How to Transform Your Legal Career feat. Elena Deutsch

Elena Deutsch, a career coach on a mission to help women and non-binary lawyers find fulfillment outside of big law, shares inspiring stories of individuals who have transformed their legal careers through her program, Will. From setting boundaries to exploring new career paths, Elena's insights and guidance empower individuals to prioritize their well-being and create a career and life they love. Tune in to hear how Elena's program is helping lawyers navigate their professional journeys with confidence and purpose.

LISTEN TO LEARN

  • The importance of setting boundaries and putting yourself first in your career and life
  • How to navigate a career transition within the legal field or outside of it
  • Strategies for advocating for yourself and making choices that align with your values and goals

WE ALSO DISCUSS

  • The experiences of individuals who have successfully transitioned within or out of the legal field
  • Book recommendations for personal and professional development, including We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rogers and The Most Powerful Woman in the Room by an author specializing in negotiation techniques
  • The significance of seeking inspiration from others, sharing stories, and building a career that aligns with personal fulfillment and well-being

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 Transform Your Legal Career feat. Elena Deutsch

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/c6c2d489"></iframe>

How to Transform Your Legal Career feat. Elena DeutschHow to Transform Your Legal Career feat. Elena Deutsch

About This Episode

Elena Deutsch’s Background

Elena Deutsch has a unique background that has influenced her career path. Elena's father was a lawyer, and she initially aspired to follow in his footsteps until a significant event led her to shift her focus towards public health and nonprofit work. This personal experience with her father's ethical challenges and subsequent disbarment shaped Elena's perspective on the legal profession and inspired her to help others, particularly women and non-binary lawyers, find fulfillment and purpose in their careers. Elena's journey from coaching lawyers at big firms to founding the "Will" program showcases her commitment to empowering individuals to pursue work that aligns with their values and passions.

“I am on a mission to help women and non-binary lawyers who feel stuck, unhappy, and I do work with men also. Don't want to leave the guys out. But mostly women who feel stuck, unhappy, and they know in their heart, they're not in the right place, usually in big law," shares Elena Deutsch on You Are A Lawyer.

Elena is dedicated to supporting individuals who are navigating challenges in the legal profession and seeking to make meaningful changes in their careers. Elena's personal experiences and professional journey have equipped her with the insight and empathy needed to guide others towards finding fulfillment and success in their professional lives.

Why Not Law School

Growing up in an environment where legal discussions and trials were a common occurrence at the dinner table, Elena was inspired to follow in her father's footsteps. However, a significant event in her father's life, where he faced ethical issues and got disbarred, led Elena to reconsider her path towards becoming a lawyer. 

"He was never the same again. He never, he has health faltered after that," reflects Elena Deutsch on Episode 144 of You Are a Lawyer.

Despite her initial aspirations to become a lawyer like her father, Elena's journey took a different turn as she delved into public health, nonprofit work, and coaching. Through her experiences working with lawyers in big firms, Elena discovered a passion for helping individuals who felt stuck and unhappy in the legal profession. She emphasized the importance of finding work that aligns with one's soul and brings fulfillment. This shift in focus from pursuing a legal career to guiding others in finding their true calling showcases Elena's dedication to empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being and happiness in their professional lives.

<iframe width="813" height="407" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hD_JIs7vG-g" title="" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

Elena emphasized that individuals with a law degree can leverage their skills, strengths, and interests to pursue fulfilling and meaningful careers. She highlighted examples of individuals who transitioned from big law to roles such as real estate project management, forest bathing certification, and even starting their own boutique law firms. Elena's program, Will, focuses on helping individuals discover what lights them up and guides them in creating a career and life they love.

“You don't have to leave. I know it's women interested in leaving law, but the keyword is actually interested, not leaving," reflects Elena Deutsch on Episode 144 of You Are a Lawyer.

One can use a law degree to advocate for social policies, work in environmental law, start their own business, or even transition into roles such as knowledge management or associate development within a law firm. Elena's approach encourages individuals to explore their transferable skills, interests, and values to find a career path that aligns with their true selves. Individuals with a law degree have the flexibility and agency to shape their careers in a way that suits their unique aspirations and priorities.

Transform Your Legal Career

Elena Deutsch is the founder of Will, a program designed to help women and non-binary lawyers who feel stuck and unhappy in their current legal careers. Through Will, Elena assists individuals in discovering what truly lights them up and helps them create a fulfilling and meaningful career path outside of traditional big law firms. The program focuses on self-discovery, goal clarification, and taking action to align one's career with their passions and values. Elena emphasizes the importance of putting oneself first and setting boundaries to prioritize mental health and personal well-being in the legal profession.

“You don't have to try and be a round peg in a square hole,” shares Elena Deutsch in Episode 144 of You Are a Lawyer.

At Will, individuals are encouraged to explore alternative career paths within the legal field or outside of it, based on their interests and strengths. Will provides a supportive environment for individuals to transform their careers, whether it involves transitioning to a different type of law practice, starting their own firm, or pursuing entirely new ventures that align with their values and aspirations. Elena's program empowers individuals to take control of their careers and create a life that brings them fulfillment and joy.

Join the FREE mailing list!

Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 

1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com

2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR

3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen

4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!

Contact Elena Deutsch

Learn more about Elena

Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. 

Follow the podcast:

YouTube: youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Instagram: instagram.com/youarealawyer

Twitter:  twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: youarealawyer.com

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/81xEuqWQFbk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Recent Episodes

Why Law Associates Hate Law Firms (and What Lawyers Can Do About It) featuring Frank Ramos

Frank Ramos believes in sharing his legal knowledge with others. As the creator of Miami Mentor, Frank offers free resources, trainings, books, and coaching to lawyers who feel stuck in their careers. After working in law firms for 23 years, Frank Ramos has learned a lot about what makes a great lawyer, what runs lawyers away from the practice, and what motivates lawyers. Frank has authored 18 books, hosted a podcast, and works as a partner in a product liability firm.
Read and listen here

FAQs about Podcasting and Guest Bookings featuring Kyla Denanyoh

In this bonus episode, Kyla Denanyoh answers frequently asked questions from the podcast audience and social media posts. 
Read and listen here

How Yoga Helps Law Students Pass the Bar Exam featuring Dana Shaker

Dana Shaker explains her motivation to take the bar exam in two states and the importance of yoga for lawyers. 
Read and listen here

How Energy Affects Your Work Performance as a Lawyer featuring Emily Hirsekorn

Emily Hirsekorn explains how coaching takes you from functional to optimal and the importance of shifting workplace relationships to have your best career. 
Read and listen here

How To Leverage Legal Skills in Marketing feat. Alban Brooke

Alban Brooke, former attorney and technology specialist who is currently the head of marketing for a podcasting company called Buzzsprout, delves into the journey of transitioning from a career in law to content creation in this episode. From discussing the impact of perfectionism from the legal field to the challenges faced in law school, Alban shares insights on how his background in law has influenced his approach to marketing and content creation. Tune in to discover how Alban's experiences in law have shaped his current endeavors in the world of content creation.
Read and listen here

Why Pre-Law Students Need Mentors (and Practicing Lawyers Too!) featuring Anjie Vichayanonda

Anjie Vichayanonda explains her experiences as a first generation law student and the importance of leveraging your professional network to benefit pre-law students. 
Read and listen here

How To Transition from Law School to Legal Career Success feat. Josue Jimenez

In this episode, Josue Jimenez, a law school administrator and attorney, takes us through his career trajectory, from working as a legal assistant in Michigan, to becoming the Assistant Director of Admissions at Campbell University School of Law. Josue reflects on his passion for helping prospective law students explore the path forward, and for working with first-generation students who might not have those options available at home. He also discusses his commitment to a community oriented law career, the impact it’s had on his journey, and the momentum he’s building with various initiatives he’s advising that will help be a sure-fire success for future law grads.
Read and listen here

From Lawyer and Hobbyist to Full-Time Sculptor featuring Nathan Sawaya

Nathan Sawaya explains why he used LEGO-brand bricks to express his creativity and the importance of not having a safety net when he stopped practicing law.
Read and listen here

How Big Law is Failing New Parents (And Why It Matters) featuring Lori Mihalich-Levin

Lori Mihalich-Levin explains why she believes parents make the best employees and the importance of having a mindful return to work after parental leave.
Read and listen here

The Advantages of Being a Lawyer with a Nursing Degree feat. Irnise Williams

Trauma Nurse. Lawyer. Business owner. Irnise Williams is passionate about healthcare policy and law. Irnise explains why she attended law school as a successful registered nurse.
Read and listen here

Virtual Legal Internships are Changing Everything featuring Reza Yassi

Reza Yassi explains why he created Attornneed and the importance of experiencing the practice of law while in school.
Read and listen here

How To Divorce in a Better Way featuring Susan Guthrie

Susan Guthrie explains how an injury as a teenager inspired her to become a lawyer and the importance of mediation. 
Read and listen here

©2023 You are a Lawyer LLC.
All rights reserved.