Episode# 005: Beyond the Verdict: Finding Purpose and Power in Law with Jacqui Ford
"I do it my way."
That’s the mantra of today's guest, Jacqui Ford. A trailblazing criminal defense attorney, Jacqui has built her career on challenging the traditional rules of practicing law. In this episode of Mind Over Law, Jacqui sits down with host Lexlee Overton to share her inspiring journey of overcoming burnout, redefining success, and building a practice rooted in compassion, courage, and authenticity.
Jacqui’s story is one of resilience and transformation. From managing the emotional weight of defending society’s most misunderstood clients to leading the next generation of lawyers, Jacgui’s message is clear: You can succeed without compromising your integrity or your well-being.
Key Takeaways:
Know Your Why: Jacqui’s legal career is deeply connected to her personal experience growing up in a family affected by the criminal justice system. She shares how her purpose—ensuring her clients and their families feel that they matter—fuels her through the hardest cases.
Handling Defeat with Grace: Loss is common in the legal world, especially in criminal defense. Jacqui shares her shift from taking losses personally to accepting that her work, even in defeat, has deep value. Winning, for her, is now about ensuring her clients feel supported through their most difficult moments.
Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Early in her career, Jacqui faced significant burnout. She shares how embracing self-compassion, mentorship, and intentional leadership helped her rebuild a sustainable law practice where both she and her team thrive.
Stepping Into Fear and Courage: Jacqui speaks candidly about how running for public office, despite fear, allowed her to grow as both a lawyer and leader. Her courage to show up, even when the outcome was uncertain, was a pivotal moment in her life.
Jacqui will be a featured speaker at the Women’s Leadership Workshop in January, hosted by Lexlee Overton in New Orleans. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Book Recommendation: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning—Jacqui mentions this book as part of her journey to declutter physically and mentally, creating space for new growth and creativity. ORDER IT HERE
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