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 Improve Productivity in the Legal Field feat. Karl Seelbach

Karl Seelbach, lawyer and the founder of Skribe.ai, a legal tech company joins us for episode 129 of the You Are a Lawyer podcast. Karl explains how Skribe.ai offers attorneys a more efficient and cost-effective way to capture legal testimony, such as depositions, using AI and software solutions. The platform allows attorneys to easily access video synced to the transcript, create video clips, and receive a final proofread and certified transcript within three days. Karl discusses the benefits of this technology for trial lawyers and highlights its potential for transactional law as well. Tune in to learn more about the innovative use of AI in the legal field.

Read and listen here

How to Embrace Creativity as a Lawyer feat. Theresa Phillips

Theresa Phillips is a lawyer and artist who has found a passion for painting and creating vibrant, textured artwork. In this episode of the You Are A Lawyer podcast, Theresa shares her journey of self-discovery, from cutting her hair and embracing her artistic side to starting her own business and taking on commissioned pieces. She discusses the intersection of law and creativity, the importance of following your passions, and the power of manifesting your dreams.

Read and listen here

How Human Design Impacts Career Success feat. Sheila M. Wilkinson (Part II)

Sheila M. Wilkinson is a lawyer, social worker, consultant, and career transition coach. Sheila also talks about her mission to help lawyers make aligned decisions, set boundaries, and focus on what they truly want to do rather than what they think they should do. She believes in reconnecting the intellectual self with the emotional self and offers guidance to lawyers in this process.

Read and listen here

How To Avoid A Boring Legal Career feat. Sheila M. Wilkinson (Part I)

Sheila M. Wilkinson is a social worker, lawyer, career transition coach, and podcaster who spends half the year in Brussels, Belgium, and half the year in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her life is centered on taking risks, rejecting boring careers, and people-pleasing. In this episode, Sheila emphasizes the importance of connecting with people and offers recommendations for books that can help her clients on their personal and professional journeys. Sheila also talks about her mission to help lawyers make aligned decisions, set boundaries, and focus on what they truly want to do rather than what they think they should do. She believes in reconnecting the intellectual self with the emotional self and offers guidance to lawyers in this process. This episode is Part 1 of a two-part series with Sheila M. Wilkinson.

Read and listen here

How To Navigate Risks in Nursing and Law feat. Felicia Luck

Felicia Luck, a registered nurse and CEO of Stars and Stripes Legal Nurse Consulting, joins the podcast to discuss her unique business that serves lawyers and attorneys. With her extensive medical knowledge and experience, Felicia helps attorneys navigate complex medical records, provide expert opinions, and offer valuable insights in cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and more. She shares her journey of merging the worlds of nursing and law, her challenges, and the importance of work-life balance.

Read and listen here

How To Sell A Law Firm feat. Victoria Collier

Victoria Collier, a lawyer and founder of Quid Pro Quo, specializes in helping lawyers buy and sell law firms and coaching law firms on building value and becoming sellable in the future. In this conversation, Victoria shares her journey of selling her law firm, the importance of education and options in the legal industry, and the power of niching down and finding your expertise within a niche.

Read and listen here

How To Advertise Your Law Firm (without being cheesy) feat. Keith Ligori

Keith Ligori, managing partner and founder of Ligori & Ligori Law Firm, shares his journey from working in the state attorney's office to building a successful personal injury practice. With a passion for trial advocacy and a dedication to helping clients, Keith discusses the importance of courtroom experience and the value of family in his firm. Keith Ligori advises young lawyers looking to make their mark in the legal profession.

Read and listen here

How To Hire a Short-Term Lawyer (and Why You Should) feat. Dan Reilly

Dan Reilly, the co-founder of Legably, a platform that connects lawyers, paralegals, and law students with short-term freelance opportunities, joins the You Are a Lawyer Podcast this week. Dan shares the story behind Legably's creation, the challenges of introducing freelance platforms to the legal profession, and how the platform revolutionizes how attorneys and legal professionals work.

Read and listen here

How to Escape the Lawyer Bubble feat. Sarah Cottrell

Sarah Cottrell, founder of the Former Lawyer Podcast, discusses the challenges and identity struggles that lawyers often face, the misconceptions surrounding the legal profession, and the importance of exploring alternative career paths. Sarah shares her journey from practicing law to becoming an entrepreneur and offers valuable insights for lawyers seeking fulfillment outside of traditional legal practice.

Read and listen here

How To Protect Your Business and Intellectual Property feat. Alyssa Devine

Alyssa Devine, founder of Purple Fox Legal, shares her journey from initially wanting to be a veterinarian to discovering her passion for intellectual property law and entrepreneurship. She advises law students and young lawyers on building relationships, embracing change, and finding the right career fit. The episode highlights the significance of developing skills while also understanding when it's necessary to pivot and find a different path.

Read and listen here

How To Find the Best Lawyer for Your Case feat. Daniel Callahan

Daniel Callahan, a highly successful trial lawyer based in California, has a truly remarkable legal career. With a track record of securing massive verdicts and awards, including the second-highest verdict in Orange County history, Dan shares his secrets to success, emphasizing the importance of preparation, creativity, and hard work. We also learn about his consulting company, Callahan Consulting Group, where he offers mentorship and case-matching services to fellow attorneys. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Dan's wealth of experience in the legal field.

Read and listen here

How Mentorship Improves Your Legal Career feat. Lisa Gill

Lisa Gill, a business owner, law firm owner, and consultant shares her non-traditional path to law school, her experiences in the legal profession, and her passion for helping small business owners navigate the legal landscape. She also discusses her consultancy, Graygill Consulting, which focuses on empowering women and providing guidance on legal and financial matters.

Read and listen here