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.

LISTEN TO LEARN

Why speaking up and sharing your voice makes a positive impact
About the process of starting a law firm
The significance of prenuptial agreements and financial literacy for women

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WE ALSO DISCUSS

The impact of the pandemic on the legal profession
Why it’s important to get involved with the bar association
What it’s like being married to a lawyer

How Mentorship Improves Your Legal Career feat. Lisa Gill

About This Episode

Lisa Gill’s Background

Lisa Gill has a non-traditional background in law, starting out as a small business owner before entering law school. Her experience as a business owner, particularly in the restaurant industry, led her to realize the importance of legal knowledge for entrepreneurs. After going through a favorable audit for her business, she decided to pursue a career in law and became a paralegal before eventually starting her own law firm specializing in family law.

"I have what most people would call a non-traditional law student background. I started out as a small business owner, very, very young," explained Lisa Gill on You Are A Lawyer.

Lisa's personal experiences with divorce and the challenges faced by small business owners have shaped her passion for helping women navigate legal issues and re-enter the workforce. She believes in the importance of prenuptial agreements and financial literacy for women, and through her consultancy, Graygill Consulting, she aims to empower women and provide them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions.

Why Law School

Lisa Gill chose to attend law school after experiencing a legislative change that affected her small business. As a business owner, she realized the importance of legal knowledge and the impact it can have on a business. She saw the need to understand the legal aspects of owning a business and wanted to be able to navigate those challenges effectively.

"If I'd gone to law school first, I probably wouldn't have owned that business or I don't know if I'd own any business at first because I would have been so scared of all the awareness that you get from realizing what is possibly litigious or how many things you have to comply with at any one given time as a business owner," shares Lisa Gill on Episode 113 of You Are a Lawyer.

Lisa emphasizes that legal knowledge can be empowering for business owners and can help them navigate the complexities of running a business. She believes that understanding the legal aspects of business can alleviate fear and provide a solid foundation for success.

What You Can Do With a Law Degree

Lisa Gill shares her non-traditional journey into the legal profession and highlights the transformative power of a law degree. With a law degree, individuals have the opportunity to make a real impact, whether it's advocating for clients, shaping legislation, or providing valuable legal guidance to businesses. The possibilities are endless, and the skills acquired in law school, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, can be applied to various fields and endeavors.

"Law school and being a lawyer, even if you only do it for a few years before you start some other entrepreneurial endeavor, is a great experience," says Lisa Gill, owner of Graygill Consulting, on You Are a Lawyer.

Navigating the legal landscape can be complex, but with a law degree, individuals have the tools to navigate the intricacies of the legal system and make a difference. As Lisa's story demonstrates, a law degree opens doors to diverse career paths, from practicing law in a traditional firm setting to starting a consultancy or even pursuing a career in politics. The legal knowledge and skills gained through law school provide a solid foundation for success in various industries and empower individuals to effect change, advocate for justice, and make a positive impact on society. So, whether you choose to practice law, start your own business, or pursue a different path, a law degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world.

Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is of utmost importance for women as it empowers them to make informed decisions about their personal and professional lives. In the episode, Lisa Gill emphasizes the need for women to have a heightened awareness of their financial situation, especially in the context of marriage and divorce. By gaining a deeper understanding of their assets, income earning capacity, and the impact of legal processes, women can navigate these situations with confidence and protect their financial well-being.

"Understanding finances is the new taboo. People sit in a room who are about to get married and they don't really know each other's finances at all. And understanding that is a big part of understanding your relationship and how your relationship is going to thrive," shares Lisa Gill on Episode 113 of You Are A Lawyer.

Financial literacy also plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship, enabling women to make sound financial decisions for their businesses and effectively manage their resources. By equipping women with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of finance, they can take control of their financial futures and achieve greater financial independence.