The Former Lawyer Podcast

Do you hate working as a lawyer? Are you an unhappy lawyer who wants to leave the law, but isn't sure what to do next? Do your family and friends think you're crazy for wanting to leave the law, or are you too afraid to tell them you don't want to be a lawyer? The Former Lawyer Podcast is for you! Each week, host Sarah Cottrell interviews a different former lawyer who has left the law behind. Hear inspiring stories about how these former lawyers are thriving and found their way to careers and lives they love.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Kimacima

Helpful to hear the truth

As an attorney, I’ve gotten so used to lying to myself. Listening to this podcast reminds me of truths I’ve buried for a long time. And that tells me I’m not alone. It’s eerie. Thank you so much Sarah, for doing this work.
TheStaceyHarris

A must for anyone even thinking about thinking about leaving the law

If you’re feeling the push to leave the law Sarah shares incredible and actionable insights + hear from former lawyers about their experiences leaving the law.
Meggers1233

Thank You

Thank you for this podcast. Relatable and well thought out. Feels great that someone gets it!
Elizabeth in VA

Great podcast!

So happy to have found this podcast.
Pehmbeh

Great interviews

I feel seen!
meandmrc

Great podcast!

Listening to this podcast has been a great learning experience. Both the information and the production are 5-stars!
Re'Necia

Therapeutic

This podcast is fantastic! Sarah approaches what can be a delicate and difficult topic for many of us in such an elegant way. The discussions she has are thought provoking a bit intimidating, and wonderful all in one. And some episodes are just plain therapeutic. Thank you Sarah for creating a space for people to be authentic and share their stories with all of us!
wmwn715

Insightful

Sarah is insightful. I enjoy the interviews and her shorter shows with quick ideas have been thought provoking. I take something away from each episode!
tlm0727

Helpful for non-lawyers who want to make a change

Though I have never been to law school and am not a lawyer, I LOVE listening to this podcast. It is helpful for anyone who finds themselves in a soul-sucking career and wanting a change. I am in the process of pivoting in my career and have found inspiration, actionable tips, and support through Sarah and the guests’ stories.
tarab17

If you want to leave the law, start here

This podcast has been really great for me on all levels in leaving the law. Even if you’re not ready to leave, this podcast will help get you out if the slump of “I hate my work” to “I’m moving towards something better” no matter how fast you are moving. I think Sarah has something for everyone at every stage of the process. The podcast has given me a flavor of everything that could be possible. I really appreciate the diversity of guests she brings on.
mellie_melly

Informative and Hopeful!

I’ve been looking to leave the traditional legal field and wanted to find stories of people who successfully left for more aligned jobs. This is the perfect podcast for that! It is incredibly informative for anyone who wants to know what it even looks like to leave the law and how to do it. It’s also very honest about the challenges lawyers face in making the decision to leave the law. I also really appreciate that the diversity in the guests! Thank you for this!
Lauren 330802

Helpful Perspective

This podcast was so helpful to broadening my perspective outside of my law firm world and helped me see the possibilities outside of private practice. I now happily do policy work and still listen to this podcast to hear the uplifting stories of others with exit journeys from all walks of life. If you’re unhappy as a lawyer, give this podcast a listen. I bet you’ll find inspiration, I know I do!