The Former Lawyer Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

You may have worked in a workplace or more than one legal workplace where they said that they had a no-asshole rule.

Clearly, there are many people who have worked in similar workplaces because this episode is one of the most downloaded episodes. Again, it's one of the ones I hear about the most from people because there is so much agreement with the fact that the no-asshole rule is, in fact, a myth. Here are my thoughts about the no-asshole rule.

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/139

The next episode in our summer re-release series is Burnout is a Feature, Not a Bug. This is one of the things that I honestly think is the most important for you to realize if you are working in a toxic workplace, if you're working in a large law firm, or in Biglaw. 

Burnout is a feature of the way that work is organized in these organizations, it is not something that inexplicably happens that you could have some of life hacked your way out of.

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/93

In today’s podcast episode, Sarah is chatting with Kelcey Baker, a returning guest.

Their conversation reviews why it isn’t normal to want a break from work so bad that you think about getting hit by a bus. Yes, that’s a common expression within lawyer networks.

There is a trigger warning because the conversation dives into narcissism, abuse, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. It’s an important discussion if you’ve ever had thoughts like this flash through your mind.

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/236

For this episode of the Former Lawyer Podcast, Sarah chatted with Heather Moulder. Heather worked in Biglaw and even made partners. But in the end, she left to inspire and impact people as a success coach for lawyers. 

In this conversation, you’ll learn about Heather’s career in Biglaw and how she discovered coaching. You’ll also get to read how a huge life event and her values helped her make the career shift. 

This is an amazing read for anyone constantly battling with their values and career in the law. 

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/157

Today, we’re going to talk about something that comes up for almost anyone who decides to leave the law to do something else, especially those who started in Biglaw. That is the experience of grieving your legal career.

Now, that may sound sad, but don't worry. This article won’t be super heavy. But it’s something we need to speak about because grieving your career is something that isn’t that’s taught or really even discussed. 

Career grief is unfortunately extremely stigmatized because it’s not how grief is typically known. But career grief can rear its ugly head, even if you want to leave the law and are happy about it. You can learn more about recovering from grief by checking out Stigma Free Grief For Lawyers With Heather Horton. But for now, keep reading to learn more about grieving your legal career.

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/156

Mary Adkins followed her dream of becoming an author after leaving the law. And she knew the law wasn’t for her by the second day.

Today she's joining Sarah Cottrell to share her story of leaving Biglaw to become an author and writing coach.

There are so many lawyers out there with dreams of being a writer, but they don’t know how or where to begin. If that’s you, you’ll want to stay tuned to learn how you can get help leaving the law and becoming an author too. 

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/154

This particular piece of advice is generally garbage advice for lawyers. The advice in question is, “do what you love.” or “When you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.” 

There are so many things that are problematic about this advice, especially for lawyers. Keep reading to learn more about why “do what you love” is garbage advice for lawyers.

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/154

Are you sick of your job as a lawyer and want to find an alternative career? Have you been searching for a coaching program for lawyers that can support you in that process?

If you've been thinking about investing in a coaching program for lawyers or even working with a career coach, then today’s blog post will be helpful. 

Today I am talking about what to expect in the Guided Track, my upcoming group coaching program for lawyers who want to leave the legal profession and pursue an alternative career.

Learn more about The Guided Track at formerlawyer.com/guidedtrack

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/153

On the latest episode of the Former Lawyer, Sarah takes a break from interviewing former lawyers to talk about a realization that many clients have when trying to find the right post-legal career.  

Something can be simple and still not be easy. While these two words are often used synonymously, they aren’t the same. Not in the case of the process of leaving the law.

Figuring out what you really want to do is quite difficult. And while there are things that can help make the process easier for you, that doesn’t mean that it’s any easier to find the best post-legal career option. 

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/152

This week, we’re sharing the second part of Sarah’s conversation with her husband and former lawyer, Ed Cottrell. 

Last week, Ed and Sarah talked about the beginning of his journey into law and some of the events earlier in his legal career. This week, you’ll read about the later half of Ed’s legal career, when he left, and where he is now. 

They also talked about what Ed has seen and experienced being a part of the whole Former Lawyer journey. So, let’s get to the second part of how Ed Cotrell left a “fine” legal career for a much better and actually enjoyable hybrid role. 

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/151