How to Navigate a Business Breakup Like a Pro feat. Margeaux Thomas

Margeaux Thomas is a litigator and founder of The Thomas Law Office, P.C., a firm that focuses on "business divorces" – complex breakups between business partners. In this episode, Margeaux shares her journey from Ohio to the DMV, what drew her to commercial litigation, and how she built a thriving law firm dedicated to helping small businesses through conflict. She also talks about growing up around quiet entrepreneurship and why personality type plays a big role in choosing your legal niche.

LISTEN TO LEARN

  • How to carve out a niche in commercial litigation
  • What it takes to build and scale your own law firm
  • Why business divorces require both legal strategy and emotional intelligence

WE ALSO DISCUSS

  • The emotional complexity of business disputes
  • The intersection of personality and legal practice areas
  • How social media can support organic law firm growth

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 Navigate a Business Breakup Like a Pro feat. Margeaux Thomas

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/be73e4a7"></iframe>

How to Navigate a Business Breakup Like a Pro feat. Margeaux ThomasHow to Navigate a Business Breakup Like a Pro feat. Margeaux Thomas

About This Episode

Background

Margeaux Thomas is the founder of The Thomas Law Office, P.C., a boutique firm based in Fairfax, Virginia that focuses on what she calls "business divorces." After starting her career in a large firm handling bank litigation and asbestos cases, Margeaux knew she needed a practice area that matched her strengths. Business litigation gave her a clear, structured way to serve small businesses in conflict. Her practice now handles disputes involving everything from intellectual property to fraud to partner buyouts, often across state and federal courts.

“Even though it’s a niche practice, it bleeds into a lot of different areas of law," shares Margeaux Thomas on You Are A Lawyer.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Margeaux relocated to the D.C. area for law school and never left. She began her firm at her dining room table and has since grown it into a multi-attorney practice. Margeaux credits her entrepreneurial spirit in part to her parents, who worked traditional jobs but invested in real estate on the side, planting seeds of ownership and independence that she didn't fully realize until later in life.

Why Law School

Margeaux went straight to law school after college, driven by a love of learning and the logic of legal analysis. She didn’t know many lawyers growing up, but her parents' close friend introduced her to the possibilities. Moving from a small town in Ohio to the busy streets of D.C. was a culture shock, but she found her stride in the intellectual rigor of the classroom.

“I really liked the Socratic method. I liked the philosophy of it. It was just very pure analytical, which I really, really liked," reflects Margeaux Thomas on Episode 197 of You Are a Lawyer.

She chose Catholic University Law School over less expensive options because she believed going to school in D.C. would help her build connections and get hired locally. That leap of faith—and a substantial student loan commitment—ultimately paid off with on-campus interviews and a job that launched her into commercial litigation.

<iframe width="898" height="505" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pJ8vie1GX1Y" title="" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What You Can Do With a Law Degree

For Margeaux, a law degree opens doors far beyond the courtroom. In D.C., she says, people with JDs are everywhere—in politics, nonprofit work, media, and consulting. Law school taught her how to think, argue, and lead, which she sees as transferable to almost any sector. While she chose to remain in the practice of law, she encourages others to think creatively.

“I don’t think it needs to be so linear. I don’t think it means you need to go to a firm," shared Margeaux Thomas on Episode 197 of You Are a Lawyer.

She emphasizes that success in law doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. Whether it’s lobbying, managing teams, building a startup, or entering the arts, a legal education gives you analytical tools and confidence that can be applied across industries.

Lawyer Side Hustles

While Margeaux’s legal practice is her main business, she also maintains a vibrant presence on LinkedIn and integrates her personal interests, especially swimming, into her professional brand. By sharing her swim journey, personal milestones, and non-legal reflections, she’s built an engaged audience that connects with her on multiple levels. This has become a powerful tool for business development.

“I also post a lot about things that aren’t legal… People follow that and I go places and people talk about it, which is kind of cool,” expresses Margeaux Thomas in Episode 197 of You Are a Lawyer.

Her “side hustle” isn’t a separate business, but rather a lifestyle of authentic marketing and personal storytelling that enhances her professional success. Her experience demonstrates how being relatable and real online can complement a highly focused and serious legal career.

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 Margeaux Thomas

Margeaux is licensed to practice law in the States of Virginia & Maryland, and DC.

Learn more about Margeaux

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="840" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7SfLTHcZ1s4" title="" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Recent Episodes

How to Bring Your Legal and Scientific Expertise to a New Industry feat. Raana Kashani Gregg

Raana Kashani Gregg, attorney-turned-beauty entrepreneur, shares her journey from running her own law practice to founding Lunaescent Clean Skin Labs, an innovative skincare brand. After experiencing severe dermatitis from applying eczema treatments to her son, she saw a gap in the market for hygienic, non-porous skincare applicators—and decided to create one herself. In this episode, Raana opens up about pivoting from law to entrepreneurship, navigating the patent process, and why lawyers have the skills to build businesses in any industry.
Read and listen here

How to Find Financial Freedom and Purpose Outside of Traditional Law feat. Tashira Halyard

Tashira Halyard, a former litigator turned solopreneur, content creator, and activist, joins Kyla to share how she built a career that aligns with her values and creative passions. From navigating law school transfers to launching a blog that became a thriving business, Tashira breaks down what it means to truly own your career choices. If you’ve ever questioned whether you need the “traditional” lawyer path to succeed, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and real talk about building a life that feels as good as it looks.
Read and listen here

How to Overcome Loneliness and Thrive as a Lawyer feat. Olivia Ash

Olivia “Liv” Ash, a lawyer, artist, author, and health educator, discusses how she blends creativity and advocacy to address loneliness and foster connection. As the founder of Liv Balanced, LLC and author of Painting the Landscape of Loneliness, Liv shares her journey of using art and research to inspire others to embrace vulnerability and self-expression. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how lawyers can leverage their skills and passions to build meaningful, multidimensional careers.
Read and listen here

How to Use Connections to Develop Your Legal Career feat. Rachel Clar

Rachel Clar, founder of Interconnected Us, helps women lawyers leverage connections and grow their influence in the legal field. In this episode, Rachel shares actionable insights on networking, confidence building, and creating meaningful professional relationships. Whether you’re looking to bring in new business or expand your opportunities, Rachel’s advice will inspire you to take the next step in your career.
Read and listen here

How to Leverage Networking to Grow Your Legal Career feat. Alex Mitchell

Alex Mitchell, owner of Cumberland Law Group, shares his journey from law school to building a thriving multi-state law firm specializing in tax defense, criminal defense, and personal injury. In this episode, Alex reveals how strategic networking and authentic connections have propelled his career, offering practical advice for young lawyers and law students looking to grow their legal careers. Whether you're exploring niche practice areas or dreaming of running your own firm, Alex’s story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
Read and listen here

How to Build Resilience as a Young Lawyer feat. Kenya Rothstein

Kenya Rothstein is an environmental attorney and podcast host who knows firsthand how resilience and rejection can shape a dream career. In this episode, Kenya shares her journey from navigating law school during a pandemic to launching her podcast, Thank You for Saying NO, where she reframes rejection as a powerful opportunity for growth. Join us as Kenya discusses how embracing “no” moments can lead to unexpected paths and inspire lasting success.
Read and listen here

How to Stay Consistent as a Content Creator feat. Kyla Denanyoh

Kyla Denanyoh is a podcaster, digital educator, and business owner passionate about helping others thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys. In this episode, Kyla shares five must-do strategies for content creators and business owners in 2025, emphasizing the power of being vocal, consistent, and intentional about your work. Through actionable insights and personal anecdotes, she inspires listeners to elevate their brand visibility and embrace new ways to grow their businesses.
Read and listen here

How To Navigate Vaccine Injury Cases in Law Practice feat. Jon Groth

Jon Groth, a personal injury attorney and managing partner of Groth Law Firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, shares his journey from law school to running a successful practice with a diverse range of cases, including car accidents and vaccine injuries. In this episode, Jon emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and effective communication in the legal profession, while also discussing the unique challenges and rewards of managing a law firm. He highlights the value of connecting with clients from all walks of life and the significance of adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of law and technology.
Read and listen here

How To Build Your Legal Career as a First-Generation Lawyer feat. Brooke Salazar

Brooke Salazar joins us in this episode to share her inspiring journey as a first-generation lawyer and business owner. With a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Brooke discusses the importance of authentic networking and sponsorship in building a successful career, as well as her insights on navigating the complexities of compliance and employee benefits. Tune in to hear her valuable advice for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in the legal field.
Read and listen here

How To Build a Successful Law Practice with Coaching feat. Daya Naef

Daya Naef is a seasoned attorney and the founder of The Success Partner, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping law firms and solo practitioners navigate pivotal stages in their careers. In this episode, Daya shares her journey from construction law to coaching, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, the limitless possibilities for young lawyers, and the value of creative pursuits outside of the legal profession. Join us as we explore how Daya empowers others to find their path and thrive in their legal careers.
Read and listen here

How To Create Generational Access in Your Career feat. Chibundu Nnake

Chibundu Nnake, a lead privacy campaign manager at Google, shares his journey from being a walk-on football player at Ohio State to navigating the intersections of law, technology, and advocacy. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of creating generational access and opportunities for others, while also encouraging young lawyers and law students to explore diverse career paths beyond traditional legal roles. Chibundu's insights highlight the value of networking, self-awareness, and the pursuit of passion in shaping a fulfilling career.
Read and listen here

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

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