Should I Start a Podcast as a Practicing Attorney?

The podcasting universe is vast and expanding on a daily basis. It is also a fun and accessible way to engage with others and explore ideas that interest you. If you are a practicing attorney and contemplating the idea of starting your own podcast, the following are some reasons why that might be a good idea.

An Idea/Topic Has Captivated You

Do you have an idea or a topic that you can't stop thinking about and spend time researching in your free time? If so, then starting a podcast might be a good way to explore the topic and invite others into that exploration with you.

"Conversations with GCs," the podcast that I am fortunate to host for the American Bar Association, was borne out of my deep interest in learning what it meant to be a General Counsel. Writing the podcast proposal, pitching the idea, crafting the podcast outline and lining up guests didn't feel like incremental work on top of my existing obligations. It felt more like a hobby. The idea of having an idea turn into an actual podcast was exciting and the process was enjoyable.

You Have Structural Support

As a practicing attorney, you need the blessing of your employer to engage in a podcast. This is particularly the case if your podcast is in the legal space.

Further, in my view, you should not be editing and thinking about the best ways to package and distribute your podcast as a practicing attorney. Setting the substantive agenda and lining up guests is quite enough! There are so many people who can help you with these aspects of podcasting. If you would like some recommendations, I'm happy to share.

It is also a good idea to affiliate with an organization in connection with your podcast. For example, you can submit a podcast idea to the American Bar Association. Again, happy to make that connection for you if you are interested. If I can do it, so can you!

You Have The Basic Tech Needed

While you can spend a ton of money getting fancy equipment, you can also get by with relatively inexpensive tech. My equipment cost me about $200. The microphone and headphones that I use (recommended by others in the podcasting community) are below:

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone (ATR Series)?


Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black?        

The Podcast Fits Into a Broader Strategy/Plan

While not essential, it would be helpful if your podcast fits into a broader strategy or plan that you already have in place. For example, will the podcast help give you exposure to a part of your network that can help you achieve a professional or personal goal? Or, will the podcast help you develop your expertise in a particular area where you need to grow?

For me, Conversations with GCs has allowed me to have conversations and develop relationships with leading GCs and exposed many areas of needed growth as I continue to explore the path to becoming a GC.

Putting it Together & Invitation

If you have an idea that has captivated you, the necessary support around you, the basic tech needed and an overall strategy and plan of which the podcast can play a logical part, I would encourage you to give it a shot!

Podcasting has been a great experience for me and I'm happy to be a resource for you as you think about launching your own podcast, whether that means sharing the podcast proposal I submitted to the ABA, my podcast outline or connecting you with others in the podcasting community that have helped me along my journey. Please reach out if I can ever be of help.