Counsel To Counsel - Career Advice For Lawyers podcast

#Careers #Business #Marketing #Alternativelegalcareers #Attorneycoaching #Attorneymarketing #Lawfirmassociates #Lawfirmpartners #Lawfirmpartnership #Lawyers #Legalcareers #Legalmarketing #Stephen Seckler #Stephen Seckler: attorney career #Leadership Coach #Attorney

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When a young Eva Kollisch arrives as a refugee in New York in 1940, she finds a community among socialists who share her values and idealism. She soon discovers ‘the cause’ isn’t as idyllic as it seems. Little does she know this is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to activism and her determination to create radical change in ways that include belonging, love and one's full self. In addition to Eva Kollisch’s memoirs Girl in Movement (2000) and The Ground Under My Feet (2014), LBI’s collections include an oral history interview with Eva conducted in 2014 and the papers of Eva’s mother, poet Margarete Kolllisch, which document Eva’s childhood experience on the Kindertransport. Learn more at www.lbi.org/kollisch . Exile is a production of the Leo Baeck Institute , New York | Berlin and Antica Productions . It’s narrated by Mandy Patinkin. Executive Producers include Katrina Onstad, Stuart Coxe, and Bernie Blum. Senior Producer is Debbie Pacheco. Associate Producers are Hailey Choi and Emily Morantz. Research and translation by Isabella Kempf. Sound design and audio mix by Philip Wilson, with help from Cameron McIver. Theme music by Oliver Wickham. Voice acting by Natalia Bushnik. Special thanks to the Kollisch family for the use of Eva’s two memoirs, “Girl in Movement” and “The Ground Under My Feet”, the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College and their “Voices of Feminism Oral History Project”, and Soundtrack New York.…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Counsel to Counsel is a periodic podcast produced by Stephen Seckler of Seckler Attorney Coaching (www.counseltocounsel.com). It addresses important career, marketing, and leadership issues facing attorneys. The target audience is associates, counsel and partners at law firms of all sizes; but the podcast also addresses issues that are relevant to in-house counsel, law students or any lawyer who is looking for career insights inside or outside of the law. Counsel to Counsel is aimed at individual lawyers who are looking to increase their own career satisfaction and build their marketing and leadership skills. The podcast features interviews with leading consultants, career professionals and marketing experts who advise attorneys on careers, marketing, law firm management and related issues. The guests are also a roster of successful attorneys who have found career satisfaction inside and outside the law. Counsel to Counsel is a direct outgrowth of the blog Counsel to Counsel which Stephen Seckler has been publishing since 2005. Since graduating from law school in the late 1980s, Stephen Seckler has been advising lawyers on career and marketing issues and working with a broad mix of law firms and corporate law departments. He began blogging when legal blogging was in its infancy and his blog Counsel to Counsel was named to the ABA Journal’s Blawg 100 in 2007 and 2008 (the first two years that list was in existence). Steve has written extensively on career and marketing issues and he has spoken at many law school, law firm and bar association events. He served on the Boston Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Work Life Balance and was Vice Chair of the Law Practice Management Section of the Massachusetts Bar Association. He is active in the Senior Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association, the ProVisors business network, and has been quoted frequently in the legal and business press.

103 episoade

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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updated acum 14 zile

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103 episoade

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Episode 150-Growing Your Law Firm with Dominic Grew 30:41

acum 14 zile30:41

30:41

In this episode, business coach Dominic Grew returns to discuss how solo and small firm lawyers can strategically grow their practices without overextending themselves. Dominic shares practical insights on leveraging time, outsourcing non-billable tasks, and using fractional resources before committing to full-time hires. Key Topics: When to consider hiring support staff or associates The benefits of fractional hires and outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping and IT Avoiding common mistakes when expanding a law practice How to balance delegation while maintaining quality Real-world scenarios: Hiring a first employee, sharing an associate, and weighing contract help vs. joining a larger firm Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever wondered how to scale your law firm while maintaining efficiency and profitability, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you make informed decisions about growth. Additional Resources: Episode 110: Getting to No – Turning Leads into Business with Dominic Grew…

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Episode 149—Turning Business Conversations into Business—a Role-Play with Gary Johnson 49:01

acum 5 weeks49:01

49:01

In this episode, host Stephen Seckler welcomes back Gary Johnson, president of J2 Marketing Consultants , for a dynamic session of role-playing client intakes. They explore how lawyers can turn initial business conversations into productive relationships. Gary, an expert in coaching attorneys on growing their practices, shares practical techniques for understanding client needs, building trust, and addressing objections. Role-play scenarios include consultations with a restaurant owner expanding his business, a divorcing client navigating complex emotions and custody issues, and parents of a special needs child seeking estate planning advice. Each scenario highlights the importance of active listening, empathy, and providing tailored solutions. Gary also emphasizes the long-term value of relationship-building in legal marketing. This episode is packed with actionable insights for lawyers aiming to enhance their client interactions and business development strategies. Additional Resources Episode 74-Turning Business Conversations into Business-with Gary Johnson Episode 144-Turning Business Contacts into Business: Lessons From the 2024 Election Episode 110-Dominic Grew on “Getting to No”-Turning Leads into Business and Other Ways to Succeed in Private Practice…

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Episode 148-Strategic Marketing for Law Firms with Carrie Flynn 36:06

acum 6 weeks36:06

36:06

In this episode, host Stephen Seckler sits down with Carrie Flynn , a fractional CMO and growth marketing consultant, to explore the evolving landscape of marketing for lawyers and law firms. Carrie brings over eight years of experience helping professional service businesses scale their revenue and impact through tailored digital and traditional marketing strategies. Together, they unpack the essential elements of building a robust marketing plan that balances relationship-building with digital tools. Key Topics Discussed: Marketing Fundamentals for Law Firms: How to identify your ideal client and develop targeted messaging to stand out in a competitive market. The Power of Diversification: Combining referral marketing with digital strategies like email marketing, social media, and SEO to drive consistent lead generation. Data-Driven Strategies: Leveraging past performance to inform future marketing decisions and optimize results. AI in Legal Marketing: The opportunities and ethical considerations when incorporating AI into your marketing efforts. Actionable Steps: Tips for creating a focused 90-day marketing plan and evaluating its impact. Carrie also shares her journey from public school teacher to marketing consultant and offers insights into how law firms can establish effective marketing practices that drive growth without sacrificing work/life balance.…

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Episode 147-Your Legal Career: If It’s Broke, Fix It or Move On? 36:22

acum 8 weeks36:22

36:22

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel , host Stephen Seckler is joined by Susanne Aronowitz , a senior consultant with Beard Strategies and a Professional Certified Coach, to discuss career transitions and job satisfaction for lawyers. Susanne shares her journey from employment attorney to career coach, offering insights drawn from her 25 years of experience. Together, they explore how lawyers can address career dissatisfaction, identify whether issues are fixable within their current role, and recognize when it’s time to move on. Susanne also provides actionable advice on navigating involuntary job loss, reframing layoffs as opportunities for growth, and leveraging networking for successful transitions. The conversation covers strategies for improving job satisfaction, such as proposing changes to employers, adjusting responsibilities, and exploring complementary practice areas. Susanne highlights the importance of self-care and managing negative self-talk during career transitions, as well as practical steps for processing emotions and maintaining professionalism in the face of job loss. Packed with valuable tips and inspiring success stories, this episode offers a roadmap for lawyers seeking fulfillment and balance in their careers. Don’t miss Susanne’s expert guidance on turning challenges into opportunities! For more information, visit Susanne's website or contact her directly. Additional Resources Strategies for Prioritizing Well-Being in Attorney Job Searches and Career Development Episode 142-Winning in Your Own Court with Dena Lefkowitz Episode 135-Tackling Mental Health Issues in the Law with Amy Levine and LCL ·…

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Episode 146-Nancy Capistran on Using Peer Advisory Groups and Individual Coaching to Build Leadership Skills 35:05

acum 12 weeks35:05

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In this episode of the Counsel to Counsel podcast, host Stephen Seckler engages with Nancy Capistran, founder of Capistran Leadership and a Vistage chair, to delve into the transformative impact of peer advisory groups and executive coaching. Nancy, an internationally certified executive coach and crisis advisor, is renowned for her commitment to Expanding Human Excellence®. She is also the author of the best-selling book Open Your Eyes and LEAD: Hardship and Wisdom Shape the Best Leaders in Life , which offers insights into overcoming challenges to achieve exceptional results. In this conversation, Nancy shares how group coaching fosters leadership growth through collaborative learning, diverse perspectives, and collective problem-solving. She also distinguishes between group and one-on-one coaching, emphasizing how each format can transform leaders both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a legal professional or a business executive, this episode provides practical insights into leadership development and maximizing your potential. Additional Resources Episode 130-Emotional Intelligence and EQ i-2.0 With Susan Schwartz Episode 129-Law Firm Leadership with Kristi Royse Ted Lasso (?TV+) and Lessons in Leadership and Performance 15 Tips for Leadership Success…

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Episode 145-“Earley” Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Own Law Practice 34:47

acum 14 weeks34:47

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Starting your own law practice is a bold and rewarding move, but it comes with its share of challenges. In this episode of Counsel to Counsel , host Stephen Seckler sits down with Chris Earley , a Massachusetts-based personal injury attorney and business coach, to discuss lessons from his journey building the Earley Law Group from scratch. Chris shares insights from his ABA article, "Five Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Law Practice," and offers actionable advice for attorneys looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Chris recounts the early days of his practice, launching in 2005 with no cases, money, or connections, and the hustle it took to get his firm off the ground. He emphasizes the importance of networking and creative marketing, lessons he learned the hard way. Chris also reflects on how shifting his mindset from being a lawyer to being a business owner transformed his approach to growth. From leveraging his last name in branding to building a strong referral network, Chris’s story is packed with practical tips for standing out in a crowded market. The episode also explores the evolution of personal injury law, including trends like safer cars and self-driving technology that are reshaping the field. Chris discusses the challenges of scaling a practice, managing stress, and staying present for his family. Whether you're a new lawyer considering starting your own firm or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your approach, this conversation will inspire and equip you to navigate the path ahead with confidence. Additional Resources Five Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Own Law Practice (ABA membership required)…

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Episode 144-Turning Business Contacts into Business: Lessons From the 2024 Election 8:52

acum 16 weeks8:52

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In this episode of Counsel to Counsel , host Stephen Seckler shares insights from his recent experiences volunteering during the 2024 election. Drawing lessons from the power of listening in political campaigns, Steve explores how lawyers can apply the same principles to business development. He emphasizes that active listening and understanding client concerns are key to building trust and turning relationships into business opportunities. Steve breaks down practical strategies for lawyers: Ask open-ended questions to uncover client needs. Help clients articulate the urgency of solving their problems. Position yourself as a problem-solver, not a salesperson. Build trust by guiding clients through a thoughtful, solution-focused process. Tune in to learn how these strategies can help you grow your practice authentically and effectively.…

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Episode 143-The Longevity Revolution with Judith Kurnick 40:09

acum 18 weeks40:09

40:09

In this episode Steve Seckler speaks with Judith Kurnick , an executive transition coach who specializes in guiding late-career lawyers, executives, and business owners as they navigate career transitions. Judith delves into the “longevity revolution,” the idea that professionals in their 60s can expect to live and thrive for another 25-30 years. She shares strategies for overcoming challenges like ageism, health concerns, financial planning, and maintaining relevance while transitioning from demanding roles. The episode provides practical advice on shifting mindsets, exploring new roles, and developing personalized plans to stay productive, engaged, and fulfilled in later career stages. Judith also emphasizes the importance of repurposing skills rather than retiring, helping listeners rethink what’s possible in their next chapter. Judith Kurnick is an executive transition coach, speaker, and writer with over 35 years of experience as a strategic communications leader. Drawing from her background as a former classical musician, C-suite executive, and consultant, she helps clients create personalized plans to remain relevant, productive, and energized as they move into the next stages of their careers. Additional Resources and Episodes Episode 134-Law Firm Succession Planning with David Wood Episode 67-Retirement By Design (for Lawyers) Succession Planning for Your Career-What Comes Next…

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Episode 142-Winning in Your Own Court with Dena Lefkowitz 33:54

acum 20 weeks33:54

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In this episode of Counsel to Counsel , host Stephen Seckler welcomes Dena Lefkowitz , a professional coach and former practicing attorney who helps lawyers navigate the complexities of career development, marketing, and finding professional fulfillment. Dena practiced law for over 20 years before transitioning to coaching and has authored the book Winning in Your Own Court , published by the American Bar Association. The book has garnered notable recognition, including the Nautilus Silver Award for Inner Prosperity & Right Livelihood. Together, Stephen and Dena discuss key insights from the book, focusing on how lawyers can take control of their careers, improve well-being, and discover greater satisfaction in their work. Tune in as they explore topics such as why attorneys often become dissatisfied in their careers, strategies for managing burnout, the importance of self-awareness, and practical steps for improving time management. They also delve into networking, setting boundaries, and how lawyers can embrace change in their professional lives. This episode is packed with actionable advice for attorneys seeking to boost their career satisfaction while maintaining balance and personal fulfillment. Related Episodes and Resources Episode 139-Conquering Perfectionism in the Practice of Law with Jordana Confino Episode 135-Tackling Mental Health Issues in the Law with Amy Levine and LCL Episode 122-For the Sake of Your Mental Health, Stop Thinking (and Acting) Like a Lawyer…

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Episode 141-Co-Mediation with Jeff Soilson, Esq. and Ashleigh Louis Ph.D. 45:55

acum 22 weeks45:55

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In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, I am joined by Jeffrey Soilson, Esq. and Ashleigh Louis, Ph.D., founders of Quantum ADR, an innovative co-mediation practice. Quantum ADR takes an interdisciplinary approach to conflict resolution by combining Jeff's 25 years of family law expertise with Ashleigh's deep understanding of psychology. Together, they offer a unique "two-coach" model that addresses both the legal and emotional aspects of disputes, creating a more holistic process for their clients. In this episode, Jeff and Ashleigh share their insights into how their combined expertise helps clients navigate complex situations like divorce, co-parenting, and even workplace conflicts while also fostering skills for conflict prevention. The conversation highlights the distinct advantages of having both legal and psychological perspectives in mediation, such as the ability to understand emotional blockages that often hinder resolution and the importance of aligning clients’ actions with their core values. Jeff and Ashleigh describe how their model aims to prevent future conflicts by helping clients resolve their inner struggles, ultimately leading to more effective and lasting agreements. They also discuss how their co-mediation practice is structured to be more cost-efficient compared to traditional litigation, allowing clients to save both time and money while receiving comprehensive support through the mediation process. Tune in to learn how this innovative approach to mediation could redefine how we think about dispute resolution.…

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Episode 140- Naïs Mouret on Emotional Intelligence, Physical Well-being, and the Practice of Law 31:39

acum 24 weeks31:39

31:39

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel , host Steve Seckler interviews Naïs Mouret, a global leadership advisor and certified emotional intelligence consultant. Naïs shares insights on the critical role of emotional intelligence (EI) and physical well-being in the legal profession. Drawing on her experience working at the United Nations and her extensive background in leadership consulting, she highlights how empathy, resilience, and mindfulness are essential tools for both professional success and personal satisfaction. Naïs emphasizes the importance of developing EI to better connect with clients and colleagues, particularly in high-pressure environments like law firms. Naïs also discusses the profound impact of physical well-being on professional performance, advocating for small, practical steps that lawyers can integrate into their daily routines to enhance both mental and physical health. From mindfulness exercises to movement breaks, she shares tips on how busy legal professionals can foster resilience and maintain balance. This episode provides valuable advice for young lawyers on building long-term success by prioritizing both emotional intelligence and personal well-being. Related Episodes and Resources Episode 139-Conquering Perfectionism in the Practice of Law with Jordana Confino Episode 135-Tackling Mental Health Issues in the Law with Amy Levine and LCL Episode 130-Emotional Intelligence and EQ i-2.0 With Susan Schwartz How Developing Emotional Intelligence Will Lead to Long-term Success for Lawyers The Power of Physical Wellbeing - Beyond Self-help and Mental Health Practices [Reach out to Stephen Seckler for PDF versions of articles]…

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Episode 139-Conquering Perfectionism in the Practice of Law with Jordana Confino 42:34

acum 27 weeks42:34

42:34

In this episode of the Counsel to Counsel podcast, host Stephen Seckler is joined by Jordana Confino , a certified professional coach and founder of JC Coaching & Consulting. Together, they explore the pervasive issue of perfectionism within the legal profession, discussing how it often leads to anxiety, burnout, and career stagnation. Jordana shares her personal journey from practicing law while grappling with perfectionism to discovering the transformative power of positive psychology, which helped her redefine success and well-being in her career and life. Jordana delves into the cultural and psychological roots of perfectionism in law, explaining how it can hinder career growth and creativity despite being viewed as a badge of honor in the profession. She outlines effective strategies for overcoming perfectionist tendencies, including self-compassion, distanced self-talk, and setting healthy boundaries. Through science-backed techniques and her own experiences, Jordana provides valuable insights for lawyers looking to achieve sustainable success and fulfillment without sacrificing their mental health. Additional Resources Self-Compassion Guide — Jordana Confino Episode 135-Tackling Mental Health Issues in the Law with Amy Levine and LCL Episode 70-Shailini George on Doing Well and Being Well in the Law…

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Episode 138-Thought Leadership and Careers in Business Law with Lana Manganiello 31:03

acum 29 weeks31:03

31:03

In this episode Stephen Seckler speaks with Lana Manganiello , author of the new book Careers in Business Law: Forging Your Path to Success (American Bar Association 2024). Lana shares insights from her extensive experience working with AmLaw 200 firms on business strategy, attorney development, and implementing innovative growth initiatives. They discuss the evolving landscape of business law, the importance of aligning career choices with personal values, and how thought leadership can be a powerful tool for lawyers. Whether you're a law student, early-career lawyer, or seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable advice on navigating and succeeding in the legal profession. Tune in to learn more about Lana's career journey, her motivations for writing the book, and the key lessons she hopes readers will take away. Additional Episodes Episode 68-Are there Gender Differences in Legal Marketing?—What Men and Women Can Learn From Each Other About Building a Law Practice Episode 118-Paths to Partnership in 2023 and Beyond-With Laura Terrell…

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Episode 137-Summertime, Time Blocking, and Checking Things Off of Your To Do List 7:13

acum 32 weeks7:13

7:13

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, I'm taking a summer pause from interviewing to catch up on some projects. I share with you my thoughts on using time blocking as a way to get to the things that are important but not urgent. Related Episodes Episode 123-Setting Your 2024 Goals and Creating Your “To Don't" List with Jennifer Forester and Wendy Merrill Episode 57- Billable Work v. Investment Hours (Dr. Sarah Reiff-Hekking on Time Management)…

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Episode 136- Aliant, a New Global Model for Practicing Law with Jacob Stein 31:58

acum 34 weeks31:58

31:58

Law is a conservative profession where change happens slowly. Law firms generally lag far behind accounting firms in creating new models. But since the explosion of the internet in the late 1990s, that rate of change has begun to accelerate. And with the rapid proliferation of ChatGPT and other AI tools, law will surely undergo a lot more change in the next five years. In this episode, we dive into the innovative legal model of Aliant with Managing Partner Jacob Stein . Aliant is a global network of independent mid-sized law firms that combines the credibility of a large firm with the flexibility and profitability of a boutique practice. Jacob discusses how Aliant LLP operates as a distributed/remote law firm in the US, offering back-office support while allowing lawyers to maintain high profit margins and operate independently. We explore the benefits for lawyers, including increased control over workload, high profit margins, and reduced stress, as well as the advantages for clients, such as personalized service and access to a global network. Tune in to learn more about how Aliant is revolutionizing the legal industry and providing a new model for legal practice.…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 135-Tackling Mental Health Issues in the Law with Amy Levine and LCL 25:28

acum 36 weeks25:28

25:28

Attorney well-being continues to be a hot topic in the legal community. While the most severe effects of the pandemic are now behind us, mental health continues to be a significant issue in our profession. But there is a lot being done to address these challenges. To provide some context, several years ago, the Report of the Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, issued by the American Bar Association, Conference of Chief Judges, and other legal organizations, called well-being an essential element of a lawyer’s duty of competence. In Massachusetts, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers plays a vital role in supporting attorneys, and the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts has established a Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being to enhance the well-being of lawyers, judges, and law students in the Commonwealth. In this episode, my former colleague, Amy Levine discusses the many initiatives going on in Massachusetts and around the country. Amy is the Director of Programs and Volunteers at Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) of Massachusetts. Amy has over 20 years of experience in the legal industry. She has worked in in marketing, human resources, and legal recruiting and has a background in social work. In 2018, Amy was one of the first guests on this podcast where she talked about interviewing. At LCL, Amy creates programs for the Massachusetts legal community and provides customized educational programming for various legal organizations. She also recruits and manages LCL’s volunteers, who assist in running recovery groups, provide peer monitoring services, and act as ambassadors for the organization. We discuss the critical role of Lawyers Assistance Programs around the country, the extensive range of services offered by LCL, and the impact these programs have on lawyer well-being.…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 134-Law Firm Succession Planning with David Wood 44:02

acum 38 weeks44:02

44:02

As the baby boomer generation of lawyers approaches retirement, many firms are facing the looming challenge of ensuring a seamless transition for their clients. This process is not just about maintaining business continuity but also about safeguarding the firm's legacy and client relationships. Unfortunately, many firms are not adequately addressing these issues, which can lead to significant disruptions. In this episode, I speak with a consultant who is working with law firms to change this. David Wood is a former senior partner with an AmLaw 100 firm, who planned and executed the succession of his entire $6 million practice to talented younger partners before he retired. Recognizing that many law firms struggle to achieve this outcome, he now advises firms and practice groups on retirement succession issues and strategies. Key Takeaways Many law firms struggle with effective succession planning when senior partners retire Transitioning client relationships and revenue streams to younger partners is crucial Open communication about retirement plans and identifying successors is key Retiring partners need a vision for their post-law life to ease the transition…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 133-Transitioning to In-house From Litigation and Building a Legal Team—With Matt Campobasso 36:57

acum 39 weeks36:57

36:57

For many lawyers in private practice, going in-house is the ultimate goal. For transactional lawyers and for some specialties like employment law, the path to a corporate role is more obvious. For litigators, less so. Most companies outsource a lot of their litigation because the need tends to fluctuate. But litigators can bring valuable skills to a corporate environment. And there are many examples of litigators who have gone on to have successful in-house careers. In this episode I speak with Matt Campobasso , a litigator who has built a solid in-house legal career after having a successful career in private practice and public service. Matt Campobasso is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Enfusion, Inc., a publicly traded fintech company headquartered in Chicago. He joined the company in 2020 as Deputy General Counsel and helped take the company public. Prior to that, he served as in-house counsel to two other companies. He began his career as a prosecutor and then spent ten years litigating with a major firm in Chicago. In addition to discussing his path to in-house and why he thinks litigators make good in-house counsel, Matt shares his philosophy about leadership and how he has grown the legal function and the legal team at Enfusion.…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 132-My Return to Live Conferences 6:41

acum 43 weeks6:41

6:41

I was beginning to think that live conferences were in my rear view mirror...until I attended the Annual Education Conference of the National Association for Law Placement. It was my first live conference in over four years. And I was like a kid in a candy shop. While I've made a point of going to an occasional live event, especially in the last two years (including speaking at live events), I had pretty much give up on conferences. Attending the NALP conference changed that for me. The quality of the networking and the quality of the workshops convinced me that going to live conferences is still an important part of marketing and professional development. Listen in to hear my story. Additional Resources Checklist for Networking Functions (before, during, and after) Active Listening-Do I Really Need to Say This?…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 131-Becoming Memorable with Merry Neitlich 37:23

acum 45 weeks37:23

37:23

We’ve talked a lot on this show about sales and marketing and how selling legal services is different than selling a product. That’s good news for those of us in the legal industry because many of us don’t like the thought of being a salesperson. Selling legal services is about relationships building. The challenge, however, is that clients generally don’t need your services all the time. You don’t know when a client, potential client, or referral source will have a need or hear of a need. That’s why it is important to stay top of mind over a long period of time. But how do you do that? How can you make yourself memorable whether you are delivering a pitch, giving a presentation, or simply building relationships in the community. In this episode, Merry Neitlich talks about that. I’ve know about Merry for years, but we only met more recently through the ProVisors business network. Back in the early 1990s when legal marketing was starting to take off, Merry was one of the pioneers in the legal marketing community. Merry Neitlich has over 25 years of experience in law firm marketing, business development, and strategic planning. She provides attorneys and law firms with tools to grow their business and to successfully identify, court, and convert targets into clients. She has conducted hundreds of client feedback interviews and has a lot of experience helping firms with branding, Merry has been an active member of the Legal Marketing Association. She is a frequent national speaker and author. In 2017, she was inducted into the Legal Marketing Association Hall of Fame. She is also an accomplished nationally ranked adult competitive figure skater. Additional Resources If You Are Not Memorable, Don’t Expect to Be Remembered…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 130-Emotional Intelligence and EQ i-2.0 With Susan Schwartz 36:28

acum 47 weeks36:28

36:28

I've had a number of guests on this show speaking about leadership. A large part of this is that I'm very interested in the subject. But I also feel that this is a skill set that is often neglected in the legal profession. As lawyers, we learn a lot about our craft in law school and even more once we are in practice. As professionals, we are taught to analyze the law and help our clients to identify legal risks. Our job is to be skeptical and to apply dispassionate reasoning to the situation so that our clients can protect themselves from legal exposure and comply with the law. We work to get our clients the best possible outcome whether it is in a litigation matter or in a corporate or real estate deal. We help our clients to achieve their personal or business objectives in a way that avoids legal risk or accomplishes their legal objectives. But the same skills that we cultivate in practicing law can interfere with our ability to be an effective leader. Whether you are a managing partner, a practice group leader, running your own law firm, serving as a general counsel, or managing other members of the legal team as an assistant general counsel, you need a different skill set to be successful. In particular, emotional intelligence is one skill that you need to cultivate in order to be successful in a leadership role. In this episode, Susan Schwartz provides great insights on that subject. Susan Schwartz is a leadership coach and management consultant. She equips technical experts and teams with the skills they need to become excellent leaders. Her tagline is : Transforming expert professionals into emotionally intelligent leaders. Additional Resources Episode 129-Law Firm Leadership with Kristi Royse 15 Tips For Leadership Success Episode 121-John Buckley on Building Your Executive Presence Episode 103-Ben Sachs on Building High-Performance Legal Teams Episode 80-Leadership for Lawyers-Moving Up in Your Law Firm or Corporate Law Department…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 129-Law Firm Leadership with Kristi Royse 40:29

acum 49 weeks40:29

40:29

The practice of law has evolved a lot in the three decades since I graduated from law school. Technology has replace many monotonous functions and computers have replaced paper. The internet has revolutionized how legal research is done and how law firms market themselves. It has enabled remote work and interaction in a way that was unimaginable in the 1980s. At the same time, there are some fundamental things that have not changed. The practice of law is still a service business that requires a lot of human interaction. Law firms are still challenging places to work. Clients can be demanding, the stakes can be high, and the billable hour can create unwanted incentives. In addition, lawyers like their autonomy. Managing a group of lawyers is not for the faint of heart and takes a skill set that is very different than the skill set needed to practice law. So what do you need to know to be an effective law firm leader? How can you inspire partners, associates, paralegals, and administrative staff to give it their all? Kristi Royse joins me in this episode to answer those questions. Kristi Royse is the CEO of KLR Consulting . She is a nationally recognized speaker, facilitator, management consultant, executive coach, and trainer. Since 1987, Kristi has been coaching executives to be stronger leaders and helping organizations optimize their most vital resource - their people. Kristi works with law firms and other organizations to help their leaders build the skills they need to thrive in rapidly changing circumstances. She helps leaders, teams, and leaders-to-be tap their potential, improve their leadership abilities, and strategically shift their perspective.…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 128-Here Comes the Judge- the Honorable Paul Wilson (ret.) 48:15

acum 51 weeks48:15

48:15

For a long time, I’ve been meaning to invite a judge onto Counsel to Counsel to talk about judicial careers. Going on the bench is a logical next step for many litigators and I wanted to speak to a judge who could offer some practical wisdom on the subject. When I met Paul Wilson at an ABA conference in late 2022, I realized right away that I had a great prospect. At the time, Paul was still sitting on the bench, so we decided to wait until he reached mandatory retirement. Paul is in fact now retired; but he remains very active in a number of law related activities. In this episode, Paul shares his wisdom on judicial careers. What does it mean to transition from litigator to judge? What are the pluses? What are the potential minuses? And how do you position yourself for a judgeship? In the Spring of 2023, The Honorable Paul Wilson retired from the Massachusetts Superior Court, the highest trial court in the Commonwealth. He sat for over a decade on the Superior Court after being in private practice for 30 years at the law firm of Mintz Levin. Paul spent most of his career doing real estate, land use, and environmental litigation. He has always had a strong commitment to public service and has received a number of awards for his pro bono and volunteer efforts.…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 127-Law Firm Operations and Launching Your Own Firm-With Diane Camacho 38:06

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In the legal press and even in popular media, larger law firms tend to get a most of the attention. In truth, a high percentage of lawyers in the United States practice in firms that are under 20 attorneys. And many of those are solo practitioners or very small firms that have broken away from larger firms. While I know that there are many lawyers who are satisfied with practicing in a large or mid-sized firm, as technology has continued to improve over the last two decades, I have seen many attorneys realize the benefits of running their own practice. Being your own boss is not for everyone, but I can say as a solopreneur, it can be very rewarding. I have worked with quite a few lawyers who have left comfortable law firm jobs to go out on their own or join forces with a handful of colleagues. Most of them are happier on the other side. The challenge for lawyers who are contemplating this type of move is that they have never run their own business. Where should the practice be located? What services should the firm provide? And perhaps even more challenging: What technology should you be using to run your practice? Should you hire anyone? What are your obligations to employees? How should you set up your books? Who should do your website or maintain it? and What things should you be outsourcing? To answer those questions and provide some tips on how to be successful as you launch your own practice, I invited Diane Camacho. Diane is the owner of DLC Consulting Services, LLC . She and her team work with established law firms to improve operations and increase profits. They also help attorneys start their own firms. Diane has worked with many partners who have decided to break away from much larger firms. She has helped them get set up so that their launch is smooth, and they are set up for future success.…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 126-Embracing Legal Technology with Colin Levy 33:35

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When I graduated from law school in the late 1980s, there was no internet, no email, and fax machines were widely in use. I used a Dictaphone to generate correspondence and had an assistant to transcribe the tapes. While working remotely was possible because of the telephone, going into an office was the norm. In the intervening years, the rate of technological change has been truly astounding. And while the internet, email, and social media have continued that evolution, in my opinion, the explosion of AI in the practice of law has been the most significant change in my lifetime. Never before has it been easier to run a practice as a solo. The array of tools for research, communication, analysis, and drafting are replacing human labor. I’ve always been interested in technology and while I do try to keep up, technology is not my major. So I’ve invited Colin Levy to talk about the state of the art in legal tech in the practice of law. Colin S. Levy is a lawyer and legal tech author and speaker. Throughout his career, Colin has seen technology as a key driver in improving how legal services are performed. Because his career has spanned industries, he witnessed myriad issues, from a systemic lack of interest in technology to the high cost of legal services barring entry to consumers. Now, his mission is to bridge the gap between the tech world and the legal world, advocating for the ways technology can be a useful tool for the lawyer’s tool belt rather than a fear-inducing obstacle to effective legal work. Colin is the author of The Legal Tech Ecosystem which discusses the development of the legal tech ecosystem over the past two decades, and how legal technology can help lawyers work more efficiently. In addition, he is the editor of the Handbook of Legal Tech. A few years ago, I began seeing Colin come up a lot more in my LinkedIn feed and I realized that is was time to sit down with him and pick his brain! In this episode we discuss his overall philosophy about the use of technology in the law, his book, the Legal Tech Ecosystem, the biggest obstacles the legal industry faces when it comes to adopting new technology, and his role at Malbek . Additional Resources Episode 120-Scaling Your Law Firm with AI Episode 107-ChatGPT and Trends in Legal Marketing Technology-with Jared Correia…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 125-James Grace on Financial Planning After the Bar 47:34

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We talk a lot on this program about finding ways to build a more satisfying legal career. While many attorneys are drawn to the profession because they care about justice, they like the idea of becoming a trusted advisor, or they just enjoy the intellectual rigor of being an attorney, status and money are important too. But if you are like me, one of the reasons you chose law school rather than business school is because math is not your jam. If you are a lawyer who has been practicing for a few years and thinking about your financial health and your financial future, you may have questions about paying off your student loans or figuring out how much to start saving for retirement. Maybe you aren’t sure how to organize your finances now that you are planning for life’s big events like buying a house or starting a family. Maybe you are thinking about eventually starting your own law practice and you aren’t sure how to get your financial house in order. James Grace has joined me for a very practical conversation about managing your finances as you get past the early stages of your legal career. Jim is the Director of Wealth Management for Silver Pine Capital . Jim worked at regional wealth management agencies and banks before joining Silver Pine. Jim describes himself as an educator, coach, motivator, confident, coach. He is also the host of the Modern Financial Wellness podcast . He is also someone I've gotten to know, like, and trust through my ProVisors business network. Additional Resources Episode 62- Financial & Career Planning for Senior Attorneys Episode 93-Planning for Retirement with Julie Jason, The Discerning Investment Advisor…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 124-Lauren Rikleen on Social Justice and Defending American Democracy 40:16

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In this episode, I speak with my first “threepeat” guest, Lauren Rikleen. This is Lauren’s third appearance on Counsel to Counsel. She was actually one of my first guests when I launched the show in 2018. In that episode, we spoke about success strategies for women and the work she has done on that issue. In the Spring of 2022,I invited Lauren back to talk more about her legal career including working in the field of environmental law as it was just taking off. We also spoke about what inspired her to make a career shift away from the practice of law. If you haven’t already listened to it, I invite you to go back to episode 81. I met Lauren in the early 1990s when I was at Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education and later had the privilege of sitting on her Standing Committee on Work/Life Balance when she was President of the Boston Bar Association. I knew soon after I met her that Lauren is someone who is not afraid to speak up when she sees injustice. She is also a person with a big heart who cares not only about making an impact but also about investing in the success of professionals who come from disadvantaged groups. Most importantly, she laughs at most of my jokes and keeps me laughing as well. I invited Lauren back because she is the editor of a new book entitled Her Honor. Her Honor is an inspiring compendium of the lives of 25 female judges including many judges of color. Most of these judges were women who overcame significant gender and racial discrimination to get to the bench and all of them are judges who felt a great sense of responsibility to continue the fight for racial and gender equity. I also invited her back to talk about the important work that she is doing through Lawyers Defending American Democracy. Lauren Rikleen is President of the Rikleen Institute for Strategic Leadership . She is also the Executive Director of Lawyers Defending American Democracy . Additional Episodes Episode 87-The Advancement of Women in Law with Elise Holtzman Episode 81-Lauren Rikleen-Rebel with Many Causes…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 123-Setting Your 2024 Goals and Creating Your “To Don't" List with Jennifer Forester and Wendy Merrill 45:53

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December is a great time to take stock, hit the reset button, and do some planning. With 2024 around the corner, I’ve been speaking with my clients about setting goals for the new year. I’m not talking about making New Year’s resolutions. It's important to understand that resolutions and goals are not the same. Resolutions often lack specificity and a plan of action, making them easy to abandon. On the other hand, setting clear, well-defined goals lays a foundation for measurable progress and sustained success. In this episode, I’m pleased to welcome Wendy Merrill and Jennifer Forester , two great coaches who also work with the legal community. Jen and Wendy are also talking right now to their clients about goal setting and they have some great tips to share. In our conversation, we speak about setting marketing and business development goals for your law practice. But Wendy and Jen also have some thoughts about other areas in your professional and personal life where setting goals can help ensure that you are moving forward in all aspects of your life. They also discuss creating a “To Don’t” list. Jennifer Forester helps lawyers avoid random acts of marketing. She’s a business development coach for corporate and consumer attorneys, drawing on 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and client service roles with big law and boutiques. Jen lives in northern California with her two Boxer dogs and her husband, who is a family law attorney. Wendy Merrill is a growth strategist, thought leader, and founder of StrategyHorse. StrategyHorse is a consulting firm dedicated to improving law firm profitability through alignment and engagement strategies. For over a decade, Wendy has been working with lawyers and firms to revolutionize the practice of law. Wendy lives in the DC area. Additional Resources Episode 109-Sarah Tetlow on Delegating and Dealing with Distraction Episode 57- Billable Work v. Investment Hours (Dr. Sarah Reiff-Hekking on Time Management)…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 122-For the Sake of Your Mental Health, Stop Thinking (and Acting) Like a Lawyer 6:29

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As attorneys, we share many qualities that make us effective in representing our clients. Our skepticism, aversion to risk, sense of urgency, competitiveness, and pessimism, can all be good for out clients. But when it comes to building a practice, advancing our careers, or taking on leadership roles, we are more effective when we remove our lawyering hats. As it turns out, these qualities can also have a pernicious effect on our mental health. In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, I share my thoughts on why it is important to stop thinking and acting like a lawyer in social situations. Additional Resources Stop Thinking (and Acting) Like a Lawyer–unless you are giving legal advice! Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Massachusetts - free and confidential mental health and substance abuse services for attorneys (check your state bar for similar resources in other states) Episode 70-Shailini George on Doing Well and Being Well in the Law…

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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Episode 121-John Buckley on Building Your Executive Presence 51:33

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