The Joyful Practice for Women Lawyers

Do you shy away from giving tough feedback? As lawyers, we often find ourselves walking a fine line when delivering constructive criticism. Whether it's to colleagues, team members, or clients, these conversations can feel uncomfortable, but avoiding them only leads to bigger problems down the line. In this episode, I dive into the art of delivering constructive feedback in a way that maintains tr...

Do you love the law but find yourself questioning traditional practice models? Freelance lawyering offers a completely different path for lawyers who love the legal work but struggle with traditional practice models. For those who find themselves questioning whether the partnership track, billable hours, or client management aspects of law practice align with their values and lifestyle, there's an...

How often do you find yourself procrastinating even though you know you should be working? It's a common challenge for many lawyers—staring at a task you know you need to complete, only to find yourself putting it off and feeling frustrated with wasted time. In this episode, I'll introduce you to a mindset tool that helps you beat procrastination in the moment, whether it's writing emails, reviewi...

Have you ever felt pressured to be louder, more outgoing, or more visibly confident in order to succeed as a lawyer? The legal profession often seems to reward extroverted behaviors, leaving introverts wondering if they need to change who they are to advance their careers. But there is another way—one that allows you to thrive while staying true to your natural strengths.   In this episode, I shar...

Is it time to refresh your goals for the second half of the year? While January is often treated as the default for setting goals, the midpoint of the year offers something far more valuable: six months of real-world data. You've seen what your practice, your schedule, and your life actually look like, which means now is the ideal moment to reassess what's working, what isn't, and what you want to...

How do you stay grounded when everything feels like too much? In this episode, I walk you through the internal and external factors that tend to trigger a stress response, and how to shift into a more centered, responsive state. From understanding your baseline wiring and physiological cues to reconnecting with your values and priorities, I share a framework that helps me move from reactivity into...

Do you feel like you've fallen off track or out of alignment? The mid-year point offers a perfect opportunity to evaluate where you are and recalibrate your course for the remainder of the year. In this insightful episode, I explore what it means to get "off track" and provide practical strategies for realigning with your authentic goals and values.   This episode provides a framework for reconnec...

Have you considered alternative options in your legal career? In this episode, I'm joined by three accomplished lawyers—Betta Wishart, Catalina Rodriguez, and Cherisse Friesen—who share their candid experiences navigating non-linear career paths across private practice, in-house roles, and public service   Through their combined journeys spanning multiple cities, practice areas, and life transitio...

Do you struggle with public speaking? This is a fundamental skill that shapes every lawyer's professional reputation and success, whether presenting in a courtroom or speaking up during client meetings. In this episode, professional speaker and communication coach Stephanie C. Mitchell shares essential strategies for delivering clear, confident presentations that connect with any audience.   With...

Why is building an internal market for your work the most important skill for a lawyer to develop in order to thrive in a law firm environment? Many lawyers graduate from law school well-trained in legal analysis but completely unprepared for the entrepreneurial aspects of practice.   In this episode, I share three powerful frameworks to help you develop your internal market, drawing an illuminati...

What sets effective legal writing apart when you move from law school to a law firm? The transition from academic to professional legal writing can be challenging, but it's a critical skill that will serve you throughout your career.    In today's episode, I'm joined by Amanda Haverstick, a legal writing coach who shares valuable insights on how to excel in this essential area. We discuss common m...

Are you about to start your first summer at a law firm? In this episode, I'm addressing the common hurdles that summer students and new lawyers encounter when stepping into a law firm environment for the first time.    I'm sharing strategies to help you navigate this transition successfully, from developing an owner's mindset to managing shifting priorities and building confidence. Whether you're...

Have you ever found yourself replaying an imaginary conversation in your head, anticipating criticism that hasn't even happened yet? I recently caught myself doing exactly this—mentally preparing for criticism from someone in my personal life. It made me realize just how powerful criticism can be, affecting our actions and decisions even when it's merely anticipated rather than actually received....

Are you constantly searching for the perfect productivity app to manage your overwhelming to-do list? In this episode, I reveal what a renowned productivity expert considers the ultimate productivity app—and it might surprise you.    I share a four-step process to transform your relationship with productivity, helping you move from mindlessly checking boxes to intentionally creating a practice and...

Is the grass actually greener on the other side of the fence? This question plagues many lawyers who find themselves stuck in a professional rut, unsure whether to stay in their current position or venture into new territory.    In this episode, I draw surprising parallels between relationship dynamics on reality TV and the career dilemmas lawyers face. I uncover ten valuable lessons that apply di...

What does it mean to lead with a champion mindset? As lawyers, we often focus on our own development and success, but true leadership extends beyond personal achievement. It's about lifting others up, advocating for them, and creating opportunities that help them thrive.   I'll share three common obstacles that prevent lawyers from championing others and practical solutions to overcome them. By ad...

Have you ever noticed that the more you try to control everything in your life and practice, the less certain you actually feel? This paradox of chasing certainty is something I see regularly in my coaching practice with lawyers. When we desperately try to create predictability by controlling external factors, we often end up feeling more uncertain and exhausted than when we started.   In today's...

Should you go part-time after maternity leave? It's a question that many women lawyers grapple with as they prepare to return to work after having a baby. On one hand, you want to be there for your child and soak up all those precious early moments. But on the other hand, you've worked hard to build your career and don't want to lose momentum.   In this episode, I share my own experience of going...

As I celebrate the 200th episode of The Joyful Practice for Women Lawyers podcast, I'm taking a moment to reflect on the question a former colleague posed to me way back in 2018, just months after I completed my coaching certification: "What do you wish you had known when you practiced law that you've learned since becoming a coach?"   In this special episode, I'm excited to share with you the top...

I dive into the concept of procrastination and how it relates to our "future selves." Learn three common myths about putting things off and strategies to overcome the temptation to delay important tasks.   By the end of this episode, you'll have a new perspective on procrastination and practical tools to take action in the present moment. I share how small choices we make today can have a big impa...

As a lawyer, you've been trained to think logically and focus on facts. But what about the emotional side of practicing law? The pressures, the high stakes, the difficult relationships - they all take a toll. Studies show that anxiety, stress, depression and substance abuse are very real problems for many lawyers.   I offer tools to help you better understand what is going on in your mind and mana...

I share my top three tips for ADHD lawyers who want to approach career planning in a more creative, fulfilling way. I encourage embracing a non-linear career path, using mind mapping to explore professional possibilities, and trusting your gut when making career decisions.   Learn how to navigate job transitions in a way that aligns with your strengths, interests and values. I also share strategie...

I share my top three strategies for boosting productivity and improving time management, specifically tailored for lawyers with ADHD. Drawing on my experience coaching lawyers with ADHD, I offer practical tips you can implement right away.   Discover how to create effective visual cues, build productive habits, and adapt when your systems inevitably fail. If you're ready to take control of your ti...

I'm joined by Beth Mountford, a legal recruiter and director with Smith Legal Search in Toronto, Canada, who specializes in placing top legal talent in private practice and in-house.   From crafting compelling CVs and cover letters to acing your interviews, Beth provides practical tips and strategies to help you navigate the job search process with confidence. She also shares insights on working w...

I share actionable strategies to help you hit the ground running at your new firm. From managing your mindset to building key relationships, we'll cover what you need to know to thrive.   Whether you're making a move to a new firm now or considering a transition in the future, this episode will equip you with a roadmap to make the most of this pivotal moment in your career. Let's dive in and explo...