How To Use Your Law Degree in Non-Traditional Ways feat. Tiffany Obeng

Tiffany Obeng, a lawyer specializing in employment discrimination, shares her journey of transitioning from practicing law to becoming a successful children's book author. Through her books, Tiffany aims to inspire young readers, especially Black children, to explore diverse career paths and embrace the power of literacy. Join us as Tiffany discusses the importance of representation in literature and the impact of alternative legal careers in shaping a more inclusive future.

LISTEN TO LEARN

  • The importance of pursuing multiple passions and careers, even with a law degree.
  • Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of success to pursue new challenges.
  • The power of reading and the impact it can have on individuals and society.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

  • Tiffany's journey from practicing law to becoming a children's book author.
  • The significance of representation in children's literature and the workplace.
  • The variety of alternative legal careers available to law students and young lawyers.

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 Use Your Law Degree in Non-Traditional Ways feat. Tiffany Obeng

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/34e7c0b9"></iframe>

How To Use Your Law Degree in Non-Traditional Ways feat. Tiffany ObengHow To Use Your Law Degree in Non-Traditional Ways feat. Tiffany Obeng

About This Episode

Tiffany Obeng’s Background

Tiffany’s background is diverse and includes practicing in employment discrimination law, working in equal opportunity consulting, and venturing into the world of children's book publishing. Tiffany's journey began with a realization during the pandemic in 2020 that she could pursue multiple passions and careers, leading her to publish a series of children's books aimed at filling the gap in diverse representation in children's literature. Through her books, such as Andrew Learns About Lawyers, Tiffany aims to inspire children to explore various career paths and promote diversity and inclusion in literature.

“I don't know why that tickled me. So I am a lawyer by trade," shares Tiffany Obeng on You Are A Lawyer.

Tiffany's story serves as an inspiration for young lawyers and law students, showcasing the possibilities of pursuing alternative legal careers and following multiple passions to create meaningful change.

Why Law School

Tiffany chose to attend law school due to a lack of exposure to the legal profession during her formative years. Tiffany mentioned that she did not meet a real lawyer until 11th grade and did not encounter a Black female attorney until she was in law school. This lack of representation and exposure likely fueled her decision to pursue a legal career, as she sought to break barriers and pave the way for others. Tiffany's experience of not meeting lawyers until later in life highlights the importance of representation and visibility in influencing career choices. 

"I didn't meet a real lawyer until I was in 11th grade. I didn't meet a Black female attorney until I was in law school," reflects Tiffany Obeng on Episode 141 of You Are a Lawyer.

Tiffany's journey through law school and her subsequent career choices reflect her resilience and determination to explore different paths within the legal field. Despite facing uncertainties and challenges, such as not fitting into the traditional big law firm model, Tiffany found her niche in employment discrimination law. Her willingness to adapt and explore alternative legal careers, such as working in equal opportunity consulting, showcases her open-mindedness and willingness to embrace new opportunities.

<iframe width="786" height="393" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dtOtB6f1AcM" 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

Tiffany emphasized the versatility of a law degree, highlighting alternative legal careers where one can utilize skills such as writing, research, and analytical abilities. She mentioned fields like compliance, institutional compliance, and equal employment opportunity consulting as examples of alternative legal careers that allow individuals to make an impact while maintaining a work-life balance. Tiffany's journey from practicing law to becoming a successful children's book author showcases the diverse paths one can take with a law degree, emphasizing the importance of pursuing multiple passions and exploring different avenues for professional growth.

"You can do so many things with your law degree. If you want to pursue big law, go ahead. Have fun. But if you're like, I really don't know. But what else is there? There are so many options," reflects Tiffany Obeng on Episode 141 of You Are a Lawyer.

A law degree opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities beyond traditional legal practice, encouraging individuals to explore diverse paths and consider alternative legal careers that align with their interests and goals.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Side hustles for lawyers can be a powerful way to explore passions outside of the legal field, as demonstrated by Tiffany Obeng's journey as an author. Tiffany's experience highlights the importance of pursuing multiple interests and not limiting oneself to a single career path. This mindset can empower lawyers to leverage their skills and creativity in different ways, such as writing books, starting a business, or engaging in other entrepreneurial ventures alongside their legal practice.

“You can pursue two things. You don't have to just be one thing,” shares Tiffany Obeng in Episode 141 of You Are a Lawyer.

Tiffany's success as an author while maintaining her legal career showcases the potential for lawyers to excel in side businesses. Her story emphasizes the value of embracing diverse opportunities and not being afraid to step into new ventures. As she aptly put it, "Do it scared." This mindset encourages lawyers to push past their fears and uncertainties, allowing them to explore new avenues and create additional sources of fulfillment and success beyond the traditional legal realm. By embracing side hustles, lawyers can unlock their full potential and make a meaningful impact in various fields while continuing to excel in their legal profession.

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 Tiffany Obeng

Tiffany (Dillard) Obeng is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

Learn more about Tiffany

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/EtXOUNB1_54" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Recent Episodes

How Social Work Impacts the Lawyer Mental Health Crisis feat. Sara Ellis

Sara Ellis, a Lawyers Depression Project board member and social work student, explains why the legal community must create better messaging and more empathy for mental health issues.
Read and listen here

How a Tech CEO is Disrupting a Billion-Dollar Industry featuring Joshua Schwadron

Joshua Schwadron became the CEO of Mighty because he wanted to give consumers more power. After law school taught Joshua how to push the law to benefit others, Mighty was created to disrupt personal injury law and the insurance industry.
Read and listen here

How To Price Your Legal Services Using Law Firm KPI's featuring Mike Chastaine

Michael (Mike) Chastaine is a criminal defense lawyer in New Mexico, US, and believes lawyers are notoriously bad at estimating how long it takes them to complete a task. In fact, Mike is a business consultant for law firms because he knows lawyers are bad at getting client feedback and often complete tasks that should be delegated.
Read and listen here

Why Data Driven Lawyers are Better Lawyers featuring Laurie Pascoe

Laurie Pascoe practiced law for 40 years while writing more than 50 law articles and working with countless clients. Laurie’s current passion is inspiring lawyers to innovate their law practices with legal service applications. In this episode, Laurie explains the value of thinking like a client and learning to analyze everything.
Read and listen here

How to Build a Business Abroad featuring Christine Job

At 17 years old, Christine Job said she would live abroad in Spain. And she made it happen. After traveling to numerous countries, Christina made a home in Spain five years ago. She teaches women of color to build businesses abroad to sustain their travels and hosts the Flourish in the Foreign podcast.
Read and listen here

How To Protect Your Legacy (and Assets) featuring Scott Rahn

Probate lawyers discover the legacy a loved one intended and how to implement that legacy most fairly. Scott Rahn meets clients during emotional and stressful times, but Scott’s zealous efficacy allows him to leave his clients in a better position regarding their loved one’s estates.
Read and listen here

How To Prepare for Success (and Achieve It) featuring Nick Troxel

Nick Troxel is not afraid of hard work. When he co-founded the law firm, Troxel Fitch, LLC, he worked as a ride-share driver.
Read and listen here

How To Save Your Relationships with Mediation (or Divorce Like a Pro) featuring Debra Whitson

Debra Whitson is a former prosecutor who opened a family law practice to improve the lives and relationships of others. Debra is the founder of a family law firm and a nationwide virtual mediation database.
Read and listen here

You are not LUCKY to have a job! How To Create a Limitless Career featuring Cara Davis Little

Cara Davis Little works in employment policy during the day and plans weddings and podcasts during her free time. In Episode 74, find out how Cara created a career she loves because while Cara can do A LOT, she cannot do it all.
Read and listen here

How To Improve Your Soft Skills as a Lawyer feat. Dena Lefkowitz

Dena Lefkowitz shares her journey from starting law school without a clear direction to finding fulfillment as a career coach and author in this episode. She discusses the importance of identifying values and soft skills in one's career, emphasizing that it's never too late to make a change and pursue what truly matters to you. Through her own experiences, Dena inspires listeners to take control of their careers and strive for personal and professional growth.
Read and listen here

How Crimmigration Law is Changing America (and Why It Matters) featuring Sabrina Thompson

Sabrina Thompson didn’t enjoy her immigration law class and was happy to discover crimmigration law (criminal defense + immigration representation) to advocate for immigrants. Find out how traffic law intersects with crimmigration law in Episode 72 of You Are A Lawyer.
Read and listen here

How Yoga Improves a Lawyers’ Journey and Practice featuring Dana Shaker

Yoga is great for lawyers. This is why Dana Shaker created Journey & Practice, a membership community that allows law graduates, lawyers, and bar examinees to participate in self-care activities, like journaling and yoga, to improve their mental health.‍
Read and listen here

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