Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

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)

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.

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

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

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.

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]

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

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

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)

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.