Amy Impellizzeri leaves big law to become a novelist

The Lawyer's Escape Pod

Amy Impellizzeri is a former big law corporate litigator who leveraged a sabbatical opportunity to do freelance writing for a start-up publisher. She then permanently left practice to lean into her interest in writing and is now, as she says, a writer who used to be a lawyer rather than a lawyer who writes. She’s published 5 fiction novels and one non-fiction book, “Lawyer Interrupted”. In 2022, “How to Leave the Law”, her second non-fiction book with co-Author Liz Brown, will be released.

We have a great conversation about creativity, limiting beliefs, and prioritizing taking the time for exploration. For anyone who has thought about chucking it all to become a writer, I think you’ll love this interview.

In this episode we discuss:

• Amy started in a smaller law firm, then moved to big law for a decade thinking that’s what you do if you have the chance
• Having kids was a respite from a grueling practice
• Amy was offered a 1 year sabbatical offer during the great recession
• Amy used the year to gain clarity on her next step
• Amy did freelance writing for a start-up publisher
• Law is basically designed to stamp out your creative and innovative sides
• Amy reconnected with her interest in writing
• A legal background helps you in so many business ventures
• Craft exit plan by spending a year of intentional exploration
• You have time - you just have to draw boundaries and take it

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Amy’s Website: https://www.amyimpellizzeri.com/