Kenya Rothstein is an environmental attorney and podcast host who knows firsthand how resilience and rejection can shape a dream career. In this episode, Kenya shares her journey from navigating law school during a pandemic to launching her podcast, Thank You for Saying NO, where she reframes rejection as a powerful opportunity for growth. Join us as Kenya discusses how embracing “no” moments can lead to unexpected paths and inspire lasting success.
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Kenya Rothstein is an environmental attorney dedicated to making a meaningful impact in her field. From a young age, Kenya knew she wanted to work in environmental protection, driven by a deep passion for preserving the planet. Her academic journey began with a focus on environmental and legal studies, which she pursued with unwavering commitment. Kenya’s experiences range from internships with the Environmental Protection Agency to working in environmental litigation, where she continues to navigate complex challenges with resilience and purpose.
“I describe it as just this gut feeling where when you're working in a particular area, it just feels right. This is what I'm supposed to do," shares Kenya Rothstein on You Are A Lawyer.
Kenya’s commitment to the environment extends beyond her legal work. She also channels her creativity through her podcast, Thank You for Saying NO, where she explores how rejection can lead to unexpected blessings. Her ability to balance her role as a litigator with her passion for storytelling exemplifies the versatility and resilience that define her career.
Kenya Rothstein’s decision to attend law school was driven by her desire to make a significant impact in environmental protection. After discovering her passion for the environment in high school, Kenya pursued degrees in environmental and legal studies, realizing that becoming an attorney would allow her to advocate effectively for change. She saw the law as a powerful tool to address environmental challenges, and she was determined to use her skills to make a difference. For Kenya, the path to law school was less about prestige and more about purpose.
"I could make the biggest impact in the field that I wanted to work in by becoming an attorney," reflects Kenya Rothstein on Episode 170 of You Are a Lawyer.
While in law school, Kenya dedicated herself to pursuing environmentally related opportunities, including internships with the EPA and the Department of Justice. She approached her legal education with focus and intentionality, determined to align her academic work with her passion for environmental protection. Despite the challenges of navigating law school during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya’s commitment never wavered, and her experiences laid the foundation for a career rooted in advocacy and resilience.
A law degree offers endless possibilities beyond the traditional courtroom setting, as Kenya Rothstein exemplifies through her multifaceted career. While Kenya practices environmental law, she also channels her skills into podcasting, proving that legal training can translate into creative and entrepreneurial pursuits. From advocacy to storytelling, a law degree equips individuals with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that can be applied to a wide range of industries and roles.
“You can be more creative than you think you can," emphasizes Kenya Rothstein on Episode 170 of You Are a Lawyer.
Kenya’s experience highlights the versatility of a law degree, encouraging others to think beyond conventional career paths. Whether it’s creating a podcast, working in litigation, or pursuing environmental advocacy, she emphasizes the importance of following your passions and finding ways to align your legal expertise with your personal interests. Kenya’s journey is a reminder that a law degree isn’t a limitation—it’s a launchpad for pursuing diverse and meaningful opportunities.
For many lawyers, side hustles or non-traditional legal careers offer a way to explore passions beyond the courtroom, and Kenya is no exception. Alongside her work as an environmental attorney, Kenya hosts her podcast, Thank You for Saying NO, where she reframes rejection as an opportunity for growth. Her journey demonstrates how legal skills like research, storytelling, and preparation can seamlessly translate into creative projects, allowing lawyers to pursue fulfilling ventures while maintaining their professional roles.
“Some of my skills as an attorney, like directly translate to podcasting. I know the answer to every question I'm going to ask already. And I know their whole story,” shares Kenya Rothstein in Episode 170 of You Are a Lawyer.
Kenya’s side hustle is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a way to connect with others and inspire them to embrace resilience in the face of challenges. She believes lawyers are inherently creative problem-solvers, capable of using their unique skill set to pursue diverse interests and build impactful side businesses. Her story is a testament to the idea that being a lawyer doesn’t mean being limited to one identity; instead, it’s an opportunity to explore new avenues and redefine what success looks like in the legal field and beyond.
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Kenya is licensed to practice law in the State of California.
Learn more about Kenya | Thank You for Saying NO
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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