WILL - Women Interested in Leaving Law

Book Launch Party: From Big Law to Published Author

Imagine you have a nascent dream of being a writer instead of an associate drowning in M&A deals.   Imagine you whisper your dream out loud to your coach, and have it met with delight and full belief in your ability to make it happen.
Imagine a few short years later, you hold your first published book in your hands, and marvel at how much your life has changed.
You went from despair in big law to being a PUBLISHED AUTHOR.
This is the journey Leah Jennings went on. In this episode of the WILL Podcast, listen in on the book launch party Elena Deutsch, Founder of WILL threw for Leah upon the release of her first novel: Angel Eyes from the Paris in a Heartbeat series.  
Leah’s journey in this podcast covers:
 How she went from doubting she’d ever leave big law to stepping out. 
 How the Creator’s Circle helped her become more honest about who she is and isn’t. 
 How she became a published author!
 
Follow Leah
Website: https://elliejennings.com/
Instagram: @authorelliejennings 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556516636947 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CX2Y45CP?ingress=0&visitId=cb7536d2-b511-4b81-a34b-42a74df3e9fc&ref_=pe_2466670_811284380 
 
References
The Creator’s Circle - a small-group journey through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron led by Elena Deutsch.  The Creators Circle opens one time per year.  It’s open to both lawyers, former lawyers and non-lawyers.  
If you’re interested, in receiving more information: email Support@womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com  
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

How to Quiet Your Inner Critic

Listen here to see you’re not alone if you’ve got a nasty inner critic. 
Women lawyers can speak harshly to themselves, honed by years of perfectionism and working in “mistakes aren’t allowed” cultures. 
If this rings true, in this podcast you'll learn how to mitigate your nasty inner dialogue.  🎧 How to notice and recognize your inner critic, as separate from YOU. 🎧 The legal culture can foster already held tendencies of self-criticism. 🎧 What if your inner critic can be seen as a part of you, not an enemy. [WHAT?!?]
 If you enjoy this podcast, please follow, rate and leave a review. 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a legal career coach and catalyst for women lawyers looking to have freedom, flexibility and fulfillment in their work and lives.
Listen in and see that change is not just possible for others, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your Personalized Career Assessment Call with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call 
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

How to Make Money Non-Lawyering with Podcaster Kyla Denanyoh

Imagine you’re happy as a lawyer, yet feel that your creativity is stifled.
Or that you can’t be creative as a lawyer as it doesn’t ‘fit’ what a lawyer should be.
Kyla Denanyoh showcased her efficiency and project management skills so well that while on maternity leave, she rendered her role obsolete. 
Instead of fear, Kyla was excited about moving forward in her side hustle - Podcasting and YouTubing, because a stream of sponsorships proved that she could make money non-lawyering.
Now a seasoned podcaster with over 130 episodes and a salary from sponsorships, Kyla embodies the ‘multipotentialite’ (someone with many skillsets and role options).
Listen in as Kyla:
Uses her challenge with the typical stereotype of ‘lawyer’ to lean into a creative identity.
Dives into a selection of books that confirm you can make money from any job.
Flips the narrative of lawyers not being risk-takers.
Switches her mindset from being a task-based earner to a value-based earner.
 
Follow Kyla
Podcast: ‘More than a Lawyer’ https://www.youarealawyer.com/ 
Website: Kyla Denanyoh | Storyteller & Strategist
Instagram: Kyla Denanyoh (@mrsdenanyoh)
 
References
Book: 'We should all be millionaires' - Rachel Rogers.
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

From Lawyer to Astrologer: The Path to Authenticity

How does one go from being a stuck and unhappy long time lawyer to practicing astrologer? 
Well if you’re Jenny McKee of Sky Whispers Astrology, you lean into your strengths, surround yourself with community and take it one slow step at a time.
In this episode Jenny details her journey through WILL programs as she expanded her self-knowledge and trust.
As a listener of the WILL podcast you cannot only hear about her journey, but experience her work for yourself! She shares a generous 15% savings coupon when you use the code WILL when you book any session or package with her. All the details below.
On a personal note, I am so appreciative to Jenny for sharing her journey and for the years of our work together. She showcases an example of what’s possible, not just for her, but for you too.
Have a listen. 
Where to find Jenny:
To learn more about working with Jenny go to: www.skywhispersastrology.com
Use the code: ‘WILL’ on any purchases and save 15%!  
Email: Jenny@skywhispersastrology
Show notes:
The Artist’s Way  by Julia Cameron
WILL Programs mentioned:
The foundational WILL program Jenny started with was called WILL Step-by-Step and is now WILL Transform.  
 
WILL programs Jenny also participated in, and mentions: 
The Creator’s Circle - a small-group journey through The Artist’s Way  by Julia Cameron.
WILLpreneurs - a small group for women lawyers who want to start their own businesses.
To be notified of when these programs open next,  email Support@womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com  
Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx
Jenny’s Mentors:
Home - Tom Jacobs
About Debra Anne Clement – Debra Clement Astrologer
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call 
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 

Boundary Setting Practice for Women Lawyers

Everyone has to set boundaries, but for lawyers, especially women or people socialized as female, working in a “always be available” culture makes it even more challenging and important. 
Add in the hierarchy and not so subtle power-dynamics at law firms, and you have a recipe for being expected to give nearly everything to your job.  
Do you say YES to tasks that you desire to say NO to, because it’s expected?
And do you say NO and cancel things you really want to say YES to, like concert tickets, brunch with friends and vacations without work?
Today’s short solo episode guides you to re-think how to set boundaries in ways that offer protection and relief.
You’ll have a simple framework to help you reclaim what's most important to you - your time, your energy, your life force, so you can either stay more happily in your role and/or make a change.
You’ll learn to:
Mindset: Shift how you think about boundaries.
Process: A simple three-step framework to set internal and external boundaries.
Practise: Put your new skills into action.
 
References 
Books: The Power of a Positive No and Getting to Yes, both by William Ury.
Find his books and more here: https://www.williamury.com/books/
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call 
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

Thinking of Starting Your Own Firm? How Two Lawyers Created Theirs (Without Dipping into Savings)

Imagine winning a rapid defense verdict for your client with only 6 weeks to prepare for trial, only to not be thanked, AND get reprimanded by the managing partner for speaking in a frustrated tone to the junior and paralegal, who you trained up from scratch. 
Imagine not being able to get out of bed for two weeks, and knowing you HAD to do something different.  (Which led you to Google “career coach for lawyers”.)
Imagine being a rising 8th year, knowing the partnership question looms.  You know you don’t want to make partner. You can barely keep your head above water now, and struggle to be as present with your young children as you’d like.  But you don’t know what else you could do or where to begin. 
Listen to this special panel discussion with WILL Alumni Destiny Bounds of Bounds Legal, and Wilder Clements of Clements Employment Law.  They share about their journeys from despair to doing work they love… for themselves.  This is especially for you if you’re feeling helpless and/or if you’re considering starting your own firm.   
As it was a live call, you’ll hear Destiny and Wilder respond to questions from the audience. 
See how Wilder:
Leveraged a milestone birthday and child starting kindergarten to give themselves permission to explore and dream
Started their law firm without dipping into any savings! 
Serves values-aligned business owners, enjoys more time for hiking and being with family and celebrates five years of having their own firm! 
Wilder A. Clements brings experienced and value-driven counsel to purpose-driven businesses and organizations with challenging employment law questions. Wilder is experienced in advising clients on the complexities of federal and state labor and employment law, understands steps businesses and organizations need to take to treat and pay their workers fairly, and serves as an instrumental partner in helping organizations and businesses align purpose with people-first practices.  
Wilder devotes a significant portion of their services to pro bono assistance, including representing LGBTQ+ workers and advising local non-profits on employment law issues.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilderclements/
https://www.instagram.com/clementsemploymentlaw
 
Listen as Destiny Bounds shares how:
A mental health crisis helped her take a break from her firm.
Being in community with other women lawyers surprisingly brought her a lot of clarity and comfort. 
The clouds that obscured her dreams parted, and was able to take massive action, starting not one, but two businesses!
After leaving her role within a large AMLaw 200 nationwide law firm, Destiny started helping small businesses form strong legal foundations, getting their contracts and legal documents prepared, and, essentially, becoming their “outside” in-house counsel, partnering with them throughout each stage of their business. She realized that she LOVED small business law.
She founded Bounds Business Law with a mission to change the soulless legal profession of law into one that will positively impact the community and beyond.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bounds-law-llc/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091839366389
https://www.instagram.com/legal.fluence/ 
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

How Getting Out of $670K of Debt, Led Rho Thomas to Become a Financial Coach

Imagine you’re a mid-level IP associate at a big firm. 
You’ve just had your first child.  As the end of your mat leave rapidly approaches, you consider going back to work 50% time for 50% pay.  But after looking at your family finances, you see that you and your medical resident spouse are $670K in debt! 
That would have sent me back to bed, but not our next guest on the WILL Podcast, Rho Thomas.  
Rho not only went back to work full-time, she got to work to reduce their debt, which she more than halved in just a few years.  
After overcoming the shame, she began to share her story (anonymously at first). Rho now helps lawyers get out of debt and control of their money.  
Listen in as Rho:
Tells about the moment she realized she and her husband had $678,000 in debt.
Learned how to reduce that by more than half in a few years.
Felt the call to blog, then podcast about her journey. 
 
Where to find Rho:
Instagram: @iamrhothomas
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iamrhothomas
Website: https://www.rhothomas.com 
Podcast: Personal Finance for Lawyers with Rho Thomas - https://www.rhothomas.com/podcast 
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena:
https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call 
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 
 

Anxiety in Women Lawyers: How it Affects You, and What You Can Do

Does your heart stop when you get an email from a certain partner or client?
Have you experienced health concerns that doctors have been unable to diagnose - like stomach pain, rashes or hair loss?
You didn’t used to “be an anxious person” but now you wonder if this is who you are?
If you’re increasingly concerned about the toll anxiety from work is taking on your physical and mental health, this is for you.
In this episode, Elena shares her understanding of “situational anxiety” and how she sees it impacting women lawyers.    
She openly explains:  
What occurs in the body and the effect of living in a frequent state of stress.
How being self-compassionate can help (and why that’s so hard for women lawyers).
Three techniques to reduce anxiety and regain calm.
 
References
Book: The High Five Habit, Mel Robbins
 
Trigger Warning: Anxiety, mental health. Elena is not a licensed mental health professional. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, then we recommend talking to a health professional. 
 
Hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst, the WILL Podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call 
 
Follow
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
 

How Pursuing Comedy Led Pamela T. to Her Ideal Legal Job

Imagine feeling overwhelmed and stressed as a big law litigator, breaking down on the A train to JFK as you head to England for the Christmas holidays.
Imagine a weird relief that COVID offers, as you move temporarily to Vermont where you begin to sort out what you’d really like to do next.   
Imagine deciding to forgo law, only to discover an ideal job while writing a joke for your burgeoning stand-up comedy routine.   
In this episode, meet Pamela T, a former big law attorney, who had an epic journey across four countries before landing in Newcastle, England. 
Now she pursues her dual passions - fighting the patriarchy and comedy, all while raising her son and enjoying the occasional good cup of coffee after Pilates.  You can’t make this up!
In our conversation, hear how:
COVID helped Pamela step off the lock-step path and expand her perception of reality. 
She freed herself from her firm in stages.
ONE phone call with a Greek comedian opened up a world of opportunities.
Pamela turned away from law before landing an ideal legal role.
Mindset shifts help her in all aspects of life, and especially after a bombed a comedy set.  
Hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst, the WILL Podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Note: In this episode you’ll hear me refer to a tech fail, but my editing team patched it up - so it should be fairly smooth listening!  Please enjoy this inaugural episode of the WILL Podcast!!
 
Trigger warning: miscarriage, sexual assault and cults.
 
References
Midnight in Cairo, by Raphael Cormack
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Follow Pamela on Instagram: @pt_lolz.