Afleveringen
-
Dan Lemon thought Biglaw was the peak—until the job started crushing his mental health. What looked like success on paper was making his life unlivable.
In this conversation, Dan shares how he went from corporate litigation to a more meaningful career in family law. We talk about the lies lawyers are told about prestige, the realities of mental health in the profession, and what it actually takes to build something better.
Whether you’re thinking about leaving law or just changing how you practice it, Dan’s story is proof that you’re not trapped.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/272
-
Biglaw has a cowardice problem, and it’s more visible than ever. In this episode, Sarah Cottrell breaks down how toxic law firm culture grooms and rewards leaders who prioritize self-preservation over real change.
From the recent DEI rollbacks to everyday office dynamics, Sarah explains why cowardice thrives in Biglaw and how it impacts more than just the lawyers trapped inside these firms. If you’re feeling stuck in a toxic workplace or questioning whether it’s time to leave, this conversation will give you clarity—and your first steps toward getting out.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/271
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
Sarah shares why she donates to The Legal Accountability Project, a nonprofit working to bring transparency to the judicial clerkship system.
She talks about the power judges hold, how law schools often ignore bad behavior, and why more information—not more prestige—is what law students really need.
If you've ever wondered why the legal profession protects its own at the expense of young lawyers, this episode offers a candid look at what needs to change.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/270
-
Reddit and Fishbowl can feel like the only places lawyers can be honest about how bad it really is. But even in these “safe” spaces, the lawyer bubble shows up.
In this episode, Sarah shares what she sees in these anonymous forums, why the advice often misses the mark, and how to recognize when toxic thinking is disguised as tough love.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/269.
-
Sarah is celebrating five years of The Former Lawyer Collab—and reflecting on what it’s taught her about helping lawyers leave the law. In this episode, she shares the behind-the-scenes of building the program, the patterns she’s seen in the hundreds of lawyers she’s worked with, and why the first step is always about knowing yourself better—not just updating your resume.
She also talks about the importance of community when you’re making a big change, the real-life stories that keep inspiring her, and why it’s never too early to start exploring your options if you know law isn’t your forever career. If you’ve been sitting on the fence, this episode will give you a nudge and a whole lot of clarity.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/238
-
Lawyer and certified ADHD coach Annie Little returns to talk with Sarah about executive function, ADHD in the legal profession, and why so many lawyers struggle with time, organization, and burnout.
They break down how ADHD brains actually work, what interest-based motivation means, and how understanding your brain can help you build a career that works for you—not against you.
Whether you're diagnosed, undiagnosed, or just curious, this conversation offers practical insight and validation for lawyers navigating ADHD at any stage.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/267
-
Is DEI really the problem in Biglaw? Sarah doesn’t think so, and she’s not alone. In this episode, she breaks down why blaming diversity, equity, and inclusion for the profession’s longstanding issues is not only inaccurate, but dangerously out of touch.
If you’re tired of the gaslighting and performative change in legal spaces, this conversation will help you feel seen, and remind you that you’re not imagining the disconnect between what firms say and how they actually operate.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/266
-
When Laura Markham suddenly lost her husband, everything changed—including how she viewed her legal career. In this episode, Laura shares her path from real estate litigation to finding a more flexible, values-aligned role after loss. She talks about parenting through grief, rethinking the billable hour, and how the Collab helped her reconnect with what she actually wanted from work and life.
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for a change—or if you’re just trying to keep going during a hard season—Laura’s story will remind you that there’s no one “right” path forward, and going back to something familiar might just be the best next step.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/265
-
Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or like you're barely keeping up? You’re not alone. In this episode, Sarah shares a simple but powerful reframe for lawyers who are just trying to make it through right now. If you’ve caught yourself saying you’re doing “the bare minimum,” this conversation will help you shift that narrative and offer yourself more grace.
Whether you're thinking about leaving the law or just trying to get through the week, Sarah reminds us that surviving a hard season isn’t a failure—it’s a sign you’re human. If you’re struggling with what to prioritize, feeling stretched thin, or questioning your next steps, this episode is a grounding reminder that taking care of what’s essential is enough.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/264
-
Are you questioning whether practicing law is really the right path for you? You're not alone—and you're not wrong for feeling that way. In this episode, Sarah talks about why so many lawyers feel stuck in careers that no longer fit, and why changing your mind isn't a failure—it's a sign of growth.
If you've ever felt guilty for wanting something different, or worried that shifting directions means you made a mistake, this conversation will help reframe those thoughts. Learn why it's normal to outgrow a legal career, and how to start thinking about what's next with more clarity and less pressure.See show notes at formerlawyer.com/263
-
If you feel like all you do is complain about your job, you’re not alone. Many lawyers reach a point where they’re exhausted, not just by their work, but by how much they talk about how miserable it makes them.
In this episode of The Former Lawyer Podcast, Sarah Cottrell addresses what happens when you reach that breaking point. She explains why you don’t have to wait until you can leave your job to start making a change, and how taking small steps now can set you up for the future, whether you’re leaving in a few months or a few years.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/262
-
On today’s podcast, Sarah is chatting with a familiar guest who has been on the podcast several times. It’s her husband, Ed Cottrell. They met in law school and graduated at the same time.
Ed’s path took a different route than Sarah’s, and he now works in the tech field after leaving law. Today's conversation explores the common interest of many lawyers Sarah speaks with to explore jobs in tech. If you’ve been curious about getting a tech job or want to learn more about Ed’s journey.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/261
-
Many lawyers contemplating leaving the profession assume the process is complicated. The reality? It’s actually very simple. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
In this episode of The Former Lawyer Podcast, Sarah Cottrell breaks down the difference between something being simple but difficult versus complicated but easy, and how this applies to leaving the law.
The truth is, figuring out what’s next isn’t complex, but doing the work to make a change is hard. That’s why she created The Former Lawyer Collab because even though the steps are clear, having support and guidance can make all the difference.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/260
-
If you’re thinking about leaving the law but feel stuck, ask yourself this question. Who are you waiting for permission from?
Many lawyers aren’t just worried about logistics. They feel like they need approval. They worry about how their family, friends, or partner will react. They feel the need to justify their decision and have others validate that leaving is the right move.
But the only permission you need is your own.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/259
-
Sarah Cottrell talks with Amisha DeYoung-Dominguez, a former lawyer who transitioned into public service, on this episode of The Former Lawyer Podcast.
Amisha, now a congressional staffer, shares her winding journey through law school, legal aid, and government work—ultimately realizing that practicing law wasn’t the right fit.
Her story highlights the struggle many lawyers face, the pressure to stay in the profession despite clear signs it isn’t working. Through The Former Lawyer Collab, Amisha found the clarity and support she needed to make the leap into a fulfilling new career.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/258
-
Many former lawyers who stepped away from their careers to be stay-at-home parents eventually find themselves wondering how to re-enter the workforce—without going back to practicing law.
On this episode of The Former Lawyer Podcast, host Sarah Cottrell addresses this exact challenge, breaking down the key steps for making the transition while avoiding the pressure to return to legal practice.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/257
-
In this re-released episode, Former Lawyer Collab members share the biggest surprises they’ve encountered while figuring out what’s next. From discovering unexpected support from other former lawyers to realizing just how much law school and legal practice shaped their identity, these insights reveal what happens when you step outside the legal bubble. If you're considering leaving the law, these reflections might surprise you too.
Sarah also shares an update on Former Lawyer’s commitment to donating 1% of its gross revenue to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and an additional 1% to the ACLU. If you'd like to support these organizations, you can find more information here:
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
ACLULearn more about the Former Lawyer Collab: formerlawyer.com/collab
-
In this re-released episode, Former Lawyer Collab members share the biggest myths they believed about leaving the law—myths that held them back from making a change. From the fear of being seen as a failure to the belief that legal work has to be miserable, these insights highlight how shifting your mindset can open up new possibilities.
Sarah also shares an update on Former Lawyer’s commitment to donating 1% of its gross revenue to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and an additional 1% to the ACLU. If you'd like to support these organizations, you can find more information here:
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
ACLULearn more about the Former Lawyer Collab: formerlawyer.com/collab
-
This week, I'm re-releasing an episode featuring Former Lawyer Collab members sharing the simple yet transformative realizations that helped them move forward in their journey out of the law. From understanding their values to accepting that it’s okay to want something different, these stories highlight the small mindset shifts that can make a huge impact.
Sarah also shares an update about Former Lawyer’s commitment to donating 1% of its gross revenue to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and, moving forward, an additional 1% to the ACLU.
If you'd like to join in supporting these organizations, you can find more information on their sites.
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
ACLULearn more about the Former Lawyer Collab: formerlawyer.com/collab
-
In this episode of The Former Lawyer Podcast, Sarah Cottrell gets real about why so many Millennials feel stuck in the pursuit of success. As an elder Millennial herself, she unpacks the pressures lawyers face to maintain a certain lifestyle or salary—pressures that often come from family expectations, societal norms, and internalized beliefs about what success “should” look like.
Sarah shares personal insights, client stories, and some hard questions to help you rethink whether the life you’re chasing actually aligns with your values. She also dives into how therapy can play a game-changing role in breaking free from the “success trap” and building a life that works for you.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling trapped by career expectations or the idea that you’re supposed to suffer to succeed, this episode is for you. You don’t have to settle for burnout—there’s a way forward.
See show notes at formerlawyer.com/256 - Laat meer zien
