This Legal Life: Lessons Learned from a Life in Legal

In this powerful episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga sits down with Heidi Brown—law professor, former litigator, and author of The Introverted Lawyer—for an unflinching look at reinvention, authenticity, and navigating fear in the legal profession. From surviving 9/11 to walking away from tenure, Heidi shares her journey of writing through shame, embracing introversion, and rejecting traditional legal molds. With the release of her most personal work yet, The Map I Draw, Heidi offers a blueprint for building a meaningful career rooted in knowing yourself—and choosing yourself.

Meet Heidi:

Professor Heidi K. Brown is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Associate Dean for Upper Level Writing at New York Law School, and a former litigator in the construction industry.

Heidi is the author of three books about well-being for law students and lawyers, including The Introverted Lawyer, Untangling Fear in Lawyering, and The Flourishing Lawyer: A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Performance and Well-Being. In 2021, she earned a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

She is the 2023 Recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Well-Being in Legal Education from the Association of American Law Schools’ (AALS) Section on Balance and Well-Being in Legal Education.

With 30 years of experience in legal practice and academia, Heidi champions the importance of openly discussing stressors, anxieties, and fears in lawyering—and helping quiet and anxious law students and lawyers tap into their individual strengths to become profoundly effective advocates, in their authentic voices.

Her debut travel memoir, The Map I Draw: A Memoir of Travel as a Passport to Self, launched in June 2025.

🔗Connect with Heidi

• Amazon (New Book): The Map I Draw: A Memoir of Travel as a Passport to Self
• Websites: www.heidikristinbrown.com | www.theflourishinglawyer.org
• Instagram: @introvertedlawyer | @heidiographia
• LinkedIn: Heidi Brown
• NYLS Profile: Heidi K. Brown - New York Law School
• Substack: Heidiography

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Stephen Revell—Founder, Senior Partner at Making Change Happen—to explore what it really takes to future-proof a law firm and lead with purpose.

A Freshfields veteran with 43 years at the firm, Stephen shares his evolution from international dealmaker to trusted advisor helping law firms around the world navigate leadership transitions, strategy, and client relationships. He opens up about the power of going first, the importance of mentoring the next generation, and why law firms must be built for longevity—not just short-term success.

Meet Our Guest:

Following his retirement as a partner at Freshfields, Stephen has established a consulting firm – Making Change Happen – through which he provides management advice to law firms and other professional service providers throughout the world. He advises on a wide range of topics relevant to the management of law firms, ranging from governance and remuneration to right-sizing business services and implementing new pricing strategies. He works for law firms all over the world and of many different sizes and shapes. As part of his work for law firms, he often speaks directly to partners either in one-on-one mentoring sessions or at partner retreats.

Stephen practiced at Freshfields for over 41 years on 3 different continents and was a partner for 33 years. He was actively involved in creating Freshfields’ Stronger Together initiative, its network of relationship firms around the world that allows it to deliver Freshfields’ service to clients in any market. He has extensive experience representing corporate and institutional clients in all types of corporate transactions – from M&A and joint ventures to IPOs, equity offerings, and debt offerings of all kinds – many with a cross-border element and involving emerging markets. He has worked in over 50 countries.

As part of his portfolio of activities, he is a member of the advisory boards of several law firms and is an independent non-executive director on the board of several companies including Crown Resorts Limited, a leading player in the Australian entertainment industry.

He is co-author of a variety of books and a regular speaker on law firm management topics. Most recently he edited a second edition of Business Development – an IBA/Globe book that is the ‘bible’ on the subject.

Stephen has been very active in the IBA for many years and is involved in a wide array of projects, activities, and committees. He is the immediate former Co-Chair of the Law Firm Management Committee, the SPPI/PPID Representative on the LPD Council, and a member of the Group Members Membership Committee.

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Scott Oliver—Partner at Lewis Kappes, educator, and SBA Closing Attorney—to explore what it means to build a legal career with intentionality and direction. From publishing content as a first-year associate to leading a national lending practice, Scott shares how focusing deeply on a niche, nurturing authentic relationships through LinkedIn, and playing the long game helped him grow from junior lawyer to practice leader.

Together, they discuss business development as a young associate, the underrated power of networks, scaling with purpose, and why betting on yourself (and your niche) can be your greatest asset in an evolving legal world.

Meet our Guest:

Scott Oliver is a Partner at Lewis Kappes, a law firm based in Indianapolis with a national practice representing banks and non-bank lenders in SBA-financed transactions. Over the course of his career, Scott has closed thousands of deals, with a focus on business and real estate acquisitions.

In addition to his legal practice, Scott serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law, a frequent public speaker, and a recognized content creator for students, attorneys, and entrepreneurs. He attributes his growth in practice and business development to strategic focus, thought leadership, and building genuine professional relationships.

A forward-thinking practitioner, Scott is passionate about innovation, legal tech, and staying ahead of industry trends by always asking, “Where is the puck going?” It’s a mindset that shapes how he helps clients and colleagues stay on the cutting edge of what’s next.

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Henry Nelson-Case—lawyer, content creator, and mental health advocate—to explore how the legal profession is evolving in the age of social media.

From filming green screen videos as a teen to earning 8 million likes on TikTok, Henry shares how content creation became a vehicle for career transformation, connection, and culture change. They dive into the rise of Legal TikTok, the value of showing up on LinkedIn, and why Gen Z lawyers are reshaping the meaning of professional identity in law.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about what’s next for lawyers—and how creativity, vulnerability, and community might just be the future of legal life.

About Our Guest:

Alongside being a lawyer, Henry is a super sharp, witty creator who blends legal insights with comedy, tackling everything from toxic office culture to millennial vs. Gen Z struggles.

Henry creates relatable and impactful content on social media that aims to positively impact the lives of all those who have been affected by negative corporate workplace behaviours. In doing so, Henry strives to promote the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and challenge such toxic corporate behaviours.

Henry has also delivered a TEDx talk on how toxic masculinity negatively impacts men's mental health, alongside speaking on BBC World News on Millennial and Gen Z behaviours.

He has also spoken at Oxford and Cambridge universities and has also led discussions at a whole host of UK conferences.

Learn more: www.henrynelsoncase.co.uk

In this episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga sits down with Steve Seckler—coach, host of the Counsel to Counsel podcast, and author of Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur.

They explore Steve’s evolving journey through law, content creation, and coaching—unpacking how clarity, curiosity, and courage have shaped his path.

From using AI to streamline content to podcasting as a relationship engine, Steve shares why now is the time for lawyers to stop playing it safe—and start designing careers that truly fit.

Packed with wisdom on reinvention, writing, and risk-taking, this conversation is a must for anyone ready to rewrite their legal life with intention.

Meet our Guest:

Stephen E. Seckler, Esq., is President of Seckler Attorney Coaching. He is an award-winning coach dedicated to helping lawyers who want to achieve greater career satisfaction and success. Over the past 25+ years, he has guided hundreds of attorneys nationwide in their professional journeys. He coaches lawyers at all career stages to find comfortable ways to build a practice or launch a firm. He has dedicated his own legal career to helping attorneys to advance their careers.

Some of his clients are pursuing partnership or trying to find a better career fit, both in and out of the law. Some seek support in transitioning to in-house roles. His program, The Next Stage, is designed for senior lawyers who want to explore what comes next. Steve also collaborates with managing partners and general counsel who want to improve their leadership skills.

With substantial experience in continuing legal education and recruiting, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge to coaching. He joined the Board of the Career Center of the American Bar Association in 2023. He has been hosting the Counsel to Counsel Podcast since 2018. His blog was twice named to the ABA Journal’s Blawg 100.

He is a frequent contributor to several ABA Publications including the GPSolo eReport and Law Practice Today. He speaks frequently for bar associations and has appeared on many legal podcasts including Be That Lawyer and The Legal Toolkit. His book Think Like a Lawyer Act Like an Entrepreneur was published by the ABA in 2025. Steve is a member of the Mindfulness in Law Society, previously served on the Boston Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Work/Life Balance, and an active member of the ProVisors business network.

Since 2021, he has been named a top coach in the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Reader Rankings Awards (#1 or #2 in the categories of Lawyer Outplacement, Business Development Coach, and Executive Coaching.)

Outside of work, he enjoys behavioral economics, parody, squash (an indoor racquet sport), and sings with an all men’s choir. He is a proud father to three adult children including one who completes law school in 2025.

He can be reached at [email protected] and https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenseckler/

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga talks with Katie Vickery, Partner and Head of Regulatory at Osborne Clarke, to explore what it takes to build a lasting and fulfilling legal career. From the early jolt of the Enron collapse to becoming a leader in product regulation and sustainability law, Katie shares how reinvention, mentorship, and curiosity shaped her 24+ year journey in the profession.

Listeners will learn how to spot emerging client needs, why building and handing off practices is an act of leadership, and how personal and professional alignment creates long-term career satisfaction. Katie’s story is a blueprint for anyone looking to lead with purpose—and leave a legacy worth sharing.

Meet Our Guest:

Katie Vickery, a UK partner at the international legal practice Osborne Clarke, provides clients with solutions to legal regulatory problems across the world. She works with many household names providing advice on how to manage regulatory compliance, risk and enforcement, particularly in the fields of product safety, circular economy, sustainability and consumer law.

She leads a specialist team of product and sustainability lawyers and co-heads Osborne Clarke’s International ESG & Sustainability service line.

Both an advisory lawyer and a litigator, Katie provides pragmatic and risk-based advice on regulatory interpretation and liaising with regulators. She helps businesses facing "bet the farm" regulatory investigations—managing global product recalls, major safety and environmental incidents, and imposing regulatory burdens and restrictions.

Katie has built and adapted several practices throughout her career, adapting to market changes and opportunities. She is recognised as a leader in business development and in developing people to achieve their own practice ambitions.

Links:

What Today’s Rainmakers Do Differently

Global Compliance | Osborne Clarke

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Mbula Nzuki, an inspiring lawyer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of a fintech company, to discuss her remarkable journey from a traditional legal career to leading a tech-driven law firm and fintech venture. Mbula shares insights on overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for financial inclusion, and how embracing flexibility has driven her success. Discover how Mbula’s multidisciplinary approach and adaptability are reshaping the perception of legal practice in Kenya and beyond.

Meet Our Guest:

Mbula Nzuki is a multi-faceted Legal Practitioner, Ecosystem Builder, Sustainability Champion, Deal Maker, Innovator, Serial Entrepreneur, Global Host, and Moderator curating a vibrant international career at the intersection of Law, Technology, Sustainability, and Finance.

She is the Founder and Principal Attorney at MN Legal, a boutique law firm serving the legal and strategic needs of startups, high-growth and emerging companies, multinationals, international NGOs, and government agencies across diverse sectors—including finance and investment, logistics, software and tech, infrastructure, clean energy, AI, and more.

Mbula holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Public International Law, is an active Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb) – London, Co-Founder of The Cyber Society (Geneva), and President of the Environmental & Energy Law Commission at AIJA – International Association of Young Lawyers.

Outside the legal field, she is a serial entrepreneur with interests in artificial intelligence for legal innovation, fintech, construction, real estate, and jewelry. A spirited conversationalist with great analytical skills, she is often invited to host high-powered events, moderate global panel discussions, and lead fireside chats with ease and impact.

Mbula is passionate about preserving the nobility of the legal profession while redefining success through a multi-disciplinary, purpose-driven approach. She embraces the philosophy of “business as a force for good.”

Her mantra: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

Connect with Mbula on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mbulanzuki

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Drew Amoroso — lawyer, entrepreneur, and founder of DueCourse — to talk about creating a better workday for lawyers. Drew shares his journey from Big Law associate to coaching thousands of lawyers through mindset, routines, and professional identity shifts.

Along the way, he unpacks what’s broken about traditional legal culture, how coaching at scale is changing the game, and why intentionality might be the most important legal skill of the future. From launching a solo fitness law firm to building the industry’s first AI coach, Drew’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven innovation.

Meet Our Guest:

Drew Amoroso is a former lawyer and the Founder and CEO of DueCourse. Prior to DueCourse, Drew was a senior litigation associate at Reed Smith LLP and the Founder of Move Legal, a law firm focused on counseling clients in the fitness and health and wellness industries.

Drew is a visiting lecturer at UC Davis School of Law, the University of San Francisco School of Law, and Golden Gate University School of Law, where he teaches a Practice Ready Seminar designed to prepare law students to make the transition from students to practice-ready lawyers. He’s also the president of StandUpKids, a non-profit whose mission is to give every public school child access to a standing desk in the next 10 years.

Links:

www.duecourse.coach

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewamoroso/

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga chats with Paul Sams, Managing Partner of Dutton Gregory Solicitors, about his unconventional path from biller to builder — and how leadership in law firms is evolving. Paul brings his trademark wit and authenticity to a wide-ranging conversation on firm culture, intergenerational leadership, communication, AI, and yes — even his famous Lego LinkedIn avatar. With refreshing candor, Paul shares the personal growth, mindset shifts, and management lessons that come with guiding a modern legal organization through change, complexity, and opportunity.

Meet Paul Sams:

Paul decided he wanted to be a solicitor at seven years old. Since then, he has become an award-winning, nationally recognised expert in the field of residential property, having been asked to lecture other lawyers across the country.

Paul has also been invited to speak on more than one occasion for Housing Associations and the RICS. Paul also deals with residential development work from site acquisition through to plot sales.

Paul was elected Managing Partner by his fellow Partners and stepped up to the role in April 2024. He proactively manages the firm alongside his fellow Partners and Senior Managers, always with a view to making sure both everyone within the firm and those who the firm interacts with have the most positive experience that they can. Paul strives to improve his abilities to aid his clients each day that he is alive. Known for disruption, Paul is not afraid to try something new.

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Owen McGrann — lawyer, founder, writer, and creative legal thinker — to explore how legal practice can be rebuilt from the inside out. Owen shares his deeply personal journey from burnout in Big Law and a life-threatening medical crisis to launching a solo firm driven by flat fees, client alignment, and productized legal services. Together, they unpack the intersection of philosophy, pricing, community, and identity — and why sometimes the most powerful shift in law isn’t external innovation, but internal transformation.

Meet Our Guest:

Owen McGrann runs a boutique law firm for startups and small businesses by day, and writes emotionally ruinous novels by night. He enjoys making things, breaking them in slow motion, and calling it a performance—an approach surprisingly well-suited to both fiction and modern law practice.

Learn more:

https://www.mcgrannlaw.com

https://www.seedcounsel.io

https://www.owenmcgrann.com