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.
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Sara has a diverse and dynamic background in the legal field. Starting as an English major with no clear career path, Sara entered law school without a specific goal in mind, eventually finding her passion for trial advocacy through a mentor's encouragement. Over the years, Sara has evolved from being an introverted individual to a successful lawyer, professor, and motivational speaker. She has navigated through various roles in the legal industry, from managing a law firm to teaching at a law school, showcasing her adaptability and willingness to explore different avenues within the legal profession. Sara's journey exemplifies the importance of self-discovery and continuous growth in finding fulfillment in one's career.
“I believe that we have to be almost like activists about it. And we have to decide that we deserve to be happy, even if that means shedding some of the traditional aspects of what we do," shares Sara Williams on You Are A Lawyer.
Sara emphasizes the importance of breaking away from traditional norms in the legal industry to find happiness and fulfillment. Her advocacy for individuality and self-empowerment in the legal profession, encouraging others to prioritize their happiness and well-being while pursuing their legal careers is important. Sara's background exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to personal growth, serving as an inspiration for aspiring lawyers and young professionals in the legal field.
Sara went to law school without a clear direction, as she mentioned being an English major and not wanting to teach. Sara's mentor at Cumberland Law School encouraged her to participate in a freshman competition, which sparked her interest in trial advocacy. This experience led Sara to realize that the legal field combined her love for creativity and oral advocacy, providing her with a platform to express herself authentically. Sara's journey through law school was transformative, as she discovered a sense of belonging and empowerment in the legal profession that she had not experienced before.
"I had no idea what I was going to do when I went, I just didn't want to teach," reflects Sara Williams on Episode 135 of You Are a Lawyer.
Sara has embraced opportunities for growth and self-discovery throughout her legal career, challenging herself to step outside her comfort zone and explore various aspects of the legal profession. Sara's experience in law school and subsequent roles, including managing a law firm and teaching, have contributed to her personal and professional development. By actively engaging in activities that initially made her uncomfortable, such as mock trial competitions and managing lawyers, Sara has expanded her skills and capabilities, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of new challenges. Sara's advice to law students and young lawyers to pursue what makes them happy and not conform to traditional expectations resonates with her own journey of self-exploration and finding fulfillment in her legal career.
Sara emphasizes the importance of finding what truly makes you happy and not conforming to societal expectations within the legal industry. She highlights that individuals with a law degree can explore various paths, such as reviewing influencer contracts, developing apps for case management, or engaging in motivational speaking. Sara's advice encourages law students and young lawyers to prioritize their happiness and fulfillment in their careers, even if it means deviating from conventional legal roles.
"The world is really your oyster if you can drown out the noise of the people telling you what you should do and what you're supposed to do and what you have to do," expresses Sara Williams on You Are a Lawyer.
Sara's perspective challenges the notion that lawyers cannot be happy in their profession and advocates for creating a career that aligns with personal fulfillment. She emphasizes the importance of being open to change and willing to pivot to different areas of law or even outside the legal field to find happiness. Sara's journey from insurance defense to plaintiff's law, teaching, and motivational speaking exemplifies the versatility and potential for growth that a law degree offers.
Sara Williams, a successful lawyer and owner of a self-branded grouping within a larger law firm, also serves as a dedicated professor at Samford Cumberland School of Law. With over 13 years of teaching experience, Sara is deeply committed to preparing her students to be practice-ready and excel in the legal field. She teaches courses such as basic skills and trial advocacy, deposition skills, and advanced trial advocacy civil. Sara's passion for teaching stems from her belief in the importance of providing students with practical skills and real-world experiences to succeed in their legal careers.
“The key is to figuring out what you really enjoy doing and what makes you happy and not getting into a job because people tell you that's what you should do,” shares Sara Williams in Episode 135 of You Are a Lawyer.
Sara's approach to teaching reflects her belief in empowering students to explore their interests and find fulfillment in their legal careers. She encourages her students to embrace growth and not limit themselves to traditional career paths. Sara's dedication to creating a supportive and innovative learning environment resonates with her advocacy for happiness and wellness in the legal profession.
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Sara Williams is licensed to practice law in the state of Alabama.
Learn more about Sara: Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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