining what it means to have a legal career. In this conversation, he shares how growing up in Brooklyn, studying journalism, and working in federal service shaped his storytelling instincts, and why today’s lawyers must balance visibility, authenticity, and creativity in the digital world.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESSergio’s podcast, Frolic & Detour, showcases the multifaceted lives of lawyers who have stepped outside conventional career paths. Through conversations that blend humour, culture, and creativity, he invites listeners to see law as a foundation, not a limitation. He’s also expanding his creative portfolio with food-review videos, blending his love of storytelling with his natural curiosity about everyday pleasures.“People don’t really get to see the silly side,” Sergio Gregorio admits in Episode 216 of You Are a Lawyer, “The podcast can feel serious, but there’s more to me than that.”By bringing humanity into his work, Sergio embodies the podcast’s core philosophy: lawyers are people first. Thinkers, creators, and dreamers who deserve space to explore beyond the billable hour. His story is a reminder that embracing detours can lead to the most authentic destinations.Did you know that children as young as 10 can be prosecuted as adults in Pennsylvania? You Are A Lawyer has partnered with YSRP, the Youth Sentencing and Re-Entry Project, to bring awareness to their fight to keep young people out of adult prisons and to advocate for youth lifers. Visit YSRP.org to support this cause. Thank you.
Laura Terrell is an executive coach, general counsel, and former special assistant to the president who has built a career across government, private practice, and nonprofit leadership. In this episode, she shares how coaching helps lawyers advocate for themselves, embrace career pivots, and find clarity in uncertain times.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESAlongside her legal work, Laura built a thriving executive coaching practice. She now works with clients ranging from law firm associates to government lawyers, helping them prepare for promotions, navigate layoffs, or make strategic pivots.“One of the interesting things about attorneys is we’re really good at advocating for clients. But sometimes attorneys are surprisingly reluctant to advocate for themselves,” shares Laura Terrell in Episode 103 of You Are a Lawyer.Her coaching practice fills that gap, giving lawyers the tools to ask better questions, push beyond comfort zones, and build sustainable, fulfilling careers.
Arivee Vargas is a first-generation Latina lawyer who went from Big Law litigation to in-house corporate leadership, all before pivoting to become an author, executive coach, and speaker. She shares the raw story of her identity crisis after having her first child and how that led her to develop the framework for her book, Your Time to Rise, focusing on aligning your career with your deepest values. This conversation is essential for any high-achieving lawyer ready to stop checking boxes and start building a life of true purpose.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESArivee Vargas has successfully layered multiple non-traditional ventures alongside her demanding corporate career, demonstrating how a side hustle can evolve into a full-time business. While working full-time in high-level corporate roles, she became a certified coach and simultaneously cultivated her writing and speaking business. Her specific "hustle" involved writing her book, Your Time to Rise, which was written while she was still fully employed. She also established The Humble Rising podcast in 2021 as a platform to test and experiment with her ideas and voice before making the full-time jump.“I started to realize, oh, I love coaching. I love, you know, doing this type of work,” Arivee Vargas shares in Episode 214 of You Are a Lawyer.Her current full-time business is built around executive coaching, speaking, and authoring, all centered on the theme of alignment, the process of ensuring what clients truly believe inside matches what they pursue on the outside. Arivee's focus with her clients is on "transformation from the inside out," working primarily with high-achieving lawyers and leaders who are looking for executive-level life coaching to navigate a career pivot and better align their professional achievements with their personal happiness.LISTEN TO LEARNHow to separate your self-worth from your professional titlesWhy focusing on the next right step eliminates career anxietyHow to apply law school grit to internal transformationWE ALSO DISCUSSWhy lawyers struggle with compartmentalization in personal lifeDeconstructing cultural beliefs about sacrifice and hustleChoosing "Work-Life Harmony" over the balance trapPartnership: Did you know that children as young as 10 can be prosecuted as adults in Pennsylvania? You Are A Lawyer has partnered with YSRP, the Youth Sentencing and Re-Entry Project, to bring awareness to their fight to keep young people out of adult prisons and to advocate for youth lifers. Visit YSRP.org to support this cause. Thank you.
Yladrea Drummond went from being “team no care about the law" to becoming a highly successful trial attorney and solo firm owner in Maryland and DC. She openly shares the grit required to get barred after a seven-year journey, how she transitioned her practice from family law to dominating criminal defense, and the non-negotiable value of complete autonomy that running her own firm provides. This conversation is a raw, honest look at the transition from legal disappointment to becoming a respected "big dog in court" who is truly building a legacyLAWYER SIDE HUSTLESWhile Yladrea is a self-proclaimed "workhorse" focused on the rapid expansion and day-to-day operations of her successful trial firm, she also acknowledges the importance of creative outlets that serve as a side interest and a form of therapy. Her personal hustle is in the realm of writing, specifically fiction, which is a powerful creative counterbalance to the high-stress demands of her criminal defense practice.“I love to write,” Yladrea Drummond shares in Episode 213 of You Are a Lawyer.Although the fiction novel was ultimately shelved, Yladrea recognizes her love for writing remains strong. She notes that if she were to pursue a writing project now, after achieving success in her firm, she would aim to share her professional expertise in a non-traditional format.LISTEN TO LEARNHow to protect your peace and stay grounded in high-pressure legal rolesWhat it looks like to lead authentically, even in corporate settingsWhy saying “yes” to rest is essential for longevity in the legal fieldWE ALSO DISCUSSThe pressures of overachievement and burnout in lawBlack joy, healing, and the power of communityRedefining success beyond titles and traditional career pathsPartnership: Did you know that children as young as 10 can be prosecuted as adults in Pennsylvania? You Are A Lawyer has partnered with YSRP, the Youth Sentencing and Re-Entry Project, to bring awareness to their fight to keep young people out of adult prisons and to advocate for youth lifers. Visit YSRP.org to support this cause. Thank you.
Rob Levine is the founder of a multi-state law firm and an advocate for operational efficiency in legal practices. In this episode, he breaks down the vital role of case managers in improving law firm operations, building better client relationships, and increasing profitability. Whether you're a solo attorney or managing a growing team, this conversation will change how you think about delegation and workflow.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESRob’s “side hustle” is more like a second empire. In addition to his legal practice, he also runs businesses in medical records, call centers, and more. But everything he does is connected by a single goal: improving operational efficiency. His passion is not just practicing law, it’s optimizing it.“I’m always looking at what we do and how we can do it better,” Rob Levine shares in Episode 212 of You Are a Lawyer.For lawyers who feel stuck or overwhelmed, Rob Levine’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to look like leaving law. You can innovate inside the legal industry by shifting your mindset and creating systems that support your bigger goals.LISTEN TO LEARNWhy case managers are essential for scaling a law firmHow to increase client satisfaction through structured case managementWays to improve productivity and reduce attorney burnoutWE ALSO DISCUSSRob’s transition from military service to entrepreneurshipThe systems behind running a high-volume personal injury firmThe mindset shift lawyers need to run their firms like businessesJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com
Debra Whitson is a New York-based attorney, former prosecutor, family law mediator, and author of Divorce Like a Pro. In this conversation, she shares how mediation offers a healthier alternative to courtroom battles—and why divorce doesn’t have to destroy families. With decades of experience, Debra helps clients find clarity, peace, and dignity in even the most difficult transitions.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESDebra’s side hustle became a calling: she wrote Divorce Like a Pro to provide an accessible, empowering guide for anyone going through separation or family breakdown. The book distills her real-world experience into practical advice and it’s a resource she wishes more people had earlier.“I wrote the book because I found myself saying the same things over and over again to clients… there are better ways.,” shares Debra Whitson in Episode 75 of You Are a Lawyer.When she’s not running her practice or writing, Debra is a global advocate for women’s rights through Zonta International. Her passion for service, travel, and equity informs her entire professional ethos, from her client relationships to her vision of justice.LISTEN TO LEARNWhy courtroom litigation often makes family issues worse, not betterHow mediation can lead to reconciliationThe biggest myths Debra wants to debunk about divorce and conflictWE ALSO DISCUSSDebra’s early career as a prosecutor and what pushed her to shift pathsHer book Divorce Like a Pro and why she felt called to write itHow international travel and service work shaped her career and values
Elise Holtzman left Big Law to raise her children, without a clear roadmap for what came next. Now she’s a leadership coach and founder of The Lawyer’s Edge, helping lawyers build confidence, develop business skills, and grow professionally. In this episode, Elise shares the mindset shifts that led her from practicing law to coaching those still in the field.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESWhat began as a curiosity became a calling. Elise explored executive coaching and soon realized she could use her background in law to serve other lawyers. That side interest eventually became The Lawyer’s Edge, which she now runs full-time, offering coaching programs, firm-wide trainings, and a popular podcast.“I didn’t set out to start a business. I set out to help people,” Elise Holtzman shares in Episode 210 of You Are a Lawyer.Elise’s story shows how side projects can evolve into full-fledged careers. By paying attention to what energized her, and what drained her, she built a business that supports both her clients and her life. She encourages other lawyers to give themselves permission to try something new, even if it starts small.LISTEN TO LEARNHow to overcome the fear of leaving traditional law practiceWhat lawyers actually need when it comes to leadership and business developmentHow to build a coaching business tailored to legal professionalsWE ALSO DISCUSSThe identity crisis many lawyers face when stepping away from the professionWhy law school doesn’t prepare you to be a leader or entrepreneurHow to balance motherhood and career reinventionJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com
Lamia Rahman is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of SEEKR, a tech startup creating wearable AI devices for the blind. In this inspiring episode, Lamia shares her journey from law school in Hong Kong to the front lines of legal tech, accessibility, and advocacy.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESSEEKR began as a passion project and has since grown into a globally recognized AI startup. The company develops wearable devices that help blind and visually impaired users navigate the world more independently. Lamia co-founded SEEKR during her law degree, blending her passion for tech with her desire to serve.“It was a small idea at first. Now we’re building something that’s used across countries. That’s wild,” Lamia Rahman shares in Episode 209 of You Are a LawyerMore than a “side hustle,” SEEKR is a mission-driven business, fueled by Lamia’s belief that tech should be inclusive and empathetic. In the episode, she shares what it’s like to build a team, pitch to investors, and develop AI that solves real-world problems, all while still figuring out what comes next in her legal career.LISTEN TO LEARNHow Lamia co-founded an AI startup that creates wearable tools for the blindWhy legal knowledge helps entrepreneurs navigate business growthHow public speaking and networking open unexpected career doorsWE ALSO DISCUSSHer experience studying law in Hong Kong as an international studentHow being a woman of color in tech and law shaped her journeyWays to combine social justice, accessibility, and innovationJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com
Daniel Rosenberg is a former prosecutor and defense attorney turned novelist who’s turning real-life courtroom experience into gripping legal thrillers. In this episode, he shares how his background in acting and law helped him build a successful writing career, why COVID was the creative catalyst he needed, and how his novels teach readers about the legal system, without getting lost in legalese.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESDaniel’s side hustle as an author didn’t just stem from a love of books—it came from lived experience. Drawing from real cases he prosecuted and defended, he built compelling plots that read like fiction but are grounded in courtroom realism. He even test-ran his early manuscripts with a jury of trusted friends and lawyers for feedback.“Write what you know… because I can spot right away someone who’s never been in a courtroom,” Daniel Rosenberg shares in Episode 208 of You Are a LawyerHe also manages his own publishing relationships and book marketing, blending legal savvy with entrepreneurial spirit. From book signings to readings to podcast interviews, Daniel shows that you can take a legal career and build something entirely new, without leaving your skills behind.LISTEN TO LEARNHow courtroom experience can shape compelling legal thrillersWhy creative skills are valuable assets in a legal careerHow to write fiction that’s both entertaining and educationalWE ALSO DISCUSSThe role of performance and storytelling in trial workHow Daniel's background in acting helped him excel in law and writingPractical advice for lawyers who want to write books or pursue creative pathsJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com
Candace Spencer is a legal consultant, mediator, and food justice advocate based in Washington, D.C. With a unique blend of legal insight and a lifelong passion for food, Candace has built a career at the intersection of environmental mediation, sustainable agriculture, and racial equity. In this episode, she shares how she’s using her legal background to support Black farmers, empower dairy-free living, and reshape the food system from the inside out.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESCandace’s side hustles are anything but side projects; they’re deeply aligned with her mission. Her YouTube series SSpilled Milk educates and uplifts the dairy-free community with humour and heart. She also creates downloadable legal guides for small food entrepreneurs, helping people start businesses with confidence.“It means so much to me when my friends include me with dairy-free options. That’s what Spilled Milk is about—making that kind of support easier for everyone,” shares Candace Spencer in Episode 37 of You Are a Lawyer.Whether she’s consulting on food policy or baking allergen-friendly desserts, Candace is creating systems of care. Her legal and creative ventures work in harmony, bringing clarity, inclusivity, and joy to underserved communities.LISTEN TO LEARNWhy legal skills can support advocacy work outside traditional law firm rolesHow Candace empowers people through food-focused legal consultingWhat it means to find creative freedom and impact in your legal careerWE ALSO DISCUSSThe flaws Candace saw in traditional legal educationWhy dairy-free living is about more than dietary restrictionHow Black farmers and food entrepreneurs can benefit from accessible legal toolsJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com
A.X. Foster is a former prosecutor and defense attorney turned novelist who’s turning real-life courtroom experience into gripping legal thrillers. In this episode, he shares how his background in acting and law helped him build a successful writing career, why COVID was the creative catalyst he needed, and how his novels teach readers about the legal system, without getting lost in legalese.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESA.X.’s side hustle as an author didn’t just stem from a love of books—it came from lived experience. Drawing from real cases he prosecuted and defended, he built compelling plots that read like fiction but are grounded in courtroom realism. He even test-ran his early manuscripts with a jury of trusted friends and lawyers for feedback.“Write what you know… because I can spot right away someone who’s never been in a courtroom,” A.X. Foster shares in Episode 206 of You Are a Lawyer.He also manages his own publishing relationships and book marketing, blending legal savvy with entrepreneurial spirit. From book signings to readings to podcast interviews, A.X. shows that you can take a legal career and build something entirely new, without leaving your skills behind.LISTEN TO LEARNHow courtroom experience can shape compelling legal thrillersWhy creative skills are valuable assets in a legal careerHow to write fiction that’s both entertaining and educationalWE ALSO DISCUSSThe role of performance and storytelling in trial workHow A.X.'s background in acting helped him excel in law and writingPractical advice for lawyers who want to write books or pursue creative pathsJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com
Gary Martoccio is an employment lawyer and solo practitioner who left a large firm after 12 years to build his own plaintiffs-side practice. In this episode, Gary shares what it’s like to advocate for employees, run your own firm, and earn multiple state licenses through bar exams and reciprocity. If you’re curious about employment law or considering going solo, this episode gives a real-world perspective you won’t find in law school.WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A LAW DEGREEGary’s journey shows how a law degree can provide both structure and flexibility. Even if your first idea doesn’t stick (or your clients don’t make it to the big leagues), your training equips you with skills to succeed in high-stakes environments.“Don’t just limit yourself to traditional practice… it truly sets you up for so many different avenues," shared Gary Martoccio on Episode 205 of You Are a Lawyer.Today, Gary practices employment law across multiple states thanks to a smart mix of bar exams and reciprocity. He reminds lawyers and law students that options expand when you take strategic risks early on and the earlier you pivot toward work that feels aligned, the better.LISTEN TO LEARNHow to start and grow your own law firm after working in Big LawWhat it really looks like to practice plaintiffs-side employment lawHow to use bar reciprocity and strategy to gain licensure in multiple statesWE ALSO DISCUSSThe emotional and professional payoff of advocating for employeesHow to tell if your law firm (or area of law) is a good long-term fitWhy it’s never too late to pivot toward work that energizes youJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com
Nick Troxel is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Troxel Fitch, LLC, a business-focused law firm in Denver. In this episode, he shares how he went from driving Lyft after law school to building a thriving firm with his law school roommate. If you've ever dreamed of starting your own legal business, or wondered if it's worth the ris, this conversation is for you.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESNick didn’t have a side hustle in the traditional sense—his firm was the hustle. He and his partner built it in real time, taking every contract and client they could, learning by doing, and stretching every dollar. The early months were full of late nights, part-time jobs, and small wins that added up to something bigger. Over time, that side hustle became a full-fledged, thriving firm.“I didn’t do this to be super rich or anything. I mean, I want freedom. And that’s ultimately what entrepreneurship can give you,” shares Nick Troxel in Episode 76 of You Are a Lawyer.In addition to running his practice, Nick also co-authored How to Be a Lawyer, a book that aims to demystify the transition from law school to practice. His passion for helping new lawyers build sustainable careers has become a core part of his identity. He proves that a non-traditional career doesn’t mean a lesser one. It often means a more fulfilling one, especially when it’s built with intention and courage.LISTEN TO LEARNWhat it really takes to start a law firm straight out of law schoolWhy lifestyle goals should guide your legal career decisionsHow to build resilience through uncertainty (and global pandemics)WE ALSO DISCUSSEntrepreneurship as a mindset, not just a jobHow to avoid “golden handcuffs” in your careerWhy law students should focus on the life they want—not just the job they think they should takeJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com
MarvinI Watkins
I am a car accident attorney and I love my job so i want to tell you the complexities of personal injury law in San Diego demands a seasoned ally. Enter San Diego's elite team of personal injury lawyers, dedicated to championing justice for their clients. With personal injury lawyers San Diego unwavering expertise https://hhjtrialattorneys.com/ and compassion, they serve as beacons of hope, guiding individuals through legal intricacies to secure rightful compensation and restore peace of mind in the aftermath of adversity.
Brian Ginsberg
This is a fantastic podcast! Kyla is a compelling host who skillfully conducts interviews to get the most interesting facts and anecdotes out of her guests. It is appointment listening for lawyers and non-lawyers alike!