A Law Degree That Travels With You (October 2021) feat. Michelle Words
- Kyla Denanyoh
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Michelle Words is a business law professor and licensed attorney who has spent the last seven years living and teaching abroad in the Middle East. In this episode, Michelle shares how her law degree became a tool for freedom, travel and reinvention, and why choosing the life you actually want matters more than following a traditional legal script.
About This Episode
Background
Michelle Words grew up in California and built an early career across business, finance, and marketing before ever entering law school. She earned her undergraduate degree from Sonoma State University and later completed an MBA at Clark Atlanta University, concentrating in finance and sports and entertainment marketing. Even early on, Michelle was intentional about diversifying her education, believing that learning across disciplines would open more doors over time.
“I didn't start law school until I think I was 36," shares Michelle Words on You Are A Lawyer.
Before law school, Michelle held senior roles in corporate America, including serving as an Assistant Vice President at Bank of America during the financial crisis. In that role, she often appeared in court as the face and voice of the bank, an experience that gave her firsthand insight into the legal system without formally practicing as an attorney. These years of professional experience would later become a defining asset in her teaching career.
Why Law School
Law school was always a long held goal for Michelle, but not necessarily a step toward traditional legal practice. She entered law school later in life, already established in business, with the brief that legal knowledge would strengthen her ability to navigate complex professional environments rather than limit her to one career path.
“Even when I started law school, it wasn't necessarily with the goal of being an attorney," reflects Michelle Words on Episode 35 of You Are a Lawyer.
Michelle approached law school pragmatically and with openness. She was comfortable with the idea that she might practice law or might not, trusting that the skills and mindset she gained would be valuable regardless. That flexibility allowed her to see law as an asset rather than an obligation, shaping decisions she would make later about where and how she wanted to live.
What Can You Do with a Law Degree
Although Michelle does not practice law in a traditional sense, her legal education fundamentally changed the trajectory of her life. Law school sharpened her ability to think critically, questioning assumptions, and break down complex issues, skills she now applies daily in the classroom and abroad.
“Had I not gone to law school, I wouldn't be where I am right now," explains Michelle Words, on episode 35 of You Are a Lawyer.
As a business law professor teaching undergraduates and MBA students, Michelle uses her legal background to bridge theory and real world application. Her corporate experience allows her to give students concrete examples, making legal concepts accessible and practical. For Michelle, her law degree became a foundation for teaching, global mobility, and professional flexibility.
Lawyer Side Hustles
Michelle's life abroad grew out of a moment of reflection and loss. After being laid off from her corporate role and losing a close friend from law school unexpectedly, she reevaluated what she wanted in life. Travel, time, and freedom rose to the top, leading her to pursue teaching opportunities overseas.
“Life is too short and you need to do what it is that you enjoy,” shares Michelle Words on Episode 35 of You Are a Lawyer.
In addition to teaching, Michelle hosts the Flipping the Script podcast, where she helps women navigate change and embrace new chapters. Through podcasting, mentorship, and future plans to support women of color living abroad, her work continues to center empowerment, self authorship, and the courage to rewrite your own story.