What is it really like to be a family law attorney?
In this episode of Time We Discuss, host Dan sits down with family law attorney and law firm owner Jolee Vacchi to explore the realities of practicing family law. From divorce cases and child custody disputes to emotional resilience, work life balance, and starting a law firm, this conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes of a legal career many people are curious about but rarely understand.
Jolee practices family law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and focuses on compassionate divorce and mediation. She shares what family law attorneys actually do day to day, how often they are in court, and how emotionally demanding this area of law can be. The conversation also covers mental health support for attorneys, burnout in the legal profession, and why compassion is essential when working with families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
This episode is especially valuable for anyone considering law school, exploring legal career paths, thinking about becoming a family law attorney, or curious about how divorce and custody cases really work.
In this episode, we discuss
- What a family law attorney does
- Divorce law vs family law
- Child custody and court appearances
- The emotional challenges of family law
- Mental health and burnout in legal careers
- Work life balance for attorneys
- Starting a family law firm
- Career paths and pivots within law
- Who family law is and is not right for
About our guest
Jolee Vacchi is the founder of Foundations Family Law and Mediation Center, serving clients across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She is also the co host of the Divorce Detox podcast, where she shares legal insights alongside emotional regulation strategies for people navigating divorce.
About Time We Discuss
Time We Discuss is a career discovery podcast where we interview professionals across industries to learn what it is really like to do their jobs. Each episode explores career paths, daily responsibilities, challenges, and unexpected insights to help listeners make more informed career decisions.
Subscribe for more conversations about real careers and real work.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:44 - What do family lawyers really do?
1:39 - Difference divorce attorney and family attorney
2:07 - How often are you in court?
3:25 - Working in tandem with social workers
4:30 - Separating person and professional life
6:34 - Mental well-being and lawyers
7:26 - Why family law?
9:25 - Importance of wanting to help people
10:34 - Pivoting out of family law
11:49 - Work-life balance for a family lawyer
13:18 - Starting her own firm
16:07 - Preparing to leave and being an entrepreneur
16:36 - Getting that first client
18:29 - Expectations for PTO for attorneys
19:52 - Hidden perks of being a family attorney
21:26 - This isn't for you if ...
22:22 - Thank you Ashley
22:46 - Talent has the floor.
23:33 - Outro
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Guest Information:
Jolee Vacchi
Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:
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