Nikita Lamar is a Texas attorney, entrepreneur, mediator, and author who built a virtual law firm while living in Mexico. In this episode, she shares how taking an unconventional path to law school shaped her career, why estate planning became deeply personal, and how lawyers can create careers that fit their lives instead of fitting into outdated expectations.

Ruma Mazumdar is a New Jersey real estate and estate planning attorney who built a successful virtual law firm after leaving Big Law. In this episode, she shares how working as a paralegal shaped her legal career, why she chose entrepreneurship despite growing up around family business, and how redefining success led her to build a practice that supports the life she actually wants.

Amber Johnson is an attorney whose legal career has evolved from civil rights and compliance work into helping small businesses compete for multimillion-dollar airport contracts. In this episode, Amber shares how her law degree opened unexpected doors, why transportation is full of legal careers beyond aviation law, and how lawyers can use their skills to build stronger organizations and stronger communities.

Anjie Vichayanonda is the founder and CEO of Leg Up Legal, a mentorship platform that connects aspiring law students with attorneys before they apply to law school. In this episode, Anjie shares how mentorship changed the course of her own career, why exposure matters before making the investment in law school, and how lawyers can use their knowledge to create opportunities for others.

Katherin Hervey is an award-winning filmmaker, artist, former public defender, and co-founder of On the Border Films. In this episode, Katherin shares how her legal background shaped The Prison Within, why storytelling became her form of advocacy, and how creativity helped her continue the work of justice outside traditional practice.

Jennifer Gardner is a trial attorney, administrative judge, speaker, and law firm owner based in Los Angeles. In this episode, Jennifer shares how she built a career rooted in leadership and service, why lawyers need stronger communication and influence skills, and how legal professionals can use their creativity far beyond traditional practice.

Kristyan Gilmore is an attorney, professor, consultant, and founder of To Be Free, a business advisory company focused on helping entrepreneurs align their work with their values. In this episode, Kristyan shares how the 2008 financial crisis reshaped her legal career, why she believes lawyers should “find their voice,” and how she built a life centered on freedom, teaching, and creative entrepreneurship.

Anne Marie Engel is a lawyer, fractional general counsel, and self-described accountability architect. In this episode, Anne Marie shares how her 30-year legal career led her to rethink the role of lawyers in business, why accountability and fiduciary duty are being lost in the profession, and how she now helps companies prevent problems before they start.

Victoria Inoyo is the Director of Advising at Juris Education, an edtech platform advising students toward careers in law, and a lawyer working in business affairs and creative marketing at Apple. In this episode, Victoria shares how she navigated law school as a first generation American, why she chose the creative side of the legal industry, and how she now helps aspiring lawyers “take the elevator” instead of the stairs through the admissions process.

Kyla Denanyoh, founder and host of You Are a Lawyer, steps into the guest seat in this special episode as she is interviewed by her former law school classmate Vernon Thomas. Together, they unpack a question many lawyers quietly ask: how valuable is a law degree, really? Kyla reflects on her own journey, the evolution of the podcast, and why she believes the JD is more expansive than most people realize.

SeNita McRae is a legal operations professional with a background in broadcast journalism, public administration, and law. In this episode, SeNita shares how she built a thriving career in eDiscovery and legal operations, why passing the bar was not required for her success, and how every degree she earned eventually fit together.

Kyla Denanyoh interviews Mary Ellen O’Connor to discuss workers’ compensation and Social Security disability law.

Kyla Denanyoh interviews Daria Levina is a lawyer, academic, and business owner whose path spans Russia, the United States, Italy, and now Berlin. With two law degrees, a PhD in law, and a thriving admissions-advising business, Daria brings a global perspective to legal education and career design. In this episode, she shares what makes a PhD different from a JD, how stand-up comedy transformed her thinking, and why she believes education should be accessible to everyone.

Kyla Denanyoh interviews Anne Hamer is a top-rated family lawyer based in Nashville, Tennessee, whose path to success was anything but traditional. After years in corporate and plaintiff work, and even a decade as a stay-at-home mom, Anne returned to the courtroom with a new sense of purpose. In this episode, she shares how to change your legal career at any age, how her own divorce reshaped her understanding of family law, and why it’s never too late to find work you love.

Laura Terrell is an executive coach, general counsel, and former special assistant to the president who has built a career across government, private practice, and nonprofit leadership. In this episode, she shares how coaching helps lawyers advocate for themselves, embrace career pivots, and find clarity in uncertain times.

Kyla Denanyoh interviews lawyer and coach Arivee Vargas shares her journey from Big Law to coaching, writing, and alignment, showing how to create a career that fits your life.

Kyla Denanyoh interviews Yladrea Drummond went from being “team no care about the law" to becoming a highly successful trial attorney and solo firm owner in Maryland and DC. She openly shares the grit required to get barred after a seven-year journey, how she transitioned her practice from family law to dominating criminal defense, and the non-negotiable value of complete autonomy that running her own firm provides.

Kyla Denanyoh interviewsfFormer prosecutor turned mediator Debra Whitson shares how mediation can save relationships, even during divorce. Learn how she helps families navigate separation with less conflict and more compassion.

Kyla Denanyoh interviews former Big Law attorney Elise Holtzman shares how she built a coaching business helping lawyers grow their leadership and business development skills.

Kyla Denanyoh interviews Lamia Rahman shares how she co-founded an age tech startup during law school, combining her legal training with a mission to build accessible tools for the blind.