Curating Career Life Stories: How Did I Get Here? Ep. 148 with Ilya Lyubimskiy

Curating Career Life Stories: How did I get here?

Join me for the career reflections of Ilya Lyubimskiy, managing attorney at Premier Legacy Law. Born in Russia, Ilya moves to Colorado at age eight when his parents sought to maximize the opportunities available in the United States. Challenged with learning a new language and cultural norms, he’s also driven by his parents' high expectations, taking IB and AP classes throughout high school.

Inspired by the TV series Law & Order, Ilya set his sights on law school with the goal of becoming a prosecutor. As an undergraduate, he chooses to major in accounting as a practical "Plan B." His first professional experience was as an auditor for a federal agency, where he was required to obtain a CPA license. He earns his CPA while balancing his job and studying for the LSAT. His accounting career then funds his legal education. Eventually, he transitions to legal internships, culminating in his dream job as a prosecutor in Adams County.

After five years the relentless workload and the emotional toll of working with people during their most difficult times began to wear on him. Through careful reflection and research, Ilya decides to shift his focus to estate planning. He starts this new chapter at an established firm, where he honed his skills, ultimately leading him to establish his own firm, Premier Legacy Law.

What’s served Ilya best is being able to adapt and working hard.

Words of wisdom that impacted him are from a role model and mentor who was a judge and US Attorney. She talked about not letting your self-doubt get in the way, causing him to question: “Why am I putting these artificial ceilings up for myself – I have to get out of my own way.”