The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast: Inspiration, Growth, and Tactics for Millennial Lawyers and Attorney Entrepreneurs

If you haven’t joined our young lawyer community, get on it! We’re waiting for you! Sign up for the newsletter here. Genavieve is an entrepreneur, a wife, and lawyer who runs several businesses, including Damsel in Defense and Damsel Goes Bare. She is sparkly, pink, and makes no apologies for it. Gena has figured out how to infuse her personality into her online legal business, and she is attracting the exact type of clients she wants to work with. By observing how business coaches built communities and businesses entirely online, Gena was inspired to create an incredible lifestyle for herself while helping people with their legal needs online. Things We Chat About in this Episode: How you can tell when a group of people need your help and how to build your business around their needs How can you reach more people with your work? How Gena created her first online legal business How using social media exclusively for publicity generated over $20,000 in income in her initial launch Don’t be afraid to infuse your personality in your legal practice and business What is an affiliate program and how can lawyers use them with their businesses? How you can create a lifestyle for yourself while still helping people You will receive criticism if you’re different than the norm but Gena explains how you can deal Even if you generate a 6-figure income, you can lose it all if you don’t manage your money well  Always putting forward your best self is not necessarily authentic – being a business owner has crappy moments as well Gena shares a prime example of a successful Facebook group and what it takes to create one Resources Mentioned: Damsel in Defense Damsel Goes Bare Facebook group – Gena + Jordana and the Magical Business Playground Contact Info: www.genavieveshingle.com Gena@genavieveshingle.com Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers.

Be sure to sign up for our Gen Why Lawyer community weekly email newsletter! Tamsen Horton is a lawyer and business owner who helps smart proactive business owners understand the legal impact of their business decisions. She also helps equip lawyers with knowledge and confidence to rock their careers. What we cover in this episode: You’re not alone if traditional lawyering freaks you out. It scared Tamsen too. She explains how she worked around the traditional Have you thought of unbundling your legal services? Where can you find your community? Step one to figuring out your legal dream job: Who is your ideal paying customer? Are you attractive to your ideal paying customer? How do we actually make money doing what we love? You can create something today to give to your potential clients to make them want to hire you Even if you don’t have professional experience yet as a new lawyer, you have life experience, and that’s enough to create something to sell Carve out time to let yourself think “what is it I want to do?” Tamsen’s special gift to you: Making Money with My JD Free access to Tamsen’s “Getting Started – Beyond the Billable Hour” course for the entire first quarter of 2016 http://bit.ly/beyondbillable Contact Information: Twitter, Periscope and Blab: @TamsenHorton Website: www.makingmoneywithmyjd.com Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers.  

In the last episode of the year, I am thrilled to announce the new direction of The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast! After interviewing over 45 amazingly courageous young lawyers, I’ve been inspired to finally pursue what makes me happy, both personally and professionally. Starting January 4th, 2016, I will focus my time, energy, and podcasting efforts on things that bring me joy, that help me make an impact, that will allow me to live in my purpose, and that will make me money. The guests I speak with, the content I produce, and the issues I want to explore will not only support these new mind shifts, but will also hopefully inspire you to want to live your best life and create your best career. We’ll discuss issues like using your knowledge, expertise, experience, and skills to create multiple streams of income so that you’re not relying on linear income. We’ll also talk about other money issues as they pertain to young lawyers, like paying down student debt, investments, retirement accounts, etc. We’re also going to explore how we can discover and live in our purpose. Of course, we’re also going to make good on our promise to serve by focusing on how we can help our greater community. Listen in to hear more about this new shift. I know you’ll find value in this new direction. Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers.

Rachel Wilson’s background is rich in volunteer and non-profit work. Following law school, Rachel worked at the Association of American Law Schools in Washington DC helping with their diversity and inclusion initiatives. She recognized the need for legal work in low-income communities, especially with students. Along with her full-time job at the Law and Leadership Institute, Rachel began attending barre classes, then she started teaching barre classes, and eventually, she created her own barre method. Rachel comes from a family of athletes so physical fitness is a huge part of her life. She continued to give her physical health attention while attending law school because she recognized the mental benefits as well. Contact Information: www.barre-om.com barreominfo@gmail.com rwilson@lawandleadership.org Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers.

Caroline Turner is an engaging workshop facilitator, speaker, consultant, and author. Her passion is to help leaders achieve great business results by creating work environments where people thrive. Caroline is a former corporate executive and business attorney. She was senior vice president and general counsel of Coors Brewing Company. Now, Caroline is the principal at DifferenceWorks, LLC, a woman-owned consulting firm based in Denver, Colorado that focuses on developing leaders’ ability to appreciate difference, expand engagement and leverage diversity. In this episode, Caroline shares her journey from law school to becoming the first General Counsel at Coors Brewing Company and then Senior Vice President of the company. She offers her advice on how to go about pursuing a career as in-house counsel. She also explains the skills needed for such a position.  Contact Information: www.difference-works.com Email: caroline@difference-works.com (303) 320-1443 Sharing is Caring

This is a special episode, cosponsored by the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division in connection with the Young Lawyer Toolkit. You can access the toolkit by visiting  www.ambar.org/younglawyertoolkit Sahmra Stevenson is the founding partner of S.A. Stevenson Law, LLC, with offices located in Rockville and Landover, Maryland where she focuses on family law, estate planning, general civil litigation and small business formation. What we talk about in this episode: Pick your law firm partners wisely We break down the exact steps Sahmra took to go solo Go lean when starting off – keep your overhead low What should young solo practitioners spend their money on if they’re going to spend money? Low bono and pro bono are a great way to build your skills from the get-go and a great way to get more clients in the future Are you uncomfortable setting your attorney fees? Sahmra offers some tips How a small newsletter grew to include a list of over 600 people The fear of months with no clients Are you taking advantage of local listservs? Include self-care time in your schedule Resources Mentioned: Rocket Matter Thomson Reuters Vistaprint Action Item: Pick one or two practice areas and learn them really well. Contact Information: Email: s.stevenson@saslawoffices.com (301) 795-2728 Facebook:  Sahmra April Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers.

Don’t forget to join our young lawyer community email list. This is a special episode, cosponsored by the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division in connection with the Young Lawyer Toolkit. You can access the toolkit by visiting www.ambar.org/younglawyertoolkit My guest this week is Adam Landy, an associate at McNair attorneys in Columbia, South Carolina. He focuses his practice on tax law, where he represents and advises clients in tax and estate planning, probate administration and tax controversy matters. In this episode, we talk about transactional practice in general, what skills are required if you are interested in transactional work, and how to determine whether transactional or litigation work is for you. Contact Information: Work email: alandy@mcnair.net Personal email: landy.adam@gmail.com Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers.

This is the Gen Why Lawyer podcast. This is a special episode, cosponsored by the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division in connection with the Young Lawyer Toolkit. You can access the toolkit by visiting http://www.ambar.org/younglawyertoolkit Bob Young is an attorney and partner at English, Lucas, Priest and Owsley in Bowling Green, Kentucky. For most of his career, Bob has practiced extensively in the area of medical malpractice but he has also handled some personal injury cases. Bob is also the Immediate Past Chair of the ABA Law Practice Division. Important Topics We Discuss in this Episode: 4 core areas of the ABA Law Practice Division: 1) finance, 2) marketing, 3) technology, and 4) management When the division was first launched in the ABA, the section focused more on law firm economics. Over the years, the division has transformed. Now the division addresses anything and everything that lawyers need to run a law practice. You have to run your law practice like a business or else you’ll fall behind. There’s so much competition out there from lawyers and non-lawyers. Be on top of your law firm branding! Even if you’re an associate at a law firm, you can create your own unique brand within your firm. Where young lawyers have an advantage over more experienced lawyers.  Employers want to hire attorneys who produce great work-product but who are also efficient If you want people to refer you business, you have to develop relationships and make people feel comfortable with you Finding a mentor is the key to your success as a new lawyer Diversity initiatives should be adopted by law firms if they plan on remaining competitive and viable A happy lawyer is going to produce better work Bob suggests some ways to maintain happiness outside of just the practice of law Resources Mentioned: Needles – Case management software Google can teach you anything! One Thing I Wish I Knew As A Young Lawyer: Branding yourself is so important when you’re first starting off in your legal career. Contact Information: byoung@elpolaw.com (270) 781-6500 Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers.

This week, I welcome the amazing Ms. Paulette Brown, the President of the American Bar Association. President Brown is a partner and co-chair of the firmwide Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Locke Lord LLP. She has held many positions throughout her career, including as in-house counsel to a number of Fortune 500 companies and as a municipal court judge. In private practice, she has focused on all facets of labor, employment, and commercial litigation. In today’s episode, President Brown shares her vision for the ABA for upcoming year, including her initiatives for diversity and inclusion for minorities in the legal profession. President Brown also discusses how young lawyers can get involved and contribute towards this vision. Thank you for listening! If you have any comments/questions/suggestions, please feel free to email me at nicole@genwhylawyer.com Don’t forget to subscribe to The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

Take the 2015 Listener Survey and help me create a better show for you in 2016. Please share your thoughts here. Erin’s lifelong love for music led her to marrying her love for the industry with her knowledge of the law. Now, she owns her own practice where she’s able to protect musicians and music professionals through deal negotiations and proper intellectual property protection. She is known as the music industry lawyer and for a good reason – Erin is immersed in the industry both as a lawyer and music lover. What we cover in this episode: * How she became the music industry lawyer * It’s possible to combine your passions with a professional career * You can find a place for the law in just about any business * If you share your passion with the world, you will attract clients * Building relationships with others can lead to speaking gigs and authorship opportunities * What side business Erin launched to address a need and problem she found in the music industry called Indie Artist Resource * Aside from having additional income, Erin is also attracting clients she wouldn’t otherwise through her Indie Artist Resource * What to do if you’re hoping to start practicing music industry law Recommended Reading: Lewis Howes – The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy Action Item: Continue to learn, network and meet people. Contact Information: www.themusicindustrylawyer.com Twitter: @emjmusiclawyer Indieartistresource.com Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers. *Disclosure:  Please note that the link above is an affiliate link, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to purchase this book for your reading pleasure.

Alycia Kinchloe is an attorney in Philadelphia practicing family law, business law, disability and injury law. After working as the managing attorney at a law firm for many years, she decided to make the huge leap and open her own practice. Alycia is passionate about helping father’s with their family law matters and entrepreneurs with their business needs. Aside from her practice, Alycia is a mentor and coach with Business Babes, a professional strategy and coaching service. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Why searching for a legal position should start well before passing the bar How to make a difference within the law firm culture by ushering in new practice areas A few ways to tell if you need to go into solo practice What to keep in mind when opening your own practice Getting creative in finding your future clients How to know when to hire help and when to just do it yourself Making blogging an integral part  of your legal practice marketing plan Resources Mentioned: Business Babes Mailchimp Squarespace Recommended Reading: Ben Horowitz – The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers (affiliate link*) John C. Maxwell – Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success (affiliate link*) Action Item: Think strategically about your personal brand. The referrals you will get will be based on what you’ve shown yourself to be. Contact Information: (215) 301-9783 www.kinchloelaw.com Twitter & Instagram – @aakesq www.businessbabesonline.com @thebusinessbabes Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers. *Disclosure:  Please note that the link above is an affiliate link, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to purchase this book for your reading pleasure.

Chris Small is the owner of Emerald City Law Group in Seattle, Washington, and the charismatic host of The Art of Lawyering Podcast. In this episode, he talks to us about why it’s ok if you want to own a law practice but not necessarily practice law, how to be ok with pursuing what you want in this world, and the power of an accountability partner. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Some prep work that could help you in opening your own practice What to do when the business side of a law practice is more attractive to you than the legal practice itself You don’t have to have an entrepreneurial background to be successful at running your own practice Informational books are your friends when you’re unsure of what to do Blogging can be the root of all that is good in your life and practice How podcasting helps Chris in his legal practice Do what you want to do, even if others don’t think it’s normal It’s ok if you don’t want to practice law but want to run a law practice instead so long as you surround yourself with competent specialists in a specific practice area. How soon is too soon to open your own practice? Must you “pay your dues” working for someone else first? What is a mastermind and is it something YOU should be involved in? How you can get comfortable being uncomfortable Recommended Reading: Jeff Olson and John David Mann – The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness (affiliate link*) Action Item: Write down 1 thing you want to accomplish by the end of the year and then decide what is one thing I can do today to help me reach that goal. Contact Information: chris@theartoflawyering.com Twitter: @artoflawyering www.theartoflawyering.com Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers. *Disclosure:  Please note that the link above is an affiliate link, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to purchase this book for your reading pleasure. ...

Rob Schenk has created a name for himself as the go-to attorney for wedding industry professionals. Along with a thriving personal injury practice, Rob maintains a successful wedding industry blog.

Today’s episode is special. It’s actually the audio replay of the live webinar I hosted last Friday, October 16th and it is all about building an unforgettable and irresistible personal brand as a young lawyer. Special Announcement: My Young Lawyer Branding Bootcamp is open for enrollment! The bootcamp is a 4-week, intensive online course where I’ll work with you to create personal branding strategy that’ll allow you to lawyer with purpose, make an impact, and make money! The bootcamp begins October 26th. You can find out more about this course and sign up here. Sharing is Caring

Save your spot for a FREE webinar on Building an Unforgettable and Irresistible Personal Brand as a Young Lawyers. Heather Riggs is a former attorney who now owns a marketing firm called Mind Mend Marketing, where she helps attorneys save time and gets clients with digital marketing. Should you feel guilty for turning down firm offers to pursue solo practice? How to design your own practice setting when going solo Mentors can change your perspective on your limited knowledge and can be crucial in your success as a new lawyer Boldness is your friend When you’re starting off in your solo practice and you’re on a budget, turn to digital solutions to market yourself In using digital solutions to build her practice, Heather realized she has a knack for this social media stuff. Building a consistent personal brand is the best place to begin when establishing an online presence Recommended Reading: Diane von Furstenberg – The Woman I Wanted to Be (Affiliate Link*) Action Item: Create a phenomenal tagline on social media. Here’s the formula: tell people 1) what you do, 2) how you do it, and 3) who you do it for. Contact Info: www.meldyourmind.com heather.riggs@meldyourmind.com Interested in learning how getting clear on your personal brand can help you lawyer with purpose, make an impact, and make a profit? Sign up for this FREE webinar on Oct. 16th at 10am PT/1pm ET. Thanks for Checking Out the Show Notes and for Listening! I really hope you enjoyed this episode. It was certainly a great experience for me. If you feel like you just can’t keep the excitement you feel for this episode to yourself, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please don’t forget to subscribe to the GWL Podcast in iTunes or in Stitcher Radio. That way, every time I prepare a new episode for you, it’ll automatically show up in your phone.  No Fear Of Missing Out here. Once last thing: I would truly appreciate it if you could leave an honest review for The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast in iTunes. Positive ratings and reviews help boost the visibility of the show and help me in reaching more young lawyers. *Disclosure:  Please note that the link above is an affiliate link, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to purchase this book for your reading pleasure.