Experiencing lawyer burnout but telling yourself you shouldn't be struggling because you don't have kids or a partner? You're not alone. Many single and childless lawyers dismiss their burnout because they think others have it harder. In this episode, Sarah addresses why lawyer burnout is valid regardless of your relationship status or family situation. She explains how lawyers participate in "misery Olympics," comparing struggles instead of acknowledging that toxic work environments affect ever...
Jun 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 274
You're a senior associate who keeps telling yourself, "it'll get better when I make partner." But what if it doesn't? What if making partner actually makes things worse? In this episode, Sarah addresses the common misconception that partnership will solve the problems you hate about being a lawyer. She breaks down why so many lawyers who finally make partner realize they've made a terrible mistake, and explains the real reasons partnership decisions aren't actually merit-based. If you're a senio...
Jun 23, 2025•12 min•Ep. 273
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 practi...
Jun 16, 2025•59 min•Ep. 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 ...
Jun 09, 2025•11 min•Ep. 271
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...
Jun 02, 2025•9 min•Ep. 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 .
May 26, 2025•13 min•Ep. 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 h...
May 19, 2025•9 min•Ep. 268
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 l...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 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 a...
May 05, 2025•13 min•Ep. 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 ...
Apr 28, 2025•48 min•Ep. 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 fa...
Apr 21, 2025•9 min•Ep. 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 o...
Apr 14, 2025•12 min•Ep. 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...
Apr 07, 2025•10 min•Ep. 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 n...
Mar 31, 2025•42 min•Ep. 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 Lawye...
Mar 24, 2025•7 min•Ep. 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...
Mar 17, 2025•9 min•Ep. 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 , Amis...
Mar 10, 2025•59 min•Ep. 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...
Mar 03, 2025•10 min•Ep. 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 don...
Feb 24, 2025•17 min
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 ...
Feb 17, 2025•16 min
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, m...
Feb 10, 2025•16 min
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...
Feb 03, 2025•13 min•Ep. 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
Jan 27, 2025•11 min•Ep. 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
Jan 20, 2025•12 min•Ep. 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 ...
Jan 13, 2025•10 min•Ep. 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
Jan 06, 2025•10 min•Ep. 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 stres...
Dec 30, 2024•40 min
Previously, Lauren Ascher was on the podcast to discuss accommodations for lawyers with ADHD . It’s a good segue into an important conversation about disclosing ADHD and other mental health issues to your law firm. It’s no secret that there is a high incidence rate among lawyers for anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and other issues. In the United States, you are entitled to certain accommodations legally for disorders covered under the ADA. But a real challenge is deciding whether or not yo...
Dec 23, 2024•11 min
For countless reasons, December can be a pretty rough month for lawyer's mental health. So for the next couple of weeks, we're going to have some re-releases of some episodes in the podcast dealing with mental health. So there will be three episodes. This first episode will be how to take a mental health leave of absence from your firm, and I'm joined by guest Megan Nogasky. See show notes at formerlawyer.com/176
Dec 16, 2024•29 min
On today’s podcast episode, Sarah clarifies a question she often hears when she tells people about the work she does: “Do all the lawyers who you work with end up leaving law?” There is a sense that she is trying to convince people to leave their careers as lawyers and move on to something else, and she wants to answer that question and chat about it. A fundamental belief that Sarah has is that people are the experts on their own experience. She is not trying to convince anyone of anything. Ther...
Dec 09, 2024•10 min•Ep. 251
