WILL - Women Interested in Leaving Law – Details, episodes & analysis

Imagine realizing your vision of practicing law doesn't fit in someone else's structure.

Imagine trusting yourself enough to bring that vision to life. Building a firm grounded in your values, your instincts, and the impact you want to make.

Imagine choosing to create something meaningful. Not because the path is certain, but because staying aligned with your purpose matters more than staying comfortable.

In this episode, Princess Uchekwe, talks through how she made the leap into founding The Chief Counsel; her fractional general counsel firm that provides legal expertise to start-ups. 

She shares her journey of cultivating “quiet courage,” trusting her inner vision, and building a business rooted in clarity, collaboration, and competence. 

Listen is as Princess covers:

• Why courage isn’t just a series of bold moves, and more a quiet, daily self-trust that sustains you when external validation is missing.
• How legal advice can be reframed from “no” to “how,” so you can move forward with compliance, clarity, and confidence.
• How to make the leap into entrepreneurship even if you don’t feel 100% ready and why that leap might be exactly what helps you grow.

She offers heartfelt advice to other women lawyers “Trust yourself, start where you are, and take the leap!”

About Princess

Princess, the Founder and Managing Attorney at The Chief Counsel, is a fractional general counsel firm for start-ups and emerging companies.

Before starting The Chief Counsel, Princess spent seven years at Eldridge, a leading investment firm, where she served as Director and Legal Counsel. During her time there, she played a key role in advising on private equity and credit transactions across entertainment, technology, and real estate.

Connect with Princess

• Website: www.thechiefcounsel.com 
• IG: www.instagram.comthe.chiefcounsel 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-chief-counsel-law-firm/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/princessuchekwe/ 

WILL

The WILL (Women Interested in Leaving Law) Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.

Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?
 

• Book a consult: https://bit.ly/4oq9l2d
• LI: https://bit.ly/4oskvDH
• Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

In this special one year anniversary celebration episode of the WILL Podcast, I reflect on key moments in the podcast.  

I share about the top themes from interviews with women lawyers - especially pivotal moments that helped them make their career changes.  I also focus (okay, rant!) on the importance of getting okay with discomfort as we grow and make bold new moves.  

I highlight:

• The “straw that broke the camel's back” moments..
• How “aha moments” lead to perspective shifts.
• How discomfort is good for us. 

This episode encourages you to tune into your own 'straw that broke the camel's back' and/or “aha-ha” moments and how they can help galvanize you.  

The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.

Book a consult: https://bit.ly/4oq9l2d
 

Follow:

• LI: https://bit.ly/4oskvDH
• Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
  

Show Notes

• Samorn Selim https://bit.ly/4pGzJG5
• Yael Eiserike https://bit.ly/445sfEs
• Sarah Burke https://bit.ly/3KlAUfl
• Erin Cowling https://bit.ly/4iTEcDv
• Courtney Schulnick (unpublished)

Consultants:

• Christina Gilibert, Marketing Strategist https://bit.ly/4ry7RFR
• Holly Cope, Global Legal Tech Creator https://bit.ly/44254ei
  

Pivot: The Nontraditional J.D. Careers Handbook by Alexandra Davis http://bit.ly/44yH02I

Imagine you’re a mid-level IP associate at a big firm. 

You’ve just had your first child.  As the end of your mat leave rapidly approaches, you consider going back to work 50% time for 50% pay.  But after looking at your family finances, you see that you and your medical resident spouse are $670K in debt! 

That would have sent me back to bed, but not our next guest on the WILL Podcast, Rho Thomas.  

Rho not only went back to work full-time, she got to work to reduce their debt, which she more than halved in just a few years.  

After overcoming the shame, she began to share her story (anonymously at first). Rho now helps lawyers get out of debt and control of their money.  

Listen in as Rho:

• Tells about the moment she realized she and her husband had $678,000 in debt.
• Learned how to reduce that by more than half in a few years.
• Felt the call to blog, then podcast about her journey. 

Where to find Rho:

Instagram: @iamrhothomas

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iamrhothomas

Website: https://www.rhothomas.com 

Podcast: Personal Finance for Lawyers with Rho Thomas - https://www.rhothomas.com/podcast 

The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 

Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?

Book your consultation with Elena:

https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call 

Follow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

When Mel Robbins agrees with you...

Have you ever been in this situation before women in law?

Your heart races when an unexpected email comes in from a difficult partner, or you wake up with a jolt in the middle of the night. 

You wish you could stop the spiraling, self-doubt and overthinking but just keep going to that worst case scenario. 

How about this instead?

You have a simple, discreet tool you can use anytime, anywhere.

It's effective in the office, on a call or in the courtroom.

Use it and you feel calm, clear, and in control.

Anxiety is one of the biggest challenges women lawyers face.

From constant deadlines to unpredictable demands.

The profession trains you to live in a state of high alert. But you don’t have to stay stuck in that state.

In this solo episode, I share a quick and effective method to regulate #anxiety: Touch, Label & Choose (TLC). This technique helps you soothe your body, get present, and choose helpful thoughts.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or frozen by stress, this episode is for you. Learn:

💡Why anxiety shows up in your body first (and why you can’t just “think” your way out of it).

💡 Simple ways to signal safety to your body (that you can do anytime, anywhere!)

💡How to label physical sensations to create emotional distance and regain calm. 

This episode will help you calm anxiety in the moment, reset your nervous system, and access the grounded version of yourself that’s always there, but often buried under the stress.

Show notes:

• The Let Them Theory By Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/ 
• Book a consult: www.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call 

The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen. It may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 

Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?

Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call

Follow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

Imagine you manage to navigate the pressures and achievements of your legal career, yet feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Imagine that after you set boundaries and say “no”, you see nothing bad happened.  This helps you loosen the grip of perfectionism, and unlock opportunities that align with your true self.

If you’ve earned your gold stars, but happiness feels out of reach, this episode is for you.

Yael Eiserike shares how therapy and mindset work can dissolve anxiety, ease perfectionism, and open up new paths forward.  Especially with:

• How to treat panic attacks and insomnia using practical tools.
• How small shifts, like setting a boundary or making a different choice create new possibilities and help break  patterns of perfectionism and people-pleasing.
• The importance of understanding your “why” in recognizing the patterns behind your behaviors.

Yael’s story and approach provide a roadmap for reclaiming your autonomy, your well-being, and your sense of purpose, in law or beyond it.

Yael is a former attorney and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW,) who specializes in therapy for high-stress professionals, career-changers, and those who struggle with balance. 

She helps clients overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout. With a background that bridges law and mental health, she focuses on direct clinical work rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure work, supporting her clients to create meaningful change from within. Yael’s compassionate approach empowers women to find alignment and fulfillment on their own terms.

Website: www.yaeleiserike.com

The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.

Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?

Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call  

Follow Us:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
• Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

• How witnessing the vulnerability of other women lawyers gave her relief.
• Her decision to live a ‘full and expressive life’ while floating in the ocean.
• How she decided to take a big leap and leave big law BEFORE finding her right fit role.

Connect with Meredith

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mereditheng/

Instagram: @mereditheeng

The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 

Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?

Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call

Follow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

References

Wilder A. Clements

Wilder A. Clements brings experienced and value-driven counsel to purpose-driven businesses and organizations with challenging employment law questions.

Clements Employment Law https://www.clementsemploymentlaw.com/

WILL Transform

Meredith chose the Transform VIP program, which included 1:1 coaching with Elena Deutsch. The WILL Transform Program is a comprehensive 6-month program designed specifically for busy women lawyers. It provides the support you need to make a meaningful career change. Learn more here: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/services/

WILL Mastermind

Based on the book 'Burnout', by the Nagoski Sisters

About understanding burnout with activities around this.

WILL Creator's Circle

The Creator’s Circle - a small-group journey through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron led by Elena Deutsch.  The Creators Circle opens one time per year.  It’s open to both lawyers, former lawyers and non-lawyers.  

WILL Evolve

Continuation program for WILL Alum, to support their ongoing journey

and to avoid backsliding.

WILL Podcast

Boundary Practice episode

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boundary-setting-practice-for-women-lawyers/id1781037581?i=1000679460040.

Jessica Meddina

Financial councillor that helps lawyers create financial plans.

Works closely with WILL members.

https://www.jessicamedinallc.com.

Helena Bonham Carter, poetry https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5qXDx4oOnx/

One precious life

Book of poems called ‘This Wild and Precious Life: A Journal’ by Mary Oliver.

https://www.amazon.com/This-Wild-Precious-Life-Journal/dp/0593580281.

Jenny McKee

A WILL Alum that switched from lawyer to being an astrologer.

Her astrology website is Sky Whispers Astrology and she is available for readings.

https://skywhispersastrology.com.

Anne Marie Segal

Master the Interview, by Anne Marie Segal.

Imagine you’re happy as a lawyer, yet feel that your creativity is stifled.

Or that you can’t be creative as a lawyer as it doesn’t ‘fit’ what a lawyer should be.

Kyla Denanyoh showcased her efficiency and project management skills so well that while on maternity leave, she rendered her role obsolete. 

Instead of fear, Kyla was excited about moving forward in her side hustle - Podcasting and YouTubing, because a stream of sponsorships proved that she could make money non-lawyering.

Now a seasoned podcaster with over 130 episodes and a salary from sponsorships, Kyla embodies the ‘multipotentialite’ (someone with many skillsets and role options).

Listen in as Kyla:

• Uses her challenge with the typical stereotype of ‘lawyer’ to lean into a creative identity.
• Dives into a selection of books that confirm you can make money from any job.
• Flips the narrative of lawyers not being risk-takers.
• Switches her mindset from being a task-based earner to a value-based earner.

Follow Kyla

Podcast: ‘More than a Lawyer’ https://www.youarealawyer.com/ 

Website: Kyla Denanyoh | Storyteller & Strategist

Instagram: Kyla Denanyoh (@mrsdenanyoh)

References

Book: 'We should all be millionaires' - Rachel Rogers.

The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 

Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?

Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call

Follow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

How does one go from being a stuck and unhappy long time lawyer to practicing astrologer? 

Well if you’re Jenny McKee of Sky Whispers Astrology, you lean into your strengths, surround yourself with community and take it one slow step at a time.

In this episode Jenny details her journey through WILL programs as she expanded her self-knowledge and trust.

As a listener of the WILL podcast you cannot only hear about her journey, but experience her work for yourself! She shares a generous 15% savings coupon when you use the code WILL when you book any session or package with her. All the details below.

On a personal note, I am so appreciative to Jenny for sharing her journey and for the years of our work together. She showcases an example of what’s possible, not just for her, but for you too.

Have a listen. 

Where to find Jenny:

To learn more about working with Jenny go to: www.skywhispersastrology.com

Use the code: ‘WILL’ on any purchases and save 15%!  

Email: Jenny@skywhispersastrology

Show notes:

The Artist’s Way  by Julia Cameron

WILL Programs mentioned:

The foundational WILL program Jenny started with was called WILL Step-by-Step and is now WILL Transform.  

WILL programs Jenny also participated in, and mentions: 

The Creator’s Circle - a small-group journey through The Artist’s Way  by Julia Cameron.

WILLpreneurs - a small group for women lawyers who want to start their own businesses.

To be notified of when these programs open next,  email Support@womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com  

Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx

Jenny’s Mentors:

Home - Tom Jacobs

About Debra Anne Clement – Debra Clement Astrologer

The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 

Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?

Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call 

Follow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 

Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything for everyone else and still running on empty?

Would you love to show up as confident and grounded, but you’re often overwhelmed, burned out, or questioning whether you even want to stay in law?

You’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m joined by Career Leadership Coach Emily Hirsekorn, who helps lawyers build clarity, confidence, and fulfillment using her Career Leadership Code and a powerful Energy Leadership framework.

Emily, as she explains “The big idea is there's energy behind our thoughts, our feelings, our actions and communication. . . . it’s very practical.”

Listen in and learn:

• How to manage your energy (not just your time).
• How to recognize misalignment with your values.
• How to care for yourself without guilt.

This conversation is a deep exhale for any lawyer who’s tired of pushing harder and ready to show up differently, with more clarity, confidence, and compassion for herself.

About Emily

Emily is a career leadership coach for lawyers with a background in private legal practice, anti-bias education, law career advising, and professional development. She is credentialed with the ICF and is also certified with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) as an Energy Leadership™ Index-Master Practitioner and COR.E Leadership Dynamics™ Specialist. She offers iPEC’s robust leadership development curriculum designed to help maximize lawyer performance, influence, and fulfillment and delivers talks regularly on performance management and her signature framework The Career Confidence Code.

Connect

www.hirsekorncoaching.com

www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhirsekorn/ 

www.instagram.com/hirsekorn_coaching/

WILL

The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.

Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?

Book your call with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call  

Follow Us:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
• Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

Do you spend much of your day thinking: “I need to do XYZ…”?

Does your endless to-do list and litany of “shoulds” parade through your mind?  

If it’s hard to hear what YOU TRULY want to do, you’re not alone.

Here are three questions that quickly cut through the internal noise. 

Listen to these three simple questions.

And because I LOVE you for being here, and value your time,  here they are! 

Here they are:

1. What do I think, “I need to do?”
2. If I could see things differently, how might I see them?
3. What does my highest, wisest self, want me to know?

Listen in to play along and…

• Find clarity and emotional relief.
• Trigger deeper insights and see things differently.
• Connect with your higher self to provide guidance.

This episode is your gateway to freedom from mental clutter and offers almost instantaneous relief.

WILL

The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach.

Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey?

Book your consultation with Elena: womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call  

Follow Us:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
• Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com