How Law School Helped Me Find My Seat at the Table featuring Kyla Denanyoh

Kyla Denanyoh discusses her life after law school and the journey to creating the podcast.

In this episode, Kyla Denanyoh, a 2015 Southern University Law Center graduate, explains how her experience creating a role in a law firm taught her to embrace the value of her law degree.

How Law School Helped Me Find My Seat at the Table featuring Kyla Denanyoh

‍

About This Episode

Kyla Denanyoh is the Operations Manager of an intellectual property legal department in a mid-sized law firm; a role that was created for her unique abilities.

Her path to success was not as easily written as she would have liked; Kyla worked a number of odd jobs before being hired at a law firm and slowly advancing in her career. However, much of the advancement arrived once Kyla acknowledged the value of her law degree. The way that she processes knowledge, her work ethic, and many of her leadership skills were honed in law school. Kyla took the Louisiana and Ohio bar exams.

The “You Are A Lawyer” podcast was created for those who, by choice or chance, are not admitted to a bar association or who are licensed attorneys who practice law in non-traditional ways.

Prospective and current law students are welcome to listen and learn, as well as anyone who wants to transition into a new career.

Follow the podcast on Twitter @YouAreA_Lawyer, Instagram @youarealawyer and on LinkedIn. Follow the podcast host, Kyla Denanyoh, on Instagram @kjd796.

Recent Episodes

How To Navigate Vaccine Injury Cases in Law Practice feat. Jon Groth

Jon Groth, a personal injury attorney and managing partner of Groth Law Firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, shares his journey from law school to running a successful practice with a diverse range of cases, including car accidents and vaccine injuries. In this episode, Jon emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and effective communication in the legal profession, while also discussing the unique challenges and rewards of managing a law firm. He highlights the value of connecting with clients from all walks of life and the significance of adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of law and technology.

Read and listen here

How To Build Your Legal Career as a First-Generation Lawyer feat. Brooke Salazar

Brooke Salazar joins us in this episode to share her inspiring journey as a first-generation lawyer and business owner. With a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Brooke discusses the importance of authentic networking and sponsorship in building a successful career, as well as her insights on navigating the complexities of compliance and employee benefits. Tune in to hear her valuable advice for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in the legal field.

Read and listen here

How To Build a Successful Law Practice with Coaching feat. Daya Naef

Daya Naef is a seasoned attorney and the founder of The Success Partner, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping law firms and solo practitioners navigate pivotal stages in their careers. In this episode, Daya shares her journey from construction law to coaching, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, the limitless possibilities for young lawyers, and the value of creative pursuits outside of the legal profession. Join us as we explore how Daya empowers others to find their path and thrive in their legal careers.

Read and listen here

How To Create Generational Access in Your Career feat. Chibundu Nnake

Chibundu Nnake, a lead privacy campaign manager at Google, shares his journey from being a walk-on football player at Ohio State to navigating the intersections of law, technology, and advocacy. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of creating generational access and opportunities for others, while also encouraging young lawyers and law students to explore diverse career paths beyond traditional legal roles. Chibundu's insights highlight the value of networking, self-awareness, and the pursuit of passion in shaping a fulfilling career.

Read and listen here

How To Navigate Your Legal Career Without Losing Yourself feat. Meagan Smith

Meagan Smith joins us in this episode to share her unique journey as a lawyer navigating the complexities of the legal profession while embracing her identity and personal growth. From her experiences with the bar exam to her current role as counsel for multiple firms, Meagan emphasizes the importance of finding joy in one's work and the value of community support among women in law. Tune in as she discusses how her law degree has shaped her life and the significance of celebrating both small and large victories along the way.

Read and listen here

How To Use Your Law Degree for Social Change and Wealth Management feat. Whitney Knox Lee

Whitney Knox Lee is an anti-racism equity consultant and attorney who is passionate about addressing the racial wealth gap through her estate planning practice, Wills for the People. In this episode, she shares her journey from civil rights law to consulting, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive estate planning for Black households and communities of color. Whitney also discusses the challenges of navigating wealth conversations within these communities and the need for accessible legal services.

Read and listen here

How to Navigate the Entertainment Law Industry feat. Gordon Firemark

Gordon Firemark, a media producer and lawyer based in Los Angeles, shares his journey from television sports production to running an entertainment law practice in this episode. As the go-to expert for podcast-related legal matters, Gordon discusses his experience in podcasting and teaching entertainment law. He also delves into his diverse career, including producing shows, practicing law, and teaching courses on entertainment and intellectual property law.

Read and listen here

How To Pursue Multiple Interests as a Lawyer feat. Karla Aghedo

Karla Aghedo, a dynamic attorney and entrepreneur, shares her journey of problem-solving and resilience in various spaces, from owning a bookstore to homeschooling her children. Through her experience in law school and practice, Karla emphasizes the importance of finding solutions and building a supportive team to navigate challenges effectively. Join us as Karla discusses her passion for wellness, education, and the impact of her law degree on her diverse endeavors.

Read and listen here

How To Start Your Own Law Firm and Travel the World feat. Taylor Tieman

Taylor Tieman shares her journey from transitioning from civil litigation to starting her own law firm focused on transactional law, entertainment, and intellectual property. She discusses her unique approach to running LegalMiga Law PC, including offering subscription-based legal services and a template library to make legal assistance more accessible to business owners. Taylor's innovative mindset and commitment to providing affordable legal solutions showcase the possibilities of utilizing a law degree beyond traditional paths.

Read and listen here

How to Embrace Authenticity in Corporate Culture feat. Ashley Menzies Babatunde

Ashley Menzies Babatunde shares her journey from white-collar investigations to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work within big law firms. In this episode, she discusses the importance of authenticity in the workplace, the evolution of corporate culture towards acceptance, and the significance of following one's curiosity to find purpose and success in the legal field. Ashley's insights inspire young lawyers and law students to embrace their creativity and take risks in their legal careers.

Read and listen here

How to Implement a Subscription Model for Legal Services feat. Mathew Kerbis

Mathew Kerbis, the innovative subscription attorney, shared insights on his unique subscription-based legal services for freelancers and small business owners in this episode. He discussed his transition from litigation to transactional law, the inspiration behind starting his own practice, and the importance of access to justice through his subscription model. Tune in to learn more about how Mathew is revolutionizing the legal field with his innovative business model.

Read and listen here

How to Build a Successful E-Commerce Law Practice feat. Steven Weigler

Steven Weigler shares his diverse career journey, from working in criminal law in Miami to founding his own startup focused on education. He discusses the importance of taking risks, building relationships, and being open to new opportunities, emphasizing the value of a legal education in navigating various career paths. Steven's insights highlight the versatility of a law degree and the importance of being adaptable in the ever-changing legal landscape.

Read and listen here