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 Start a Law Podcast and Monetize It feat. Holly Cope

Holly Cope shares her journey from practicing law to helping lawyers create engaging podcasts in this episode. She discusses the importance of building a personal brand as a lawyer, documenting one's journey through law school, and overcoming limiting beliefs to excel in the legal profession. Holly's insights on leveraging a law degree for various opportunities and the value of storytelling in the legal field provide valuable advice for law students and young lawyers.
Read and listen here

How to Transform Your Legal Career feat. Elena Deutsch

Elena Deutsch, a career coach on a mission to help women and non-binary lawyers find fulfillment outside of big law, shares inspiring stories of individuals who have transformed their legal careers through her program, Will. From setting boundaries to exploring new career paths, Elena's insights and guidance empower individuals to prioritize their well-being and create a career and life they love. Tune in to hear how Elena's program is helping lawyers navigate their professional journeys with confidence and purpose.
Read and listen here

How to Transition from Lawyer to Digital Nomad feat. Brian Dixon

Brian Dixon, a lawyer turned digital nomad, shares his journey of transitioning from practicing law to running his own business as a copywriter while living in Bali. In this episode, Brian discusses his decision-making process, the support he received from his family, and the importance of embracing change and taking risks in one's career. Listeners will be inspired by Brian's story of pursuing multiple passions and redefining the traditional boundaries of a legal career.
Read and listen here

How To Use Your Law Degree in Non-Traditional Ways feat. Tiffany Obeng

Tiffany Obeng, a lawyer specializing in employment discrimination, shares her journey of transitioning from practicing law to becoming a successful children's book author. Through her books, Tiffany aims to inspire young readers, especially Black children, to explore diverse career paths and embrace the power of literacy. Join us as Tiffany discusses the importance of representation in literature and the impact of alternative legal careers in shaping a more inclusive future.
Read and listen here

How To Balance Passion and Profit in Law feat. Joshua Brumley

Joshua Brumley, a successful lawyer and entrepreneur, shares the story of starting his own law firm right out of law school and the importance of networking and marketing in the legal industry. He emphasizes the value of building a strong network of like-minded attorneys and continuously learning and growing in the field of law. Joshua's passion for helping people and his innovative approach to marketing and business development shine through in this insightful episode.
Read and listen here

How to Be More Authentic in the Legal Field feat. Hannah Beko

Hannah Beko, a seasoned real estate lawyer and founder of Authentically Speaking, shares her journey of finding her authentic voice and helping other lawyers do the same. Through her coaching and training programs, Hannah empowers lawyers to navigate stress, burnout, and low self-esteem, encouraging them to explore diverse career paths and embrace their true selves in the legal profession. Join us as Hannah delves into her experiences and insights on personal growth and professional development in the legal field.
Read and listen here

How to Establish a Successful Solo Law Practice feat. Larry Williams II

Larry Williams II shares his journey from starting his own solo law practice straight out of law school to eventually working as a criminal defense attorney for the Harris County Public Defender's Office in Houston. Throughout the episode, Larry discusses the importance of mentorship, the value of networking, and the versatility of a law degree, encouraging young lawyers and law students to keep pushing forward and believe in their abilities to succeed in the legal field. Join us as Larry provides insights and advice for those navigating the early years of their legal careers.
Read and listen here

How To Promote Your Personal Brand at Work feat. Sara Williams

Sara Williams shares her story of self-discovery and growth in the legal industry, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from traditional norms to find fulfillment and happiness as a lawyer. From teaching at a law school to managing a firm and ultimately branding herself within it, Sara's story highlights the value of exploring different paths and embracing change to create a career that aligns with personal values and aspirations. Join us as Sara inspires law students and young lawyers to prioritize their happiness and forge their unique paths in the legal profession.
Read and listen here

How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Manage Stress feat. Lauren Klein

Lauren Klein shares her journey from big law to launching a coaching program for law students and new lawyers in this episode. She discusses the importance of mindset coaching, success coaching, and mindfulness in the legal profession, emphasizing the need for balance, health, and financial well-being. Lauren's insights highlight the versatility of a law degree and the endless possibilities available to young lawyers and law students.
Read and listen here

How To Navigate Career Changes and Find Fulfillment feat. Samantha Divine Jallah

Samantha Divine Jallah, an experienced in-house lawyer and life coach at Radical Bench, shares valuable insights on navigating career changes and finding fulfillment in the legal profession. Through her own journey of transitioning through different careers, Samantha emphasizes the importance of starting with oneself, utilizing one's skills and passions to create a fulfilling career path. Her advice resonates with young lawyers and law students, encouraging them to live intentionally and not stay stuck in unfulfilling roles.
Read and listen here

How To Mentor Young Professionals feat. Michael Alder

Michael Alder, a seasoned lawyer and mentor, shares his journey of personal growth and giving back in this episode. From navigating relationships to writing books on life skills for middle schoolers, his experiences during COVID-19 have shaped his perspective on mentorship and philanthropy. Join us as we delve into Michael’s unique approach to helping others and making a difference in the community.
Read and listen here

How To Delegate Tasks and Expand Your Podcasting Reach feat. Kyla Denanyoh

Kyla Denanyoh, host of the You Are a Lawyer podcast, shares three significant leaps she has made in her journey as a business owner, mom, and wife in this special bonus episode for Leap Year 2024. From becoming a boss managing a team of four to creatively launching five new podcasts, Kyla reflects on her personal growth, including navigating motherhood during a global pandemic and embracing the value of seeking help. Tune in to discover how Kyla's experiences can inspire and empower you on your own path.
Read and listen here

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