The Former Lawyer Podcast

When Tragedy Leads to Career Changes and Better Balance with Laura Markham

Sarah Cottrell Episode 265

When Laura Markham suddenly lost her husband, everything changed—including how she viewed her legal career. In this episode, Laura shares her path from real estate litigation to finding a more flexible, values-aligned role after loss. She talks about parenting through grief, rethinking the billable hour, and how the Collab helped her reconnect with what she actually wanted from work and life. 

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for a change—or if you’re just trying to keep going during a hard season—Laura’s story will remind you that there’s no one “right” path forward, and going back to something familiar might just be the best next step. 

See show notes at formerlawyer.com/265