day in the life of an ex-lawyer | returning to law, feeling lost & a new routine

It's been almost 2 years since I quit my job as a lawyer working in private practice...so I thought it was about time to update you guys while showing you what my days look like now.
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[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

i love how your videos are a contrast to lloyd's in that they are more introspective, while lloyd's videos tend to be more light-hearted. it's like a yin-yang dynamic which i personally appreciate v much as i can relate to both of you.

[@lloydmeng]

That’s a great description of our dynamic - we definitely have different (and complementary) ways we like to express ourselves via our videos 😄 appreciate the feedback and glad you’re enjoying our videos!

[@EmandLloyd]

Oh it’s wonderful to hear that (and really interesting to hear how you view our dynamic) - we definitely balance each other out!

[@HoàngNhậtTânVũ]

Since the two of you decided to quit your job, I have been very conflicted because I am also a lawyer and have encountered similar problems that the two of you have encountered, but at the same time I really like the value that the job brings. I’m happy for Emily when you can still take advantage of your knowledge and experience in law and come back with a different capacity.

[@EmandLloyd]

This conflict is an interesting one, and one we've had many discussions about with other lawyers! The way we see it is that every role in every industry has its own pros and cons, so to put it simply, I think the 'right' job is one where the pros (whatever they may be) make the cons worth it.

[@chanbla11mit]

What I love about this channel is that you guys keep it real and let us know all the difficulties and downsides along with the upsides of choosing a particular path while also staying optimistic and showing us great examples of how you can stay productive and happy despite any difficulties.

[@EmandLloyd]

We're glad to hear that! At the end of the day, nothing is perfect (and nothing is forever either) so just have to make the best of things 🙂

[@carolnatural]

I’m also in the middle of career change in my mid thirties, juggling between motherhood, studying and jump start a new career. I started to realise sometimes in life you just can’t analyse too much, becuz there is too much uncertainties yet opportunities are also lurking around, so long as we know what’s the options out there and try our best at every endeavour we are given in life, I believe things will turn out just fine ❤

[@lwalwi]

I'm a South African qualified lawyer practicing in London. I fibd your content so calming and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your lives with us

[@CathDaddy]

This resonated so much with me! It’s not that you were against this type of position, you had just never even considered it! Whenever I feel stuck, I always come back to “am I operating under the wrong premise?” Meaning, is the way I’m thinking about things the issue, and that in turn gives me options that don’t suit me? Once I open my mind to even more possibilities, there’s usually an answer!

[@EmandLloyd]

Ooh "am I operating under the wrong premise" is a great question to ask - will remember that one!

[@Aisulu190]

This video is very enjoyable, thank you. I guess I’m in a similar position of being in limbo after quitting so it reassuring to hear someone going through same things and finding the answer.

[@EmandLloyd]

You’re definitely not alone!

[@Bourgeois-Bohemian]

Hi Em! Glad to know that you have started a new path and enjoying it. I do agree with you what you mentioned - sometimes over-analysing on things will not help much, but giving it a try would definitely be more practical. Look forward to your new update!

[@inflightexpert]

I absolutely love these day in the life videos - and you both produce some of the best! More of these please - all the best, David

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks David 😊

[@chrisxxg]

Really enjoyed this, especially given the many parallels we have. I also took a break from my profession, and this month (2 years later too) I'm going back to my profession in a different role. I've taken up new hobbies, gone on amazing holidays, and developed a better relationship with my loved ones. Hopefully I'll get to keep all these things in this new chapter. 🙂 No yummy pistachio ice-cream for me though, so maybe I'll work on getting myself an ice-cream maker and a partner!

[@EmandLloyd]

Oh it’s so interesting to hear all of our parallels, and to know I’m not alone in my trajectory! Wishing you all the best in your new chapter (and technically you only need the ice-cream maker for ice cream 😆)

[@kavitabalakrishnan6219]

This was lovely to watch. Wishing you all the best in your new routine. You do look more content in this new lifestyle. Missed seeing the meals that you and Lloyd often cook. Hope to see more of such segments. Thanks for sharing.

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks so much! There will be more cooking content coming soon :)

[@KaMi-gz1il]

It's so nice to see a new video! Every Sunday I look forward to watching your videos, guys! The best of luck in this new role, life is full of possibilities and amazing paths. At the end of the day everything takes its place and having a life where we're willing to take risks it what makes it worth living it, in my opinion. So, to me, your stories are inspiring!

[@EmandLloyd]

Aw thank you so much, that means a lot 🥰 100% agree that being willing to take risks is what makes life worth living!

[@sariany9794]

This video made me so happy, so glad you guys are finding a way back to routine but a better routine like getting to try new things like that pistaccio ice cream!! Good luck on the new position Em! Hope to see more days in the life from Lloyd as well!

[@EmandLloyd]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@SaelPossible]

Seems like a great day! Also love seeing the SOL relationship moments in the videos!

[@samho6777]

So happy to hear you jumping out of the box and taking on new challenges!!!! "Never say never, because limits, like fears are often just illusion" by MJ 23 Keep up your good work and can't wait for your next video!!!!!

[@EmandLloyd]

Thank you so much Sam!! “Never say never” indeed 😊

[@christielee9899]

Em, I'm sure being a practice manager in a set of chambers would be very refreshing. (My chambers are also steering in that direction, and it's a wiiiiiiild journey). All the best in your new career!

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks a lot Christie!! It is indeed quite the journey so far haha - a very interesting one!

[@holywichy]

I’m a corporate M&A in-house lawyer in Thailand. My opinion is that if you still have to or want to be a lawyer with less time consuming, changing from law firm to in-house is a good choice. Many lawyers start from law firms for experiences and move to in-house like after 5 years. Your salary may be less but it’s not that much less. Not sure, how it is in other countries.

[@pamfan221]

This is was so tranquil and insightful. That meal with beef and broccoli looked simple yet filling!

[@sannadahlstrom1]

Another great video. Love your content, always intresting topics and such a nice feeling overall 🤗

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks so much! ☺️

[@viviane-_-]

Hey Em and Lloyd, saw the news about Hong Kong’s storm and flooding, hope you guys are safe and well.

[@janicewu8744]

Thanks for sharing!!! I also need to take action NOW coz my life has been stuck in limbo for a while too

[@---zg7ex]

love the vibe for this channel,

[@joyjoy534]

The problem is there are too many lawyers in the US and only those graduated at top law schools get hired as lawyers in the US. The rest works as whatever jobs they can get such as office managers or seek Oversea opportunities. Unless you are like my friend who has a mechanical engineering degree on top of a JD, your option for other career path is very limited outside of legal practice.

[@miamyy4]

How did you explain your career gap during the interview? I want to take a career break too and figure out what I want to do next besides pursuing the corporate route.

[@ShannahMarieMontales]

Hi Em! I have been following your channel ever since I was preparing for the Bar Exams until becoming a lawyer last year. I rly love your contents [P.S. I rarely follow KZbinrs :) ] I know I'm pretty much of a newbie in lawyering but so far my priority has been balance and self-management. There are many possibilities too-- up to us to choose and do happily ;-) Congratulations on your comeback to the legal industry! I am excited every time you guys upload a new vid! Much love from the Philippines. And oh, how I miss Hong Kong!

[@EmandLloyd]

Thank you for such a lovely comment! I think prioritising balance and self-management from the get-go is a great approach (I would have 100% told my younger lawyer self to do the same!)

[@changingconversations]

Ex-lawyers can do really well in BD. Good luck!

[@mosqutio88]

I also took a 2 year break to become an end-of-life care giver to my late-grandmother. Since she passed away I've sailed around the world, started an e-commerce business, and spend more time with aging parents, and play pickle ball with them. Now I plan to go back to healthcare. Just curious--what is the reason for having foreign judges practice law within Hong Kong? That does not exist within the US. Thank you!

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks for sharing, I appreciate hearing other's experiences with taking a break and how it was meaningful to them! Re foreign judges practicing within HK, if you're referring to non-permanent judges (NPJs) from other countries, my understanding is that it's meant to provide diversity of judicial experience and perspectives (as the judges invited are ones who have made important contributions in their home countries).

[@ml4992]

Thank you for sharing your updates. I love your channel and your sunglasses, where is it from? 😅

[@EmandLloyd]

Thank you! My sunglasses are from Gentle Monster (I think the style is called Lilit)

[@genechan]

Thx for sharing, curious how you might think about two years - necessary? successful? Any highlights and lowlights? Would you recommend it to others?

[@hardcorecode]

absolutely loved the little mic... so cute! otherwise great video as always.

[@EmandLloyd]

Thank you! The little mic is very handy :)

[@RoaringKitKat]

Hi Em! Possible to elaborate on your new role. Im quite curious. Further, do you notice distinct differences between British Barristers vs American or HK equivalent in your area of Law. Cheers.

[@EmandLloyd]

I’ll go into more detail down the road if there’s interest! (plus this role is still somewhat in its infancy atm) As for distinct differences, I haven’t spent much time working with US lawyers so I can’t speak to that (and also they don’t have barristers since the US has a fused bar). For UK vs HK barristers, I wouldn’t say I’ve observed huge differences based on my experience working with them as a solicitor, although I haven’t spent an extensive amount of time working with UK barristers either!

[@pychow5666]

I'm not in the legal industry but I am also curious what this new job is about.

[@juliachan3]

Hello Em, could you please share the cafe name at 6:25 ?Thanks😊

[@DJFan-kl5vj]

first of all that’s a gigantic piece of ice!! then beef stew and pistacchio ice cream 🤤

[@EmandLloyd]

Haha there are no ice cubes in this household!

[@nathaliesit5399]

Addoil Em :)) Good to see you on youtube hahahaa (Nat from uni)

[@EmandLloyd]

Haha thanks so much Nat!! ☺️

[@talulahcohen2531]

i really enjoy your day in the life! :)

[@Wjfhclz]

Love ur video.

[@misscappuccino5920]

As a newbie lawyer not understanding your niche of practice development as a lawyer, you help barrister doing what? Kindly explain and make and share more details please

[@parksheenchan3377]

Can Lloyd please drop the Pistachio ice cream recipe - thanks!

[@drsarahhhhhh]

what cafe is it featured in the video where u worked with ur laptop in afternoon?

[@tansanDOTeth]

Loved this video

[@abbosjonmurtazaev7982]

Love it!

[@cherylgohmh]

hi em! where is your laptop case from? i love it!

[@EmandLloyd]

It’s from Marc by Marc Jacobs! I got it quite a long time ago though (5+ years) so not sure if they still have anything similar

[@chillwithmari]

So cool that you try BJJ! Have you injured yourself so far tho?😅 It looks quite daunting!

[@EmandLloyd]

Haha I promise it’s less daunting in real life (we just choose the more exciting bits for the video lol!) As for injuries, so far only minor ones like small bruises, not too different from a lot of other sports

[@macykwok1453]

Hi there, could you tell us more regarding the roles of a business developer for barrister? What are your tasks on a daily basis? ;)

[@GavinKohAquascaping]

Love your editing style and pacing. You audio is also exceptionally clear. Can you tell me what mic and recorder you are using? Much appreciated!

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks! On the camera, we use a RODE VideoMic GO II as a shotgun mic, or a RODE Wireless GO II as a lavalier mic. For voiceovers (which we don't have in this video), we use a Shure MV7. We master some of the audio (particularly the audio recorded on the lav mics during the editing process to get the quality as high as possible!

[@CashClarity]

❤ Loved getting to look into your life.

[@jackchen8367]

good good study, day day up 😜

[@FM-dm8xj]

How did you know you wanted to be a lawyer and how did you know law school (being very hard) was right for you? Thanks!

[@EmandLloyd]

To be honest, I didn’t! I was only 17 when I decided (I did law as an undergrad degree) and it just seemed to make sense based on my academic strengths/weaknesses at the time. In any event though, I don’t think I would have been able to really know if it was right for me until I tried 🙂

[@FrenchWithEddy]

I couldn’t have said it better! I also studied law, for the exact same reasons. When I think about it, having to choose at 17/18 years old is crazy!

[@aaronhernandez4928]

what you're back to law???

[@leonfong4456]

Oh no... return to law again😢😢😢

[@leonfong4456]

EMI, i think u gotta find ur own talent and use it

[@leonfong4456]

Put a higher fat content in the ice cream and see the difference

[@lannyjr1042]

Sound like Elaines boy friends problem. He wants to just to exports instead of import & exports. This has caused some troubles in downstream 🙄

[@Emilyghe]

Bears sterns still exists?

[@EmandLloyd]

That would be quite the job change! I work with barristers 🙂

[@Emilyghe]

lol I misheard it@@EmandLloyd

[@explorewithCK]

Great content, however I prefer it if you can voice record all your narratives rather than typing them out as it makes it more engaging 😊 nonetheless great video

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks for the feedback, will keep that in mind 👍

[@davidc4408]

Do you have a networth target? I gave law for a magic circle firm in London and was hard as had planned to make partner. Now have two successful e-commerce businesses in the commodities sector. Expect them to pull in a net $600k this year

[@v1zhual]

🫰

[@bobbyaxecsp9600]

Boring I am so sorry

[@lloydmeng]

[@nnicollan]

This felt really balanced 🩵 happy for you