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.

In this episode, Anjie Vichayanonda, a University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law graduate, explains why she created a mentoring program and app for pre-law students.

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

‍

About This Episode

Anjie Vichayanonda is a first generation lawyer who sought out lawyers to gain a better understanding of law school. Anjie was connected with a wonderful mentor and followed her dreams to becoming a lawyer. However, Anjie wants to make it easier for others to learn about law school and find mentors.

Anjie created Leg Up Legal, which is a virtual mentorship platform to connect pre-law students to lawyers. Schools may join Leg Up Legal to provide their services to students or individuals may use the Leg Up Legal app to be connected with lawyers and learn more before committing to law school. Anjie also created a podcast, Leg Up Legal Podcast.

Anjie is a contributing author to the book, “Networked”, where a group of 20 women lawyers explained how their businesses or practices changed in 2020 while living during a pandemic. You may purchase “Networked” on Amazon and at tinyurl.com/networked.

Anjie Vichayanonda is licensed in the District of Columbia and has an inactive license in Virginia. You may connect with Anjie on Instagram @leguplegal, Twitter @Leg_Up_Legal, on Facebook “leguplegal” and on LinkedIn.

Follow the You Are A Lawyer podcast on Twitter @YouAreA_Lawyer, Instagram @youarealawyer and on LinkedIn. Follow the podcast host, Kyla Denanyoh, on Instagram @mrsdenanyoh. Kyla Denanyoh is a 2015 graduate of Southern University Law Center (SULC) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Recent Episodes

How to Leverage Networking to Grow Your Legal Career feat. Alex Mitchell

Alex Mitchell, owner of Cumberland Law Group, shares his journey from law school to building a thriving multi-state law firm specializing in tax defense, criminal defense, and personal injury. In this episode, Alex reveals how strategic networking and authentic connections have propelled his career, offering practical advice for young lawyers and law students looking to grow their legal careers. Whether you're exploring niche practice areas or dreaming of running your own firm, Alex’s story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Read and listen here

How to Build Resilience as a Young Lawyer feat. Kenya Rothstein

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.

Read and listen here

How to Stay Consistent as a Content Creator feat. Kyla Denanyoh

Kyla Denanyoh is a podcaster, digital educator, and business owner passionate about helping others thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys. In this episode, Kyla shares five must-do strategies for content creators and business owners in 2025, emphasizing the power of being vocal, consistent, and intentional about your work. Through actionable insights and personal anecdotes, she inspires listeners to elevate their brand visibility and embrace new ways to grow their businesses.

Read and listen here

How To Navigate Vaccine Injury Cases in Law Practice feat. Jon Groth

Jon Groth, a personal injury attorney and managing partner of Groth Law Firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, shares his journey from law school to running a successful practice with a diverse range of cases, including car accidents and vaccine injuries. In this episode, Jon emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and effective communication in the legal profession, while also discussing the unique challenges and rewards of managing a law firm. He highlights the value of connecting with clients from all walks of life and the significance of adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of law and technology.

Read and listen here

How To Build Your Legal Career as a First-Generation Lawyer feat. Brooke Salazar

Brooke Salazar joins us in this episode to share her inspiring journey as a first-generation lawyer and business owner. With a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Brooke discusses the importance of authentic networking and sponsorship in building a successful career, as well as her insights on navigating the complexities of compliance and employee benefits. Tune in to hear her valuable advice for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in the legal field.

Read and listen here

How To Build a Successful Law Practice with Coaching feat. Daya Naef

Daya Naef is a seasoned attorney and the founder of The Success Partner, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping law firms and solo practitioners navigate pivotal stages in their careers. In this episode, Daya shares her journey from construction law to coaching, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, the limitless possibilities for young lawyers, and the value of creative pursuits outside of the legal profession. Join us as we explore how Daya empowers others to find their path and thrive in their legal careers.

Read and listen here

How To Create Generational Access in Your Career feat. Chibundu Nnake

Chibundu Nnake, a lead privacy campaign manager at Google, shares his journey from being a walk-on football player at Ohio State to navigating the intersections of law, technology, and advocacy. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of creating generational access and opportunities for others, while also encouraging young lawyers and law students to explore diverse career paths beyond traditional legal roles. Chibundu's insights highlight the value of networking, self-awareness, and the pursuit of passion in shaping a fulfilling career.

Read and listen here

How To Navigate Your Legal Career Without Losing Yourself feat. Meagan Smith

Meagan Smith joins us in this episode to share her unique journey as a lawyer navigating the complexities of the legal profession while embracing her identity and personal growth. From her experiences with the bar exam to her current role as counsel for multiple firms, Meagan emphasizes the importance of finding joy in one's work and the value of community support among women in law. Tune in as she discusses how her law degree has shaped her life and the significance of celebrating both small and large victories along the way.

Read and listen here

How To Use Your Law Degree for Social Change and Wealth Management feat. Whitney Knox Lee

Whitney Knox Lee is an anti-racism equity consultant and attorney who is passionate about addressing the racial wealth gap through her estate planning practice, Wills for the People. In this episode, she shares her journey from civil rights law to consulting, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive estate planning for Black households and communities of color. Whitney also discusses the challenges of navigating wealth conversations within these communities and the need for accessible legal services.

Read and listen here

How to Navigate the Entertainment Law Industry feat. Gordon Firemark

Gordon Firemark, a media producer and lawyer based in Los Angeles, shares his journey from television sports production to running an entertainment law practice in this episode. As the go-to expert for podcast-related legal matters, Gordon discusses his experience in podcasting and teaching entertainment law. He also delves into his diverse career, including producing shows, practicing law, and teaching courses on entertainment and intellectual property law.

Read and listen here

How To Pursue Multiple Interests as a Lawyer feat. Karla Aghedo

Karla Aghedo, a dynamic attorney and entrepreneur, shares her journey of problem-solving and resilience in various spaces, from owning a bookstore to homeschooling her children. Through her experience in law school and practice, Karla emphasizes the importance of finding solutions and building a supportive team to navigate challenges effectively. Join us as Karla discusses her passion for wellness, education, and the impact of her law degree on her diverse endeavors.

Read and listen here

How To Start Your Own Law Firm and Travel the World feat. Taylor Tieman

Taylor Tieman shares her journey from transitioning from civil litigation to starting her own law firm focused on transactional law, entertainment, and intellectual property. She discusses her unique approach to running LegalMiga Law PC, including offering subscription-based legal services and a template library to make legal assistance more accessible to business owners. Taylor's innovative mindset and commitment to providing affordable legal solutions showcase the possibilities of utilizing a law degree beyond traditional paths.

Read and listen here