How to Build an Empire of Freedom With Your Law Degree feat. Aman Costigan (September 2023)

Aman Costigan was once a partner at a Canadian law firm, teaching yoga on the side and quietly craving more freedom and alignment in her life. In this powerful conversation, she shares how she found her voice, launched Beyond Yoga for Lawyers, and began to merge wellness with law in a meaningful way. The episode captures a moment in time when Aman was redefining what a legal career could look like — and today, her journey continues beyond the courtroom.

LISTEN TO LEARN

  • How to break out of burnout and build a new rhythm
  • Why you don’t have to choose between ambition and peace
  • How yoga and mindfulness can transform legal careers

WE ALSO DISCUSS

  • The early signs of needing a career shift
  • The journey of building a business as a lawyer
  • How to expand your identity beyond your title

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 Build an Empire of Freedom With Your Law Degree feat. Aman Costigan (September 2023)

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/e2e3c433"></iframe>

How to Build an Empire of Freedom With Your Law Degree feat. Aman Costigan (September 2023)How to Build an Empire of Freedom With Your Law Degree feat. Aman Costigan (September 2023)

About This Episode

Background

Aman Costigan began her legal career in big law. For years, she followed the expected path, climbing the ladder, working long hours, and checking all the boxes that come with traditional legal success. But the pressure eventually caught up. She found herself wondering whether this was really the life she wanted.

“I thought I was just going to go full-on corporate lawyer, make all the money, and live that lifestyle. But it turns out that’s not what made me feel good," shares Aman Costigan on You Are A Lawyer.

Her path shifted when she began practicing yoga. What started as a personal outlet eventually grew into a certified yoga teaching practice, and later, into her business Beyond Yoga for Lawyers. Today, Aman blends her legal expertise with her love of yoga to support lawyers who are looking for more balance and clarity in their own lives.

Why Law School

Aman pursued law school because she was driven and capable, and the profession felt like the right challenge. She liked structure, strategy, and the idea of helping people solve problems. Becoming a lawyer made sense on paper and was an achievement that matched her work ethic.

“I wanted to be a lawyer since I was 15. That was just the plan," reflects Aman Costigan on Episode 105 of You Are a Lawyer.

But like many lawyers, she entered the field without fully understanding what the day-to-day would look like. While she doesn't regret her legal education, her story shows how plans evolve, and that it's okay to change your mind about what success looks like.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ut6Dv6d1ZgE?si=k8Kxou-We-qZivCa" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What You Can Do With a Law Degree

Aman uses her law degree every day, even when she’s not in a courtroom or writing legal memos. Her skills in communication, leadership, and negotiation directly support her business and coaching work. She credits her legal training with helping her create structure and confidence in all her ventures.

“The ability to build a life and a business on your terms comes from understanding how to think like a lawyer, even if you’re not practicing law in a traditional way," shared Aman Costigan on Episode 105 of You Are a Lawyer.

She wants other lawyers to understand this too: your law degree is a foundation, not a sentence. You can pivot, repurpose your skills, and carve a path that fits your values.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Beyond Yoga for Lawyers began as a side project. Aman felt a pull to share what she had learned through yoga and mindfulness, especially with other lawyers who were struggling with burnout and disconnection. She started teaching classes, offering workshops, and building a community.

“I didn’t see anyone else doing it in the way I wanted to. So I just did it,” expresses Aman Costigan in Episode 105 of You Are a Lawyer.

Over time, that side hustle grew into a brand and a business. Today, she offers coaching, yoga, and wellness content specifically designed for lawyers who want more than just billable hours and burnout. It’s a testament to what’s possible when you start small, stay consistent, and let your vision evolve.

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)!

About Aman Costigan

Since this episode originally aired, Aman has stepped away from practicing law entirely. She now helps others build intentional lives and relationships as a life strategist and podcast host. Her story is a powerful example of how one small pivot can unlock an entirely new path.

Learn more about Aman

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="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/c2b4893c"></iframe>

Recent Episodes

How a Health Scare Made a Patent Prosecutor Change Careers featuring Krista Contino Saumby

Krista Contino Saumby explains how studying calculus in the fifth grade led to becoming a patent lawyer and the importance of mentoring new lawyers.
Read and listen here

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.
Read and listen here

Why I Switched Sides; From Prosecutor to Criminal Defense Counsel featuring Christon Halkiotis

Christon Halkiotis explains why she attends court every day and the importance of bringing kindness to the legal profession.
Read and listen here

How to Build a Career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work feat. Jaya Saxena

Jaya Saxena explains how she uses her J.D. to create diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies for a global consulting brand.
Read and listen here

How To Start a Law Firm Right After Graduation featuring James Mattox III

James Mattox III explains why he opened a law firm immediately after law school and how law school removes limitations from each student.
Read and listen here

How Bold Women Lawyers are Changing the Rules featuring Sharon Christie

Sharon Christie explains why she went to law school after being an ICU nurse and the importance of being a bold woman lawyer.
Read and listen here

Why High School is the Right Time to Start Thinking about Law School featuring Jolene Blackbourne

Jolene Blackbourn explains the importance of knowing your debt to income ratio while choosing a law school.
Read and listen here

Finding Success in the Legal Field with a Technology Background feat. Devin Zito

Devin Zito, a technology professional and lawyer, shares his unique journey from running his own IT company to becoming the Director of Information Services and Corporate Counsel at Assurance Financial Group. He discusses the intersection of technology and law, the value of a legal education in various industries, and the importance of embracing non-traditional paths to career success.
Read and listen here

Why People Avoid Estate Planning (And How Lawyers Can Change This) featuring Justin Stivers

Justin Stivers explains the importance of empathy as a lawyer and how consistency converts social media followers to clients.
Read and listen here

Why I Never Mention my Yale Law Degree featuring Elisabeth Steele

Elisabeth Steele explains how to be confident in Zoom meetings and dodge questions about never taking the bar exam.
Read and listen here

How Technology is Changing Law Firms (and Why Lawyers Don’t Know It Yet) featuring Maya Markovich

Maya Markovich explains why networking is easy and how diverse law applicants will innovate the legal field.
Read and listen here

How to Knock Out the Bar Exam featuring Caroline Vickers

Caroline Vickers explains why she created Bar Prep Champs and the importance of working with first time bar exam takers.
Read and listen here

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