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.
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Meagan is a dedicated attorney with a diverse legal background, having practiced in areas such as personal injury, workers' compensation, civil litigation, family law, and estate planning. She earned her LLM in August 2020 and has since become of counsel for multiple law firms, allowing her to maintain a flexible career while still serving her clients effectively. Meagan's journey into law was not without its challenges; she faced the daunting task of taking the bar exam in Louisiana, which is known to be one of the hardest in the country.
“It's a struggle for those of you who feel like you can just do it. Listen, it is a struggle," shares Meagan Smith on You Are A Lawyer.
Growing up, Meagan was inspired to pursue a career in law at a young age, driven by a desire to help others and make a significant impact. She vividly recalls writing out her life plan at eight years old, aspiring to become the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. This ambition has shaped her professional journey, as she continues to advocate for her clients and empower younger generations to understand the importance of legal knowledge.
Meagan chose to attend law school driven by a desire to make a significant impact in people's lives, inspired by her mother’s work as a police officer. From a young age, she envisioned herself as a powerful force for change. This ambition reflects her commitment to using her legal education as a means to advocate for others and create a lasting difference in society.
"When I was eight years old, I sat down and wrote out my life plan... I said, the only way to affect change and really help people in their everyday lives is I become a Supreme Court justice," reflects Meagan Smith on Episode 160 of You Are a Lawyer.
During her time in law school, Meagan faced the challenges of balancing her studies with her personal life, which included working long hours as an attorney while pursuing her LLM. She was working 14 hours a day as an attorney while getting an LLM, showing her determination to succeed while underscoring the sacrifices she made to achieve her goals. Ultimately, Meagan's journey through law school was marked by a blend of ambition, resilience, and a deep-rooted desire to help others, shaping her into the lawyer she is today.
As Meagan Smith highlighted in her conversation, one can leverage their legal education in various fields, such as civil litigation, family law, and estate planning. This flexibility enables lawyers to create a career that aligns with their passions and interests, whether that means working in a law firm, starting their own practice, or even venturing into teaching or consulting.
“I essentially do the things that they don't do, the fields of law they don't do," reflects Meagan Smith on Episode 160 of You Are a Lawyer.
A law degree equips individuals with critical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills that are valuable in numerous professions outside of the courtroom. Meagan's experience as an "of counsel" attorney demonstrates how one can work with multiple firms while maintaining a personal practice, allowing for a diverse and fulfilling career. She emphasized the importance of finding what makes you happy, stressing to “find what you love first,” which underscores the idea that a law degree can be a stepping stone to a career that is not only successful but also personally rewarding. This adaptability and the ability to impact various sectors make a law degree a powerful asset in today's job market.
In today's legal landscape, many lawyers are exploring side hustles to diversify their income and pursue their passions outside of traditional law practice. As Meagan Smith highlighted in her conversation, the flexibility of being of counsel for multiple firms allows her to engage in various legal fields while also managing her own solo practice. This dual approach not only alleviates the stress of overhead costs but also enables her to focus on areas of law that resonate with her personal interests and values. By leveraging her legal expertise in different capacities, Meagan exemplifies how lawyers can create a fulfilling career that balances professional responsibilities with personal aspirations.
“I would tell them to first find what makes them happy and figure out how to use their degree within that,” shares Meagan Smith in Episode 160 of You Are a Lawyer.
This perspective encourages lawyers to seek out side hustles that align with their passions, whether it be teaching, consulting, or engaging in creative projects. By doing so, they can cultivate a more enriching professional life that not only enhances their legal practice but also contributes to their overall well-being. In a profession often characterized by high stress and long hours, pursuing side ventures can provide a much-needed outlet for creativity and personal growth.
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Meagan Smith is licensed to practice law in the States of Louisiana and Arizona.
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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