Episode #012: From Fear to Fulfillment: Leading with Passion in Law with Dawn Smith
💡 “There’s no such thing as work-life balance—only work-life integration.”
In this inspiring episode of Mind Over Law, host Lexlee Overton sits down with powerhouse trial lawyer Dawn Smith, Managing Attorney at Smith Clinesmith, LLP, for a deep dive into what it truly means to lead with passion and purpose in law. Dawn shares her journey—from a childhood dream sparked by a visit to the U.S. Supreme Court to becoming a nationally recognized advocate for the rights of the elderly.
With over $60 million in verdicts and settlements, Dawn has mastered the art of turning fear into fuel, making bold career decisions, and staying resilient in a high-stakes profession. She dives into why finding joy in your work, embracing emotions, and breaking outdated legal norms are essential to long-term success and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
✔️Ditch the Work-Life Balance Myth: Why true success comes from loving what you do and aligning your career with your passions.
✔️ Fear is a Liar: How to push past fear and self-doubt to take bold steps in your career—even when you don’t feel ready.
✔️ The Secret to Managing High-Stakes Pressure: Dawn’s go-to practices for handling secondary trauma, stress, and the emotional toll of trial law.
✔️ Embrace Emotion, Break the Rules: Why being authentic and emotionally connected makes you a more powerful advocate in the courtroom.
✔️ Energy Over Time Management: How shifting your focus from managing time to managing energy can transform your productivity and well-being.
Dawn’s wisdom will challenge you to rethink how you practice law and inspire you to step fully into the career and life you truly want.
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