From Intern to Data Privacy Counsel featuring Terrance Pryor

Terrance Pryor shares his inspiring journey from a career in IT at General Motors to transitioning into the legal field, all while pursuing his law degree part-time. Through his determination and strategic planning, Terrance navigated through various roles in data privacy and DevOps, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in different areas of expertise. Join us as Terrance reflects on his experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped his career path.

LISTEN TO LEARN

  • The importance of being open to new opportunities and being proactive in pursuing them.
  • The significance of setting intentions and working towards specific goals, even if the path may not be straightforward.
  • The benefits of exploring different areas of interest and being open to unexpected career opportunities.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

  • The journey of transitioning from a career in IT to a legal role, including the challenges and successes along the way.
  • The intersection of IT and law, particularly in areas like data privacy and legal analytics.
  • The role of networking and building rapport with professionals in different fields to facilitate career transitions.

Want to start a podcast?

Save time and create faster with KD Creative. KD Creative offers done-for-you podcasting services by launching podcasts for small business owners and editing podcasts for existing podcasters. 

If you’re ready to get your content in the ears of your ideal customers, start working with KD Creative. Visit skiptheboringstuff.com to hire a podcast coach.

From Intern to Data Privacy Counsel featuring Terrance Pryor

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/5f95d9f0"></iframe>

From Intern to Data Privacy Counsel featuring Terrance PryorFrom Intern to Data Privacy Counsel featuring Terrance Pryor

About This Episode

Terrance Pryor’s Background

Terrance Pryor, a driven and determined individual, has navigated a unique and inspiring career path that showcases his adaptability and perseverance. Starting his journey with a background in IT at General Motors, Terrance later pursued a law degree while working full-time, demonstrating his commitment to personal and professional growth. His transition from IT to law was not a conventional one, but Terrance's strategic approach and willingness to explore new opportunities led him to discover the intersection of law and technology, particularly in the field of data privacy. 

"I kind of don't want to gloss over that period of, you know, I'm done playing football to let me go get a job. That really was a tough period. That was a really, really tough period in my life because... I really built an identity and kind of laid out this vision for what I thought my life was going to be based off of that sport," shares Terrance Pryor on You Are A Lawyer.

In his pursuit of knowledge and growth, Terrance delved into electives in data privacy and legal analytics during law school, recognizing the potential for innovation and advancement in the merging fields of law and technology. His proactive approach to seeking out opportunities and his ability to adapt to new challenges have been key factors in his professional development. Terrance's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in carving out a successful career path that aligns with his passions and aspirations.

Why Law School

Terrance chose to pursue law school as a means to merge his passion for sports with his growing interest in the intersection of law and technology. Initially working in IT at General Motors, Terrance saw the potential for a unique career path that combined his technical skills with legal expertise.

"I kind of wanted to see maybe be a sports agent or something along those lines right or to kind of be a just a sports attorney. So that's kind of why I started to go into law school. And then I just needed a job when I started at General Motors and IT in January of 2015," reflects Terrance Pryor on Episode 139 of You Are a Lawyer.

As he delved into law school, taking electives in data privacy and legal analytics, Terrance realized the opportunities that lay ahead in the field of law and technology. His decision to enter law school was not just about becoming a sports attorney but about exploring the emerging field of data privacy and cyber law.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

With a law degree, there are various career paths one can pursue, as demonstrated by Terrance Pryor's journey. From transitioning from IT to legal roles at General Motors to exploring data privacy and legal analytics, a law degree opens up opportunities beyond traditional legal practice. Terrance's experience showcases that a law degree can lead to roles in technology, data privacy, and even sports law.

"I wanted to explore different aspects of myself other than the sport and see how else I can expand," explains Terrance Pryor, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.

Terrance's story emphasizes that with a law degree, individuals can venture into unique and evolving areas such as data privacy, technology, and analytics. As he discovered the intersection of law and IT, he found new opportunities to blend his legal knowledge with technology. This demonstrates that a law degree can provide a foundation for roles that require a combination of legal expertise and technical skills.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Side hustles for lawyers can be a great way to diversify income and explore different interests outside of the legal field. Terrance Pryor's journey from IT to law school and eventually landing a role as in-house counsel at General Motors showcases the potential for lawyers to pursue side businesses in various industries.

“I was always advocating for people. I was always taking up for people who didn't really know how to take up for themselves,” shares Terrance Pryor in Episode 139 of You Are a Lawyer.

Lawyers, like Terrance, demonstrate the importance of having a multifaceted career and exploring different opportunities beyond traditional legal roles. Side businesses can provide lawyers with additional skills, experiences, and financial stability. As Terrance's journey shows, combining legal expertise with other interests can lead to unique career paths and opportunities.

Join the FREE mailing list!

Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 

1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com

2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR

3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen

4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!

Contact Terrance Pryor

Terrance Pryor is licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia.

Learn more about Terrance

Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Terrancenyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. 

Follow the podcast:

YouTube: youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Instagram: instagram.com/youarealawyer

Twitter:  twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: youarealawyer.com

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mbNPwyv8fQ4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Recent Episodes

How Human Design Impacts Career Success feat. Sheila M. Wilkinson (Part II)

Sheila M. Wilkinson is a lawyer, social worker, consultant, and career transition coach. Sheila also talks about her mission to help lawyers make aligned decisions, set boundaries, and focus on what they truly want to do rather than what they think they should do. She believes in reconnecting the intellectual self with the emotional self and offers guidance to lawyers in this process.
Read and listen here

How To Avoid A Boring Legal Career feat. Sheila M. Wilkinson (Part I)

Sheila M. Wilkinson is a social worker, lawyer, career transition coach, and podcaster who spends half the year in Brussels, Belgium, and half the year in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her life is centered on taking risks, rejecting boring careers, and people-pleasing. In this episode, Sheila emphasizes the importance of connecting with people and offers recommendations for books that can help her clients on their personal and professional journeys. Sheila also talks about her mission to help lawyers make aligned decisions, set boundaries, and focus on what they truly want to do rather than what they think they should do. She believes in reconnecting the intellectual self with the emotional self and offers guidance to lawyers in this process. This episode is Part 1 of a two-part series with Sheila M. Wilkinson.
Read and listen here

How To Navigate Risks in Nursing and Law feat. Felicia Luck

Felicia Luck, a registered nurse and CEO of Stars and Stripes Legal Nurse Consulting, joins the podcast to discuss her unique business that serves lawyers and attorneys. With her extensive medical knowledge and experience, Felicia helps attorneys navigate complex medical records, provide expert opinions, and offer valuable insights in cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and more. She shares her journey of merging the worlds of nursing and law, her challenges, and the importance of work-life balance.
Read and listen here

How To Sell A Law Firm feat. Victoria Collier

Victoria Collier, a lawyer and founder of Quid Pro Quo, specializes in helping lawyers buy and sell law firms and coaching law firms on building value and becoming sellable in the future. In this conversation, Victoria shares her journey of selling her law firm, the importance of education and options in the legal industry, and the power of niching down and finding your expertise within a niche.
Read and listen here

How To Advertise Your Law Firm (without being cheesy) feat. Keith Ligori

Keith Ligori, managing partner and founder of Ligori & Ligori Law Firm, shares his journey from working in the state attorney's office to building a successful personal injury practice. With a passion for trial advocacy and a dedication to helping clients, Keith discusses the importance of courtroom experience and the value of family in his firm. Keith Ligori advises young lawyers looking to make their mark in the legal profession.
Read and listen here

How To Hire a Short-Term Lawyer (and Why You Should) feat. Dan Reilly

Dan Reilly, the co-founder of Legably, a platform that connects lawyers, paralegals, and law students with short-term freelance opportunities, joins the You Are a Lawyer Podcast this week. Dan shares the story behind Legably's creation, the challenges of introducing freelance platforms to the legal profession, and how the platform revolutionizes how attorneys and legal professionals work.
Read and listen here

How to Escape the Lawyer Bubble feat. Sarah Cottrell

Sarah Cottrell, founder of the Former Lawyer Podcast, discusses the challenges and identity struggles that lawyers often face, the misconceptions surrounding the legal profession, and the importance of exploring alternative career paths. Sarah shares her journey from practicing law to becoming an entrepreneur and offers valuable insights for lawyers seeking fulfillment outside of traditional legal practice.
Read and listen here

How To Protect Your Business and Intellectual Property feat. Alyssa Devine

Alyssa Devine, founder of Purple Fox Legal, shares her journey from initially wanting to be a veterinarian to discovering her passion for intellectual property law and entrepreneurship. She advises law students and young lawyers on building relationships, embracing change, and finding the right career fit. The episode highlights the significance of developing skills while also understanding when it's necessary to pivot and find a different path.
Read and listen here

How To Find the Best Lawyer for Your Case feat. Daniel Callahan

Daniel Callahan, a highly successful trial lawyer based in California, has a truly remarkable legal career. With a track record of securing massive verdicts and awards, including the second-highest verdict in Orange County history, Dan shares his secrets to success, emphasizing the importance of preparation, creativity, and hard work. We also learn about his consulting company, Callahan Consulting Group, where he offers mentorship and case-matching services to fellow attorneys. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Dan's wealth of experience in the legal field.
Read and listen here

How Mentorship Improves Your Legal Career feat. Lisa Gill

Lisa Gill, a business owner, law firm owner, and consultant shares her non-traditional path to law school, her experiences in the legal profession, and her passion for helping small business owners navigate the legal landscape. She also discusses her consultancy, Graygill Consulting, which focuses on empowering women and providing guidance on legal and financial matters.
Read and listen here

How Coaching Makes You A Better Lawyer feat. Yasmine Salem Hamdan

Yasmine Salem Hamdan is a business owner, podcaster, and coach. After law school at Texas A&M, Yasmine started practicing IP and trademark law. In 2020, Yasmine founded Coaches & Company, which has helped more than a thousand entrepreneurs protect their businesses and brands.
Read and listen here

How To Integrate Parenting With a Legal Career feat. Miriam Airington-Fisher

Inspired by watching courtroom dramas with her grandmother, Miriam Airington-Fisher discusses her background and lifelong passion for law. From focusing on public defense and criminal law to running her firm and becoming an author and speaker, Miriam has a unique perspective on the legal practice because “moms a lawyer.”
Read and listen here

©2025 You Are A Lawyer LLC.
All rights reserved.