Solo Firm Autonomy: Escaping the Partnership Trap

Yladrea Drummond went from being “team no care about the law" to
becoming a highly successful trial attorney and solo firm owner
in Maryland and DC. She openly shares the grit required to get
barred after a seven-year journey, how she transitioned her
practice from family law to dominating criminal defense, and the
non-negotiable value of complete autonomy that running her own
firm provides. This conversation is a raw, honest look at the
transition from legal disappointment to becoming a respected "big
dog in court" who is truly building a legacy



LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES


While Yladrea is a self-proclaimed "workhorse" focused on the
rapid expansion and day-to-day operations of her successful trial
firm, she also acknowledges the importance of creative outlets
that serve as a side interest and a form of therapy. Her personal
hustle is in the realm of writing, specifically fiction, which is
a powerful creative counterbalance to the high-stress demands of
her criminal defense practice.
“I love to write,” Yladrea Drummond shares in Episode 213 of
You Are a Lawyer.

Although the fiction novel was ultimately shelved, Yladrea
recognizes her love for writing remains strong. She notes that if
she were to pursue a writing project now, after achieving success
in her firm, she would aim to share her professional expertise in
a non-traditional format.





LISTEN TO LEARN


How to protect your peace and stay grounded in high-pressure
legal roles

What it looks like to lead authentically, even in corporate
settings

Why saying “yes” to rest is essential for longevity in the
legal field



WE ALSO DISCUSS


The pressures of overachievement and burnout in law

Black joy, healing, and the power of community

Redefining success beyond titles and traditional career paths



Partnership: Did you know that children as young
as 10 can be prosecuted as adults in Pennsylvania? 





You Are A Lawyer has partnered with YSRP, the Youth Sentencing
and Re-Entry Project, to bring awareness to their fight to keep
young people out of adult prisons and to advocate for youth
lifers. 





Visit YSRP.org to support this cause. Thank you.