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.

 

As lawyers, we’re naturally drawn to certainty. Our profession is built on structures, precedents, and rules designed to create predictability. Yet once we cross the threshold from law school into practice, we find ourselves constantly navigating gray areas where clear answers are rare. The very nature of legal practice places us in zones of uncertainty.

 

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 back to work after mat leave, both full-time with my first child and part-time with my second. I also draw upon the experiences of friends and clients to offer a well-rounded perspective on the pros and cons of each approach.

 

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?”

 

Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching hundreds of lawyers one-on-one, in group settings, and through this podcast. I’ve gained invaluable insights that have not only transformed my coaching practice but also would have profoundly impacted my experience as a practicing lawyer.

 

Do you ever put off tasks, thinking your future self will handle them? If so, you’re not alone. As humans, we tend to prioritize the present over the future, even when we know there may be negative consequences down the line.

 

In this episode, 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.

 

You know you’re smart and capable, yet emotionally you find yourself standing in your own way. Your days feel stressful, you feel overwhelmed and paralyzed from taking action. You avoid tasks and conversations you know you need to have. Distracted thoughts consume your mind at work.

 

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.

 

Do you ever feel like your legal career path is unclear or unconventional? Are you an ADHD lawyer struggling to plan your professional future in a linear, traditional way?

 

In this episode, 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.

 

Do you struggle with productivity and time management as a lawyer with ADHD? You’re not alone. Many lawyers with ADHD face challenges with procrastination, organization, and staying on top of their workload. But there is hope.

 

In this episode, 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.

 

Have you been thinking about making a job transition but aren’t sure where to start? Are you wondering if now is the right time to explore new opportunities? In this episode, 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.

 

With a background as a former lawyer, Beth brings a deep understanding of the legal industry to her recruiting practice, helping lawyers navigate important career transitions with strategic insight.  She discusses the importance of being intentional about your career path and offers advice on how to position yourself for success, whether your goal is to make partner or transition to an in-house role.

 

Have you recently landed a new job at a law firm? Congratulations! This is an exciting time, but it can also be daunting as you navigate the challenges of being a lateral hire. How can you set yourself up for success in your new role?

 

In this episode, the third and final installment of my Job Transition Masterclass series, 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.

 

Are you a lawyer considering a job transition but feeling unsure about how to navigate the process? Do you wonder what steps you need to take to successfully land a new role at a different law firm? If so, you’re in the right place.

 

In this episode, the second in a three-part series, I share a detailed roadmap for executing a successful job transition as a lawyer. Drawing on my experience, I break down the key phases of the job search process, from exploring your options to negotiating your offer.