Neena Speer, a published author, founder of a nonprofit, and solo practitioner, joins Kyla to share how she built a purpose-driven career rooted in mentorship, advocacy, and transparency. From creating her nonprofit, Step 1-2-3, to writing Dear Future Lawyer, Neena opens up about the challenges of law school, embracing failure, and the power of mentorship to create lasting change. This episode is an inspiring look at how lawyers can turn their personal experiences into impactful careers that align with their values.
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Neena Speer is a dynamic attorney, author, nonprofit founder, and advocate based in Birmingham, Alabama. She embodies a purpose-driven approach to law, combining her legal skills with a passion for mentorship and community impact. Neena is the founder of Step 1-2-3, a nonprofit dedicated to continuous mentorship for students, offering guidance, resources, and life-changing opportunities. Inspired by her own experience reconnecting with a mentee after a mentorship program ended, Neena created a platform that fosters meaningful, lasting connections between mentors and mentees across the country and internationally.
"I believe in continuous mentorship... We need more continuity in our lives because that value of connection comes from being there, year after year," shares Neena Speer on You Are A Lawyer.
In addition to running her nonprofit, Neena is the author of Dear Future Lawyer: An Intimate Survival Guide for the Minority Female Law Student. This groundbreaking book addresses the unique challenges faced by minority women in law school, providing practical advice and encouragement. Neena’s transparency, resilience, and focus on creating spaces for connection and authenticity make her an inspiring leader in the legal profession.
Neena’s journey to law school began with a desire to challenge unfair rules and systems that perpetuate inequality. A pivotal moment came during her eighth-grade commute when she noticed children being bussed to underfunded schools just across the street from better-funded ones. This experience left a lasting impression, sparking her determination to become a lawyer and advocate for those left out by inequitable systems.
"When I was in eighth grade, I couldn’t verbalize it, but I knew I didn’t like that rule. Ever since, I’ve been focused on breaking those rules and advocating for people left out by them," reflects Neena Speer on Episode 178 of You Are a Lawyer.
For Neena, law school was both a challenge and an opportunity. While it provided her with the tools to analyze systemic problems, she recognized gaps in the support systems available to students, particularly minority women. This inspired her to write Dear Future Lawyer and create mentorship opportunities that focus on inclusion and representation. Her legal education became a stepping stone to a broader mission of advocacy and empowerment.
Neena believes a law degree is far more than a ticket to traditional legal practice—it’s a versatile tool that can be used to make meaningful change across industries and communities. As a solo practitioner, she helps clients navigate the legal system, but her career goes beyond the courtroom. Through her nonprofit, Step 1-2-3, and her book, Neena uses her legal training to educate, mentor, and inspire others.
"I believe your law degree can be a foundation for anything. It’s about taking what you’ve learned and building something that lasts," explains Neena Speer, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.
Neena’s story illustrates how a law degree can empower lawyers to advocate for systemic change, share their unique perspectives, and create platforms for others to succeed. By leveraging her skills in advocacy, storytelling, and community building, Neena has turned her legal education into a foundation for a purpose-driven and impactful career.
Neena’s side hustles reflect her commitment to mentorship and storytelling, demonstrating how lawyers can channel their passions into impactful projects. Her nonprofit, Step 1-2-3, was born from a personal promise to remain a lifelong mentor to a student she guided during a program that later lost contact with her mentees. The program has since grown into a nationwide and virtual initiative, connecting mentors and mentees across the U.S. and even globally.
“I didn’t like red tape. I didn’t like being told no. So I created my own nonprofit to make the impact I knew was possible,” shares Neena Speer in Episode 178 of You Are a Lawyer.
Beyond her nonprofit, Neena’s side hustle as an author has had a profound impact on minority female law students. Dear Future Lawyer serves as both a survival guide and a source of encouragement, addressing the unique challenges faced by minority women in law school. By sharing her personal story and lessons learned, Neena has created a platform that empowers others to embrace authenticity and resilience in their legal journeys. Her side hustles are deeply intertwined with her core mission of mentorship and advocacy, proving that lawyers can create meaningful, multifaceted careers.
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Neena is licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama.
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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