Letters to the Next Legal Generation

It’s officially law school season again, and I’ve been feeling all kinds of nostalgic. Six years ago, I was just starting my own journey—before COVID was even a thing, and when I still thought I was going to be a commercial real estate lawyer. It’s insane how much can change in a short amount of time, right?

Every year around this time, I get tons of messages from pre-law and law students asking for advice or wanting to connect, and it still blows my mind that people look at me that way. I still reach out to my own mentors all the time! 

More on Empire State of Law below but being here surrounded by my heroes and having pre law and law students come up to me in NYC wanting to hear my story so they can create their own blueprint feels like an honor. I’m still coming into my own and also paving the way at the same time. It really is full circle.

This year is a little different, though—my assistant just started law school at FIU last week, so we’re living back in law school around here. It’s so cool watching her take this next step, and it reminds me just how far I’ve come since those first few weeks of 1L.

I still remember what my first week of law school was like and all the stress and imposter syndrome I felt. Sometimes I still do and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.

For my pre-law followers, here is a message for you from my assistant:

"If you’re studying for the LSAT or getting your applications ready for the Fall 2026 cycle, I know how overwhelming it can feel. The doubt, the pressure, the second-guessing—it’s real. But please hear me when I say: it’s all worth it.

I’m just one week into law school, and already I know—this was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. It’s challenging, yes. But it’s also empowering. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be consistent. Build a routine, stay disciplined, and trust that the work you’re putting in now is creating a future you’ll be proud of.

You’re not just chasing a degree—you’re stepping into your purpose. You belong here and I cannot wait to share this legal space with you all soon!"

To the Class of 2028—I'm so excited for you. You have no idea where this path will take you, but I promise, just like Emilee said above, it's worth the ride. If there’s anything I can do to support you, just reach out. 

Join my pre law and law student group chat here too, the KML League is the place to be for us law girls who want a life beyond the billable hour and corner offices.

Empire State of Law Recap

Now for the juicy part! The last few days I’ve been in NYC for LVLUP Legal’s industry favorite, Empire State of Law. This event 2 years ago gave me the confidence to go all in on Kayla Moran Law. 

With panels on AI, fashion, NIL and entertainment law, branding and entrepreneurship in the legal space, startups and exits and more, this event is jam packed with information and opportunity. 

It’s where I meet up with colleagues and friends, collaborative partners and have learned more about the pressing issues and cases of the time than anywhere else but also had the luxury of letting loose with my people all with a glamorous city twist.

Every time I head north for this weekend of events, I feel invigorated and excited about the future of space and my career. And the best part is, this year I get to spend the rest of the week in town following up with the people I met and being a part of the NYC ecosystem.

Law school me would never have believed I could spend a week working and living here just because I could! I’m connecting with and coworking with people I’ve met on social media and communities like Hot Smart Rich in some of my fave neighborhoods and coffee shops.

Betting on myself made it happen, so being back here feels extra special now.

New York Recommendations

I can’t believe I haven’t shared them sooner but in honor of my time in the Big Apple, let’s chat about all my fave places to eat, see and work in the city. I have the honor to visit 2x a year at least so I’ve amassed quite the list!

If I’m missing any musts, please let me know so I can add.

Food and Drinks

• Locanda Verde

• Pastis

• Figaro

• Shuka

• Chelsea Market

• Time Out Market NYC

• Quality Meats

• Katz Deli

• Thompson Square Bagels

• The Bar Room and the Beekman

• Tacombi

• Dear Irving Gramercy

• Lelabar

• Koberick Coffee

• American Bar

• Serafina

• Eataly

• The Ned Nomad

• Boulangerie

• Upland

• Dante’s West Village

Coffee and Matcha

• Joe and the Juice

• Blank Street

• Cha Cha Matcha

• Artison Flowers and Cafe

• Bluestone Lane

• Maman

• Dudley’s

• Now or Never

• Stumptown Coffee Roasters

• Koberick Coffee

• Ralph’s Coffee

To Work From

• The Hoxton in Williamsburg

• Soho House

• Dumbo House

• Public House

• Neuehouse

Workout Classes

• Corepower

• Natural Pilates

• Jetset Soho

• Humming Puppy

• Avea

• Sui Yoga

• Three Jewels

Do

• The Met (of course!)

• US Open

• Central Park - take a walk and enjoy the people watching

• Chinatown

• Statute of Liberty

• Chelsea Market

• Chelsea Piers

• Wall Street and the Fearless Girl

• Ferry from Brooklyn to Manhattan

• Walk around Williamsburg

• Explore the UES and Museum Mile

• BROADWAY

  • Go see Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby, Chicago is also a classic!

Stay

• Hyatt Place Chelsea

• Motto Chelsea

I use Kindred to help me rent an apartment and live like a New Yorker. It’s a home swapping app so you have to be open to listing your place for someone to stay too, but the more people you host, the more credits you get. It’s high stakes because we all care about our homes but makes traveling so much more affordable. Check Kindred out with the code IVE.MOR (my mom lol).

I don’t really shop while I’m here but I love walking around SoHo and West Village window shopping. Also definitely stop by Pickle to rent a fabulous outfit if you’re trying to pack light. Use my code Kayla20 for $20 off your first rental here!

PSA: I don’t make money off these codes but I do get some small benefits

New Series Alert: What Content Creators Need to Know Before Hiring a Manager

If you’re a content creator drowning in brand offers, DMs, and the endless admin side of things, Kayla Moran Law’s Manager Series on Instagram is a must-watch. This 6 part series breaks down everything you need to know before hiring a manager—because that decision can truly shape your career.

Wondering if it’s time to bring on a manager? Maybe you’re getting so many brand deals you don’t know where to start. Or maybe you love creating but hate the business hustle. 

In this series, profiled on my LinkedIn here, I cover how to spot the signs, get clear on your vision, and protect yourself legally before signing any contracts. 

These are real, actionable insights for creators who want to grow smart, avoid burnout, and build a team that actually supports their goals.

Here’s what the series covers:

Part 1: Inbound Communication

Are brands sliding into your DMs or inbox weekly? Multiple offers but struggling to keep up with both admin and content? These are major signs it might be time for management.

Part 2: Get Clear on Your Vision

Before hiring a manager, know what kind of creator you are and want to be. Understand your values, how to price your work, and set your short- and long-term goals. 

A manager should help build your career, not redirect it.

Part 3: What Actually Lights You Up?

Love creating but dread the admin, pitching, or negotiating? That’s a big sign it’s time for support. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Managers can support you by handling outreach, contracts, scheduling, and strategy—so you can focus on your creative zone.

Part 4: Contracts & Negotiations

A good manager reviews and negotiates contracts, spots red flags, and protects your rights. But before hiring a manager, always get a lawyer to review the contract to ensure fair terms and clear expectations.

You don’t have to do it all alone. Building the right team makes all the difference—and this series will help you build it the right way.  But it takes finding the perfect strategic partner first.

Ready to watch? Head over to my Instagram to catch the full series and get the inside scoop on hiring a manager that fits your vision and protects your brand.

Quote of the Month

The Power of Words

Now shifting back to mindset, because it wouldn't be my newsletter if we didn’t cover all the bases.

If you’re in law school or practicing law, you know how intense and demanding this journey can be. It’s easy to get caught in the grind and feel weighed down by endless readings, long hours, and high expectations.

That’s why the language you use to talk about your experience matters so much.

Saying “I have to”—like “I have to study for this exam” or “I have to stay late at the office”—can make everything feel like a burden, something forced on you.

But shifting to “I get to”—like “I get to study and learn this material” or “I get to work on cases that make a difference”—changes your mindset entirely. It reminds you that you chose this path and that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, serve clients, and build your career.

This shift in language can help you find motivation even when the workload feels overwhelming. Instead of seeing endless hours of studying or long case files as a burden, reframing it as something you get to do reminds you that every page you read, every brief you draft, is a step toward mastering your craft and building your future.

It also fosters gratitude for the unique opportunities the legal profession offers. Not everyone gets to advocate for justice, influence important decisions, or help people navigate complex challenges.

It's also the best time in your career to be open to everything that comes your way, learning, failing, growing, trying again and more. Be a novice and ask all the questions you have!

It will keep you busy for sure, but saying “I get to” helps you appreciate these moments, even on the toughest days, and keeps you connected to why you chose this path in the first place.

During stressful times, this mindset keeps you grounded in your purpose. I come back to it regularly.

Law school and legal practice can be intense and relentless, but remembering that you get to engage in meaningful work—whether it’s learning, arguing, or supporting clients—gives you a steady anchor amid the pressure.

Finally, embracing “I get to” inspires resilience when you face setbacks or long nights. Challenges and fatigue are inevitable, but seeing them as part of a journey you get to take shifts your perspective. It fuels your determination to keep pushing forward, knowing that each hurdle strengthens your skills and commitment.

The truth is, no matter how tough the journey, you get to be part of a profession that can change lives—and that’s powerful.

So next time you catch yourself saying “I have to,” pause and reframe it. Because when you embrace the power of “I get to,” you’re not just surviving law school or legal work—you’re owning it.

Outro

Whether you’re just cracking open your first casebook or closing deals in the boardroom or your bedroom (or dining table like me), know this: the journey you’re on is uniquely yours. But you’re never walking it alone. 

Law school season always brings me back to my roots, but more importantly, it reminds me how far we all can go when we lean into our purpose, stay curious, and bet on ourselves. And surround ourselves with people who get it.

To the next generation of legal leaders, especially my law girls who dream bigger than corner offices and partner track but no time for yourself… I see you, I’m rooting for you, and I’m building right alongside you. 

Keep pushing, keep questioning, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

Keep Up With Kayla and Kayla Moran Law

Let’s make August a month of purpose, passion, and productivity.

Thanks for reading!

Talk soon,

Kayla