How To Embrace Career Growth Without Burning Out
- Apr 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Anna Krolikowska is a divorce attorney, mediator, and past president of the Illinois State Bar Association. In this thoughtful and candid episode, Anna shares how she transitioned from litigation to collaborative law, navigated new motherhood while leading 30,000+ lawyers statewide, and built a career that supports her life, not the other way around. This is a powerful listen for anyone wondering if they can have it all—or what “all” should really look like.
About This Episode
Background
Anna Krolikowska has practiced family law for nearly 20 years, starting as a litigator before shifting her focus to mediation and collaborative divorce. Today, she leads her own firm—Anna P. Krolikowska P.C.—where she provides tailored legal solutions that reflect the emotional, financial, and personal realities of her clients. Anna’s approach is deeply empathetic and pragmatic, grounded in the belief that attorneys carry tremendous responsibility to guide people through life-altering decisions.
“Being in that setting and seeing people ask different questions and view the world differently was such an aha moment for me. And it reinvigorated me, and it gave me a different outlook on the practice of law," shares Anna Krolikowska on You Are A Lawyer.
Outside of her practice, Anna is a recognized bar leader. She made history as the fifth woman president of the Illinois State Bar Association, and she remains an active force within the ISBA and ABA. Her work—both in family law and in professional leadership—reflects her passion for service, visibility, and mentorship within the legal profession.
Why Law School
Anna entered law school with a vision of becoming a private practice attorney at a smaller firm—one that allowed her to build the life she wanted. Over time, her career evolved far beyond that first goal, driven by her curiosity, openness, and a willingness to say “yes” when others saw her potential. While she may not have known where each step would lead, Anna trusted that alignment and growth were possible.
"Anna, law student, didn't know that she would be here in this moment... She had an idea that she wanted to be a private practice attorney in a smaller firm because she believed that would give her a better life-work balance," reflects Anna Krolikowska on Episode 189 of You Are a Lawyer.
She’s clear that success doesn’t have to look one way—and that self-doubt is common, especially for women. She encourages young lawyers to remain open to possibility, ask for mentorship, and remember that visibility matters: “You have to see it to aspire to be it.”
What You Can Do With a Law Degree
For Anna, a JD is a launchpad. It gave her the tools to build a law firm, serve thousands of clients, lead a statewide legal organization, and even publish books. But she didn’t follow a linear path—her success came from staying open, investing in relationships, and developing a personal brand that emphasized leadership, empathy, and service.
“You can do anything you want. The key is figuring out what it is and then creating a plan to get there," emphasizes Anna Krolikowska on Episode 189 of You Are a Lawyer.
She emphasizes that rainmaking—building business—is a critical skill for women lawyers, whether you’re in private practice or at a firm. Bringing in revenue gives you power, options, and leverage. And most importantly? You don’t need to do it alone.
Lawyer Side Hustles
In addition to leading her firm and bar association, Anna is also a published author. After her presidency, she asked herself, ‘What’s the next stage in the life of Anna?’ The answer: writing. She contributed to The Everyday Woman’s Guide to Thrive in Your Busy Life and The Iconic Woman’s Guide to Empowerment, using her chapters to speak directly to women navigating divorce and professional burnout.
“Life is short and there are so many different opportunities available to us... If you remain open to possibilities, people will cross your path,” shares Anna Krolikowska in Episode 189 of You Are a Lawyer.
Through her writing, Anna encourages other women to embrace imperfect balance, financial empowerment, and self-trust. Whether it’s a dance party in your living room or a career pivot into something unexpected, she believes joy is a valid goal—and that being present with your family and your clients can (and should) coexist.
About Anna Krolikowska
Anna is licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois.
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