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

Why I Never Mention my Yale Law Degree featuring Elisabeth Steele

Elisabeth Steele explains how to be confident in Zoom meetings and dodge questions about never taking the bar exam.
Read and listen here

How Technology is Changing Law Firms (and Why Lawyers Don’t Know It Yet) featuring Maya Markovich

Maya Markovich explains why networking is easy and how diverse law applicants will innovate the legal field.
Read and listen here

How to Knock Out the Bar Exam featuring Caroline Vickers

Caroline Vickers explains why she created Bar Prep Champs and the importance of working with first time bar exam takers.
Read and listen here

From $40k a Year to a Million Dollar Month featuring Ali Awad

Ali Awad explains how he gets his clients ‘a wad of money’ and how to appreciate the opportunities presented to Americans.
Read and listen here

How Food Consultants are Creating Stronger Farms with Candace Spencer

Candace Spencer explains why she became a food consultant and how food inequity hurts farmers.
Read and listen here

How SettleShark Helps You Get Your Money Back (Legally!) featuring David Orozco

David Orozco explains why he created the company SettleShark and the importance of not taking the bar exam if you do not plan to practice.
Read and listen here

Why I Moved to Dubai to Teach American Law featuring Michelle Words

Michelle Words explains the importance of changing your life to try new things and why she teaches business law in Saudi Arabia.
Read and listen here

How Filmmaking Taught Me to Advocate for Incarcerated Persons featuring Katherin Hervey

Katherin Hervey explains her frustration with the rigidity of law school and the importance of seeing humanity in everyone, even people who have committed acts of violence.
Read and listen here

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 To Succeed as a Military Lawyer featuring Vernon W. Thomas

Vernon W. Thomas discusses his experiences while running his fathers’ legal practice and the lack of advantages he encountered as a multigenerational lawyer. 
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

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