72. The Overachiever's Guide to Letting Go (and Leveling Up): Leaving Big Law and Gaining Control w/ Lauren Grochow

"I used to think control meant doing it all. Now I know real power is knowing when to hand it over." — Lauren Grochow Ten years into Big Law, Lauren Grochow had everything she thought she wanted—title, prestige, and the next rung on the ladder in sight. But with a six-month-old baby in her arms and a mentor’s question still echoing in her ears, she made a move that changed everything. In this episode of LawHer, Lauren shares how motherhood reshaped her ambition, why launching her own firm was an act of both resistance and renewal, and how empathy became her sharpest tool in the courtroom. From defending workers in high-stakes disputes to building a team-first workplace with Zoom babies and shared racetracks, Lauren is leading a new kind of legal practice—one rooted in purpose, community, and sustainable power. This is the story of a litigator who walked away from the illusion of stability to build something radically human. About Lauren Grochow Lauren Grochow is the founder of Grochow Law, a plaintiff-side employment firm based in Southern California that advocates for workers facing discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful termination. Outside the courtroom, Lauren is a community builder and mentor through Mommy Esq., a support network for lawyer moms. She lives and practices in Orange County, where she’s known for blending jiu-jitsu with justice—and for turning firm ownership into a path for purpose. LinkedIn  Grochow Law Website What’s in This Episode: The Power of No: Why boundaries are a form of advocacy—and how Lauren teaches her team and clients to use “no” with conviction. Culture that Cares: From shared calendars to shared playdates, how Lauren designed a workplace that respects people’s lives. Justice as Empathy: What it means to represent workers in their most vulnerable moments—and how Lauren channels that into strategic, client-first litigation. Rituals for Resilience: The unexpected role jiu-jitsu, therapy, and yoga play in helping her carry the emotional weight of the work.