How to Find Financial Freedom and Purpose Outside of Traditional Law feat. Tashira Halyard

Tashira Halyard, a former litigator turned solopreneur, content creator, and activist, joins Kyla to share how she built a career that aligns with her values and creative passions. From navigating law school transfers to launching a blog that became a thriving business, Tashira breaks down what it means to truly own your career choices. If you’ve ever questioned whether you need the “traditional” lawyer path to succeed, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and real talk about building a life that feels as good as it looks.

LISTEN TO LEARN

How to confidently step away from traditional legal roles and create a career that works for you
Why negotiating, brand-building, and self-advocacy are crucial skills lawyers can use beyond the courtroom
How to balance financial security with creative freedom in a solopreneurship or side hustle

‍WE ALSO DISCUSS

Tashira’s journey from law school at FAMU to Georgetown and how she navigated transferring
The role of community and mentorship in building a sustainable and fulfilling legal career
How to use social media for professional and personal growth without burnout

‍Want to start a podcast?Save time and create faster with KD Creative. KD Creative offers done-for-you podcasting services by launching podcasts for small business owners and editing podcasts for existing podcasters. If you’re ready to get your content in the ears of your ideal customers, start working with KD Creative. Visit skiptheboringstuff.com to hire a podcast coach.

How to Find Financial Freedom and Purpose Outside of Traditional Law feat. Tashira Halyard

‍

About This Episode

Tashira Halyard’s Background

Tashira Halyard is a lawyer, content creator, and solopreneur who has built a career at the intersection of advocacy, creativity, and financial independence. After earning her law degree from Georgetown, she spent time in litigation and public policy before realizing that traditional legal roles weren’t serving her happiness or well-being. That realization led her to expand her personal blog into a full-time brand, where she educates and empowers people on topics ranging from style to financial literacy to social justice.

“I call myself a solopreneur because I do still keep a fair amount of public policy consulting in my portfolio. I am an activist, I am an organizer, so that's very important to me. And outside of that, you can find me everywhere," shares Tashira Halyard on You Are A Lawyer.

Beyond her legal work, Tashira runs justUS, a podcast dedicated to discussing social justice issues, and collaborates with major brands to produce digital content. Through her multi-hyphenate career, she proves that a law degree is just one piece of the puzzle—what you build with it is up to you.

Why Law School

Tashira’s path to law school started with a childhood declaration that she wanted to be a lawyer—though at the time, she had no idea what it actually meant. What she did know was that she wanted to challenge inequities and advocate for people who didn’t have a voice. That desire followed her into adulthood, shaping her approach to education and career choices.

"I remember I was in the backseat with my cousin one day, and she said, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know.’ And she said, ‘How about a lawyer?’ And I said, ‘What do they do?’ And she said, ‘I don’t know, but they make a lot of money.’ And so I said, ‘Oh, well, I want to be a lawyer," reflects Tashira Halyard on Episode 179 of You Are a Lawyer.

Though her initial motivation may have been lighthearted, her commitment to advocacy was serious. She started law school at FAMU but found that it wasn’t the right fit, leading her to take a semester off and transfer to Georgetown—one of only two transfer students accepted that year. This willingness to pivot and bet on herself has defined her career ever since.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

Tashira is proof that a law degree can be the foundation for anything—not just a traditional legal career. From her time as a public interest attorney to her work in digital media, activism, and consulting, she has applied her legal training to a range of industries. The ability to analyze contracts, negotiate deals, and advocate for herself has been a key factor in her success as a solopreneur.

“That ‘comma J.D.’ holds plenty of weight... I never had to sit for the bar to do that job, which I think was very fulfilling and is one of the primary income generators behind my solopreneurship right now," emphasizes Tashira Halyard on Episode 179 of You Are a Lawyer.

She encourages young lawyers to step back and consider all the opportunities their legal education provides. Whether it’s in policy, writing, business, or content creation, the ability to think critically, advocate persuasively, and navigate complex systems is invaluable in almost any industry.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Tashira didn’t plan on becoming a full-time content creator, but what started as a creative outlet during law school turned into a business that now sustains her financially. Her blog and social media platforms have grown into a successful brand, offering collaborations with major companies and speaking opportunities that align with her values.

“I remember calling somebody and being like, how do I scrub the internet? I don’t want someone to Google me and find my blog,” shares Tashira Halyard in Episode 179 of You Are a Lawyer.

Now, instead of hiding her creative work, she fully embraces it. From styling advice to financial literacy, she shares content that reflects her multidimensional interests while leveraging her legal knowledge to negotiate brand deals and run a sustainable business. Her journey demonstrates that side hustles aren’t just about extra income—they can evolve into careers that provide both financial freedom and creative fulfillment.