Why Your Values Are the First Step to Leaving the Law

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

Many lawyers worry that leaving the law for the corporate world won’t fix their work-life balance struggles. In this episode, Sarah explores why corporate jobs aren’t all the same, how to identify workplaces that align with your values, and why you’re not doomed to hate every job you take.See show notes at formerlawyer.com/255

Lawyers often feel pressured to craft the perfect IRAC-style argument to justify leaving the law, but that’s not necessary. In this episode, Sarah explores why trusting your intuition is key, how to navigate conversations about your decision, and why you don’t need to convince anyone else to validate your choice.See show notes at formerlawyer.com/254

Leaving the law starts with understanding your values. In this episode, Sarah explains why taking a deep dive into your values is the critical first step for any lawyer considering a career change. She shares how identifying what truly matters to you can uncover the root of your dissatisfaction and guide you toward a career that aligns with your priorities.Whether you’re unsure about your next step or ready to make a move, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you get started on your path to a more fulfilling future. Tune in to learn why values are the foundation of Sarah’s framework for lawyers ready to leave the law behind.See show notes at formerlawyer.com/253

In today’s episode, Sarah kicks off the new year with an update on how you can work with her in 2025. If you’re starting the year thinking, ‘I can’t keep doing this,’ and you know you don’t want to be in the same place next year, this episode is for you. Sarah breaks down the options available to help you leave the law behind and create the change you’re ready for.See show notes at formerlawyer.com/252

This episode includes an important content warning for discussions of narcissism, narcissistic abuse, self-harm, and suicidality. This week on The Former Lawyer Podcast, Sarah Cottrell welcomes back her client Kelcey Baker for a powerful conversation about the distressingly common experience among lawyers of wishing for a minor injury—like being hit by a bus—just to get a break from work. Kelcey and Sarah dive deep into the toxic environments in the legal profession that normalize extreme stress and emotional distress while discouraging vulnerability and self-care. They explore the systemic issues in law firms that create these harmful dynamics and why addressing the environment, not the individual, is critical.If you’ve ever felt trapped in an environment where taking a real break feels impossible, this conversation will resonate deeply and offer hope. Tune in to hear more about why these feelings arise, how they can be addressed, and the importance of prioritizing your well-being.See show notes at formerlawyer.com/236