How To Use Your Law Degree for Social Change and Wealth Management feat. Whitney Knox Lee

Whitney Knox Lee is an anti-racism equity consultant and attorney who is passionate about addressing the racial wealth gap through her estate planning practice, Wills for the People. In this episode, she shares her journey from civil rights law to consulting, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive estate planning for Black households and communities of color. Whitney also discusses the challenges of navigating wealth conversations within these communities and the need for accessible legal services.

LISTEN TO LEARN

  • The importance of estate planning, particularly for Black households and communities of color.
  • How wealth equity gaps affect financial planning and the significance of creating wills.
  • Strategies for normalizing conversations about money and wealth within families and communities.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

  • Whitney's journey from civil rights attorney to anti-racism equity consultant and estate planning advocate.
  • The cultural challenges surrounding discussions of wealth and financial literacy in communities of color.
  • The systemic barriers that contribute to the wealth gap and how estate planning can help address these issues.

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 Use Your Law Degree for Social Change and Wealth Management feat. Whitney Knox Lee

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/2b803d96"></iframe>

How To Use Your Law Degree for Social Change and Wealth Management feat. Whitney Knox LeeHow To Use Your Law Degree for Social Change and Wealth Management feat. Whitney Knox Lee

About This Episode

Whitney Knox Lee’s Background

Whitney Knox Lee is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in law and social justice. Originally from Seattle, she attended Seattle University for both her undergraduate and law degrees. Whitney's journey into law was not straightforward; she initially pursued a career in social work but realized that obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD) would provide her with more power in advocating for racial justice. This realization came during her senior year in college while working in a public defender's office, where she recognized that "lawyers have the power here." After completing her law degree, she moved to Atlanta, where she has dedicated her career to civil rights and anti-racism consulting.

“What we know, without a doubt, literally the only thing that we know as humans is that we will die. Despite that, we don't want to plan for it," shares Whitney Knox Lee on You Are A Lawyer.

Whitney's current focus is on her estate planning practice, Wills for the People, which aims to address racial wealth equity and make estate planning accessible to communities of color. Through her work, Whitney seeks to empower Black households and communities of color to protect and build their wealth, while also creating a culturally responsive approach to estate planning.

Why Law School

Whitney Knox Lee's decision to attend law school was largely influenced by her desire for power in her advocacy for racial justice. Initially, she did not aspire to become an attorney, but her experience working in a public defender's office during her senior year of college opened her eyes to the significant role lawyers play in the justice system. She realized that "lawyers have the power here," which motivated her to pursue a legal education. This shift in perspective led her to apply to law school, albeit as a last-minute decision, demonstrating her commitment to gaining the tools necessary to effect change in her community.

"They lied. This is not what I thought it was going to be," reflects Whitney Knox Lee on Episode 159 of You Are a Lawyer.

Reflecting on her time in law school, she expressed her frustration, stating, "They lied. This is not what I thought it was going to be." This sentiment highlights the disconnect between her expectations and the reality of law school, ultimately shaping her approach to her legal career and her current work as an anti-racism equity consultant and estate planning attorney.

<iframe width="741" height="371" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w77NjMj0ZOM" 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 Can You Do with a Law Degree

A law degree opens up a myriad of opportunities beyond traditional legal practice, as highlighted by Whitney Knox Lee in her discussion about her journey and current endeavors. Whitney emphasizes that the power of a Juris Doctor (JD) lies in its versatility, stating, "You can do whatever you want." This sentiment reflects the reality that law graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including anti-racism consulting, estate planning, policy advocacy, and even entrepreneurship. By leveraging their legal education, individuals can create impactful initiatives, such as Whitney's "Wills for the People," which aims to address racial wealth equity and make estate planning accessible to communities of color.

“You can do whatever you want," reflects Whitney Knox Lee on Episode 159 of You Are a Lawyer.

Moreover, Whitney's experience illustrates that a law degree can serve as a foundation for advocacy in diverse sectors, allowing graduates to redefine what it means to be a lawyer. She notes that one does not have to feel confined to traditional lawyering roles, as the skills acquired in law school—critical thinking, negotiation, and understanding of legal frameworks—are applicable in numerous contexts. Whether one chooses to work in social justice, business, or even creative fields, the JD provides the tools necessary to navigate and influence various landscapes, empowering graduates to make meaningful contributions in their chosen paths.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Lawyers often seek side hustles to explore their passions, diversify their income, and create platforms for advocacy outside of traditional legal practice. Whitney Knox Lee exemplifies this approach through her podcast, Impostrix Podcast, which serves as a healing space for professionals of color navigating the complexities of race and identity in the workplace. By leveraging her legal background and personal experiences, Whitney not only addresses issues of racial toxicity but also provides a platform for others to share their stories and insights. This side hustle allows her to engage with a broader audience while fulfilling her commitment to anti-racism and equity.

“You can do whatever you want, because as we've discussed, it's the JD that's the power,” shares Whitney Knox Lee in Episode 159 of You Are a Lawyer.

Whitney emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's interests beyond the confines of a legal career. This perspective encourages lawyers to embrace their unique skills and experiences, using them to create meaningful projects that resonate with their values. Whether through podcasts, consulting, or other entrepreneurial ventures, side hustles can empower lawyers to redefine their professional identities and contribute to social change in impactful ways.

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)!

Contact Whitney Knox Lee

Whitney Knox Lee is licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia

Learn more about Whitney

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="813" height="407" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_p8LhDf5rOM" 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 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

How To Use Your Law Degree for Social Change and Wealth Management feat. Whitney Knox Lee

Whitney Knox Lee is an anti-racism equity consultant and attorney who is passionate about addressing the racial wealth gap through her estate planning practice, Wills for the People. In this episode, she shares her journey from civil rights law to consulting, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive estate planning for Black households and communities of color. Whitney also discusses the challenges of navigating wealth conversations within these communities and the need for accessible legal services.
Read and listen here

How to Navigate the Entertainment Law Industry feat. Gordon Firemark

Gordon Firemark, a media producer and lawyer based in Los Angeles, shares his journey from television sports production to running an entertainment law practice in this episode. As the go-to expert for podcast-related legal matters, Gordon discusses his experience in podcasting and teaching entertainment law. He also delves into his diverse career, including producing shows, practicing law, and teaching courses on entertainment and intellectual property law.
Read and listen here

How To Pursue Multiple Interests as a Lawyer feat. Karla Aghedo

Karla Aghedo, a dynamic attorney and entrepreneur, shares her journey of problem-solving and resilience in various spaces, from owning a bookstore to homeschooling her children. Through her experience in law school and practice, Karla emphasizes the importance of finding solutions and building a supportive team to navigate challenges effectively. Join us as Karla discusses her passion for wellness, education, and the impact of her law degree on her diverse endeavors.
Read and listen here

How To Start Your Own Law Firm and Travel the World feat. Taylor Tieman

Taylor Tieman shares her journey from transitioning from civil litigation to starting her own law firm focused on transactional law, entertainment, and intellectual property. She discusses her unique approach to running LegalMiga Law PC, including offering subscription-based legal services and a template library to make legal assistance more accessible to business owners. Taylor's innovative mindset and commitment to providing affordable legal solutions showcase the possibilities of utilizing a law degree beyond traditional paths.
Read and listen here

How to Embrace Authenticity in Corporate Culture feat. Ashley Menzies Babatunde

Ashley Menzies Babatunde shares her journey from white-collar investigations to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work within big law firms. In this episode, she discusses the importance of authenticity in the workplace, the evolution of corporate culture towards acceptance, and the significance of following one's curiosity to find purpose and success in the legal field. Ashley's insights inspire young lawyers and law students to embrace their creativity and take risks in their legal careers.
Read and listen here

How to Implement a Subscription Model for Legal Services feat. Mathew Kerbis

Mathew Kerbis, the innovative subscription attorney, shared insights on his unique subscription-based legal services for freelancers and small business owners in this episode. He discussed his transition from litigation to transactional law, the inspiration behind starting his own practice, and the importance of access to justice through his subscription model. Tune in to learn more about how Mathew is revolutionizing the legal field with his innovative business model.
Read and listen here

How to Build a Successful E-Commerce Law Practice feat. Steven Weigler

Steven Weigler shares his diverse career journey, from working in criminal law in Miami to founding his own startup focused on education. He discusses the importance of taking risks, building relationships, and being open to new opportunities, emphasizing the value of a legal education in navigating various career paths. Steven's insights highlight the versatility of a law degree and the importance of being adaptable in the ever-changing legal landscape.
Read and listen here

How to Balance Law School and Work feat. John Teakell

John Teakell shares his journey from being a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office to transitioning into private practice as a federal criminal defense attorney. Throughout the episode, John discusses his experiences in the legal field, the challenges of balancing work and law school, and the importance of staying open to new opportunities and career transitions. Tune in to gain insights into the diverse paths available to young lawyers and law students in the legal profession.
Read and listen here

How to Create Branding Strategies for Law Firms feat. Eric Morgan

Eric Morgan, the CEO and marketing strategist at Roux Advertising, delves into the importance of branding and strategy in the legal marketing world. With a focus on specialization rather than being a generalist, Eric shares insights on how data-driven approaches can help law firms grow and thrive in today's competitive market. Tune in to learn how Eric's visionary leadership and expertise have helped numerous law firms achieve significant growth and success.
Read and listen here

How to Excel in Sales as a Lawyer feat. Bryan Aghakhani

Bryan Aghakhani, a partner at Borden Semmer specializing in personal injury trial cases, shares valuable insights on the importance of marketing and networking for lawyers in this episode. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships, utilizing communication skills, and maintaining a proactive approach to grow and maintain a successful legal practice. Bryan's practical advice for young lawyers and law students underscores the essential skills needed to excel in the legal profession.
Read and listen here

How To Enhance Your Trial Preparation feat. Elizabeth Larrick

Elizabeth Larrick, a former litigator turned focus group consultant, shares her journey of transitioning from practicing law to helping trial lawyers with focus groups, witness prep, and trial strategy. In this episode, Elizabeth discusses the evolution of her business, the importance of creativity in the legal field, and the value of utilizing virtual platforms for focus groups. Tune in to gain insights into the world of trial preparation and consulting with Elizabeth Larrick.
Read and listen here

©2023 You are a Lawyer LLC.
All rights reserved.