How To Improve Your Soft Skills as a Lawyer feat. Dena Lefkowitz

Dena Lefkowitz shares her journey from starting law school without a clear direction to finding fulfillment as a career coach and author in this episode. She discusses the importance of identifying values and soft skills in one's career, emphasizing that it's never too late to make a change and pursue what truly matters to you. Through her own experiences, Dena inspires listeners to take control of their careers and strive for personal and professional growth.

LISTEN TO LEARN

  • The significance of investing in self-improvement, even if it means taking a pay cut or making a career change.
  • The value of soft skills in the legal profession and how they can impact your career success.
  • The importance of identifying your values, motives, and preferences in your career to avoid feeling miserable.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

  • Dena’s journey from starting law school without a clear direction to finding fulfillment in her career through strategic decisions and self-discovery.
  • The impact of desperation on seeking help and investing in personal growth, even for individuals who are typically frugal or hesitant to spend on themselves.
  • The process of transitioning from a legal career to becoming a successful career coach and author, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.

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.

How To Improve Your Soft Skills as a Lawyer feat. Dena Lefkowitz

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/7a7256bf"></iframe>

How To Improve Your Soft Skills as a Lawyer feat. Dena LefkowitzHow To Improve Your Soft Skills as a Lawyer feat. Dena Lefkowitz

About This Episode

Dena Lefkowitz’s Background

Dena Lefkowitz's background is a testament to the transformative power of self-reflection and career exploration. Initially entering law school without a clear direction, Dena found herself in the field of litigation, where she struggled to find fulfillment. It wasn't until she sought the guidance of a career counselor that she began to understand the importance of aligning her values with her career choices. This pivotal moment led her to transition into roles as in-house counsel for various organizations, where she found true satisfaction in advocating for causes she believed in. Dena's journey from a disillusioned litigator to a successful career coach and author showcases the importance of self-discovery and the courage to make significant career changes.

"I became a coach in my fifties. I wrote my first book at age 60," shares Dena Lefkowitz on You Are A Lawyer.

Dena's resilience and determination to pursue her passions later in life proves that it's never too late to make a meaningful change in one's career. Through her experiences and accomplishments, Dena serves as an inspiration for individuals at any stage of their professional journey, demonstrating that with introspection and perseverance, it is possible to create a fulfilling and purpose-driven career path.

Why Law School

Dena chose to attend law school primarily to secure a stable and well-paying profession. She mentioned that after putting herself through college, she struggled to find a job that would provide a decent living, prompting her to pursue a legal career. Dena admitted that she did not have a clear understanding of what practicing law entailed and had not even considered becoming a lawyer until after graduating from college. Dena's decision to attend law school was driven by her desire to be in a solid profession that paid well, as she witnessed her father's challenges in raising a family on a limited income. 

"I really wanted to be in a solid profession that paid really well, or so I thought. I really didn't know my values until I was in my 30s. And I was already a lawyer by then," reflects Dena Lefkowitz on Episode 136 of You Are a Lawyer.

Dena's experience in law school and early legal career highlighted her initial lack of consideration for her values and preferences. She mentioned that she did not reflect on her motives, values, or preferences during law school or while seeking legal employment. This lack of introspection led her to pursue a career path without a clear understanding of what truly mattered to her. Dena's journey in the legal field, from starting as a litigator to eventually finding fulfillment as in-house counsel for the School District of Philadelphia, showcased her evolution in recognizing the importance of aligning her career with her values.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-c2PdgE1Lg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

Dena's own career journey serves as a testament to the versatility of a law degree. She started in litigation but found fulfillment and success as in-house counsel for school districts and eventually transitioned into a career as a coach and author. Dena's experience highlights that a law degree can provide a strong foundation for various career paths, allowing individuals to pivot and explore different avenues based on their values and preferences.

"I think I'm the perfect guest for this show because my career is a demonstration of what you can do with a law degree in many instances," explains Dena Lefkowitz, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.

Dena's emphasis on the importance of self-awareness, values assessment, and soft skills development underscores the idea that a law degree equips individuals with valuable skills that are transferable across different industries. The ability to advocate, analyze complex information, and communicate effectively are skills that can be applied in diverse roles, from coaching to executive positions. Dena's journey showcases that with introspection and a willingness to explore new opportunities, individuals with a law degree can carve out fulfilling and successful careers in non-traditional fields.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Dena Lefkowitz's journey from a disillusioned litigator to a successful career coach and author is a testament to the power of self-reflection and perseverance. After experiencing the stress and dissatisfaction of practicing law, Dena made a pivotal decision to invest in herself by hiring a career counselor. This decision led her to discover her values and make strategic career moves, ultimately finding fulfillment as general counsel for various organizations. Dena's transition from law to coaching was not without challenges, but her dedication to personal growth and improvement propelled her to success.

“It's not too late for you to have a great career,” shares Dena Lefkowitz in Episode 136 of You Are a Lawyer.

In her role as a career coach and author, Dena emphasizes the importance of soft skills and self-awareness in navigating the complexities of professional life. Through her book, "Winning in Your Own Court," Dena provides valuable insights on curating a fulfilling career and honing essential soft skills for success. Her experiences, including learning from a client interaction that could have derailed her career, have shaped her approach to coaching and writing. Dena's journey serves as an inspiration for individuals seeking to make meaningful career changes and find fulfillment in their professional endeavors.

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 Dena Lefkowitz

Dena Lefkowitz is not currently licensed to practice law in any state.

Learn more about Dena

Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Denanyoh 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 To Navigate Your Legal Career Without Losing Yourself feat. Meagan Smith

Meagan Smith joins us in this episode to share her unique journey as a lawyer navigating the complexities of the legal profession while embracing her identity and personal growth. From her experiences with the bar exam to her current role as counsel for multiple firms, Meagan emphasizes the importance of finding joy in one's work and the value of community support among women in law. Tune in as she discusses how her law degree has shaped her life and the significance of celebrating both small and large victories along the way.
Read and listen here

How To Use Your Law Degree for Social Change and Wealth Management feat. Whitney Knox Lee

Whitney Knox Lee is an anti-racism equity consultant and attorney who is passionate about addressing the racial wealth gap through her estate planning practice, Wills for the People. In this episode, she shares her journey from civil rights law to consulting, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive estate planning for Black households and communities of color. Whitney also discusses the challenges of navigating wealth conversations within these communities and the need for accessible legal services.
Read and listen here

How to Navigate the Entertainment Law Industry feat. Gordon Firemark

Gordon Firemark, a media producer and lawyer based in Los Angeles, shares his journey from television sports production to running an entertainment law practice in this episode. As the go-to expert for podcast-related legal matters, Gordon discusses his experience in podcasting and teaching entertainment law. He also delves into his diverse career, including producing shows, practicing law, and teaching courses on entertainment and intellectual property law.
Read and listen here

How To Pursue Multiple Interests as a Lawyer feat. Karla Aghedo

Karla Aghedo, a dynamic attorney and entrepreneur, shares her journey of problem-solving and resilience in various spaces, from owning a bookstore to homeschooling her children. Through her experience in law school and practice, Karla emphasizes the importance of finding solutions and building a supportive team to navigate challenges effectively. Join us as Karla discusses her passion for wellness, education, and the impact of her law degree on her diverse endeavors.
Read and listen here

How To Start Your Own Law Firm and Travel the World feat. Taylor Tieman

Taylor Tieman shares her journey from transitioning from civil litigation to starting her own law firm focused on transactional law, entertainment, and intellectual property. She discusses her unique approach to running LegalMiga Law PC, including offering subscription-based legal services and a template library to make legal assistance more accessible to business owners. Taylor's innovative mindset and commitment to providing affordable legal solutions showcase the possibilities of utilizing a law degree beyond traditional paths.
Read and listen here

How to Embrace Authenticity in Corporate Culture feat. Ashley Menzies Babatunde

Ashley Menzies Babatunde shares her journey from white-collar investigations to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work within big law firms. In this episode, she discusses the importance of authenticity in the workplace, the evolution of corporate culture towards acceptance, and the significance of following one's curiosity to find purpose and success in the legal field. Ashley's insights inspire young lawyers and law students to embrace their creativity and take risks in their legal careers.
Read and listen here

How to Implement a Subscription Model for Legal Services feat. Mathew Kerbis

Mathew Kerbis, the innovative subscription attorney, shared insights on his unique subscription-based legal services for freelancers and small business owners in this episode. He discussed his transition from litigation to transactional law, the inspiration behind starting his own practice, and the importance of access to justice through his subscription model. Tune in to learn more about how Mathew is revolutionizing the legal field with his innovative business model.
Read and listen here

How to Build a Successful E-Commerce Law Practice feat. Steven Weigler

Steven Weigler shares his diverse career journey, from working in criminal law in Miami to founding his own startup focused on education. He discusses the importance of taking risks, building relationships, and being open to new opportunities, emphasizing the value of a legal education in navigating various career paths. Steven's insights highlight the versatility of a law degree and the importance of being adaptable in the ever-changing legal landscape.
Read and listen here

How to Balance Law School and Work feat. John Teakell

John Teakell shares his journey from being a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office to transitioning into private practice as a federal criminal defense attorney. Throughout the episode, John discusses his experiences in the legal field, the challenges of balancing work and law school, and the importance of staying open to new opportunities and career transitions. Tune in to gain insights into the diverse paths available to young lawyers and law students in the legal profession.
Read and listen here

How to Create Branding Strategies for Law Firms feat. Eric Morgan

Eric Morgan, the CEO and marketing strategist at Roux Advertising, delves into the importance of branding and strategy in the legal marketing world. With a focus on specialization rather than being a generalist, Eric shares insights on how data-driven approaches can help law firms grow and thrive in today's competitive market. Tune in to learn how Eric's visionary leadership and expertise have helped numerous law firms achieve significant growth and success.
Read and listen here

How to Excel in Sales as a Lawyer feat. Bryan Aghakhani

Bryan Aghakhani, a partner at Borden Semmer specializing in personal injury trial cases, shares valuable insights on the importance of marketing and networking for lawyers in this episode. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships, utilizing communication skills, and maintaining a proactive approach to grow and maintain a successful legal practice. Bryan's practical advice for young lawyers and law students underscores the essential skills needed to excel in the legal profession.
Read and listen here

How To Enhance Your Trial Preparation feat. Elizabeth Larrick

Elizabeth Larrick, a former litigator turned focus group consultant, shares her journey of transitioning from practicing law to helping trial lawyers with focus groups, witness prep, and trial strategy. In this episode, Elizabeth discusses the evolution of her business, the importance of creativity in the legal field, and the value of utilizing virtual platforms for focus groups. Tune in to gain insights into the world of trial preparation and consulting with Elizabeth Larrick.
Read and listen here

©2023 You are a Lawyer LLC.
All rights reserved.