The Gen Why Lawyer: 5 Things I Learned from Launching a Podcast as a Young Lawyer
By Nicole Abboud • December 05, 2016 •Writers in Residence
Almost 2 years ago, I launched my podcast, The Gen Why Lawyer. At the time, I was a 3rd year associate, I was feeling utterly unfulfilled with the practice of law, and I was questioning my career choice. I decided to reach out to other young lawyers across the country to hear their stories and find out how they were finding fulfillment, happiness, and success in their careers. Just like that, my podcast was born. Now that I have spoken with over 100 lawyers on the show, I’ve discovered a few interesting things about myself that I believe any new…
The Gen Why Lawyer: Using YouTube to Showcase Your Legal Knowledge and Personality with Aiden Kramer
By Nicole Abboud • November 05, 2016 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Firms and the Private Sector, Features, Guest Bloggers and Profiles of Women in the Law
I first discovered Aiden on YouTube. That’s not where I usually meet lawyers but I’m so glad that I did. Since then, I’ve gotten to know Aiden and have watched how brilliant she is at marketing herself and building her practice - all on camera! I want to introduce you to this fabulous young lawyer as I’m sure her courage and charisma will inspire you. I’d love to hear a little bit about your journey to opening your own law practice. I graduated law school and was admitted to the Colorado bar in 2013. I had been working as a law…
The Gen Why Lawyer: The “When” of It All
By Nicole Abboud • October 04, 2016 •Writers in Residence
I have a law school friend whom I run into every few years. Every time we see each other, we catch up on our lives. About 3 years ago, this friend had expressed to me her desire for wanting to open her own law practice. She was fed up with her employer, disliked her firm, and wanted to hang up her shingle. I remember having a lengthy conversation with her about my experience and offering my advice. At the time, I could sense that she felt uncomfortable leaving her steady position with her firm and, since she was a young lawyer,…
The Gen Why Lawyer: What Exactly Are We “Entitled” To?
By Nicole Abboud • July 04, 2016 •Writers in Residence, Issues, Other Issues
If I had a dime for every time I heard someone refer to my generation as “entitled,” I’d be a rich gal. I hear that stereotype more often than I’d like to. Perhaps you’ve heard it too? This “entitlement” stereotype is one of many I hear often directed towards my generation, Generation Y, and it bothers me because most Gen Y’ers I know are far from entitled. The Gen Y’ers I know are hardworking, ambitious, and generous. It also bothers me because I truly believe negative stereotypes have a way of discouraging members of older generations from taking us seriously and supporting…
The Gen Why Lawyer: Are We Saying Anything Worth Listening To?
By Nicole Abboud • June 04, 2016 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues
One way or another, lawyers are always talking. But are we saying anything worth listening to? Almost every lawyer (with a few exceptions) relies on her communication skills to argue, negotiate, and persuade. Whether it’s in front of a jury, with a client, with opposing counsel, in front of a judge, or at networking events, lawyers are always speaking in public. However, not every lawyer is good at it. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that skill automatically came with our JD? A few years ago, I began taking close note of how lawyers communicated, specifically when they were in front…
The Gen Why Lawyer: How Millennials Are Changing the Legal Workplace
By Nicole Abboud • May 05, 2016 •Writers in Residence, Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life, Mentoring and Networking
Members of Generation Y, aka Millennials, make up the largest generational group in U.S. history and the largest generation in the workforce (according to this 2015 Pew Research Center study). We are poised to reshape the economy and change the way firms and businesses have been operating for decades. Yet we seem to be the most misunderstood by our employers. More often than not, we find ourselves working for law firms and companies that have no idea how to “deal” with us, and this lack of knowing how Millennials operate leads to tension and breakdown in communication at work. One reason…
The Gen Why Lawyer: An Interview with Attorney-Turned-Millennial Career Coach, Crystal Marsh
By Nicole Abboud • April 04, 2016 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues
I met Crystal almost a year ago. When I heard the story of how she transitioned from being a lawyer to a successful millennial career coach, I knew I had to speak with her! I’m glad I have the opportunity to share Crystal’s journey with you in the following interview. Crystal also shares her advice on how to get over feeling “stuck” in your career and how to get what you want out of life as a young lawyer. You used to practice as an attorney. Tell me how you transitioned into your current career as a millennial career coach?…
The Gen Why Lawyer: Going From Me to We
By Nicole Abboud • March 05, 2016 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues
Are you building a career or are you building a community? The answer should be: Both! They are not mutually exclusive. In fact, I would argue that one cannot successfully exist without the other, at least not in the legal profession as it is today. Law school and the practice of law can feel very singular and isolating. We’re taught early on to view our law school classmates as our competitors not our colleagues. I’m sure we’ve all heard stories of professors ominously warning incoming students that the person to their right and the person to their left won’t make…
The Gen Why Lawyer: Top 5 Lessons I Learned From Interviewing Over 50 Phenomenal Lawyers
By Nicole Abboud • February 05, 2016 •Writers in Residence, Issues, Mentoring and Networking
We’re told as young lawyers to network, network, network. That’s the key to success. Meeting other professionals, finding mentors, and learning from others is the right path to building a long-lasting career. While I completely agree with this concept, I have an approach to networking that has been slightly unconventional. But truthfully, this is not another article discussing the importance of networking. Instead, I want to share with you some of the valuable lessons I have learned through my unconventional networking method – my podcast. Through my show, The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast, I have been able to network with…