Elena F. Deutsch, MPH is the Founder of WILL – Women Interested in Leaving (big) Law.
I started WILL because I felt called to help bright, brilliant, hardworking women lawyers who no longer want to toil away in (big) law, and don’t know what else to do.
Many people ask if that’s my story too. It’s not. My dad was a lawyer, and as a kid I always thought I’d be one. When I was 14, he didn’t come home one night, and was arrested for trying to embezzle money from a client. That was the moment I decided to steer far away from law school.
During my career in public health, I discovered coaching. As soon as I started coaching, I attracted lawyers.
Whenever I’d ask smart, high-achieving and stretched-to-the-max women about their goals or if they wanted to make partner, they’d look over their shoulder and whisper, “Can I really talk with you about this?”
After helping a few women break free from the firm and enjoy their friends, relationships and life, I knew I wanted to help more people.
The summer I turned 50, I decided it was time. I split from my business partner, and WILL was born.
Since then, WILL has helped dozens and dozens of women leave (big) law, change their relationship with themselves, and improve their mental and physical health.
One of the biggest joys has been witnessing the amazing ripple effects for members as they’ve begun to be present with their partners, kids, friends and family.