Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

Stephen Seckler: attorney career, marketing and leadership coach
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Counsel to Counsel is a periodic podcast produced by Stephen Seckler of Seckler Attorney Coaching (www.seckler.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, the ProVisors business network, sits on the Career Center Board of the American Bar Association, and on the editorial boards of the ABA publications GPSolo and GPSolo eReport. He has been quoted frequently in the legal and business press. Since 2021, he has been named a top coach in the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Reader Rankings Awards (#1 or #2 for Business Development Coach, Lawyer Outplacement Service, and Executive Coaching). He is the author of Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur (American Bar Association, 2025).

  1. Aug 12

    Legal Marketing for New Law Firm Launches with Michele Correnti

    In this episode, Stephen Seckler speaks with Michele Correnti about branding, websites, LinkedIn, content marketing, and how AI is changing the way law firms market themselves. They discuss  what lawyers should do before and after launching a solo or small firm to build visibility, attract the right clients, and stay top of mind with referral sources. Michele Correnti, founder and CEO of Correnti Marketing, shares practical advice drawn from years of working with law firms and other professional service businesses. If you're thinking about launching a practice or rethinking your firm's online presence, this conversation is packed with tactical guidance. Key Takeaways Branding is more than a logo. Start marketing before launch day. Specificity attracts better clients. Niches can expand opportunity. Personal branding matters. LinkedIn should be used strategically. Websites should reflect the real audience. AI is a tool, not a replacement. Timestamps 00:00 - Why legal marketing matters after launching a firm 00:48 - Why potential clients won't find you automatically 01:16 - Michele Correnti's background in professional services marketing 03:43 - Photography, headshots, and visual branding 05:15 - What to do six months before leaving a firm 07:50 - Why your brand is really your reputation 09:16 - Using an ideal client to sharpen your message 16:04 - Personal LinkedIn profiles versus company pages 19:15 - How AI is changing SEO and search visibility 23:00 - Common online presence mistakes lawyers make 27:09 - Launching a firm as a coordinated campaign 32:58 - Where AI helps and where the human voice still matters 37:17 - The risks and opportunities of AI-generated images 40:47 - Three marketing priorities for the first 90 days

  2. Jul 26

    Thinking About Starting Your Own Law Firm? Avoid These Ethical Mistakes (With Mike Rossi)

    Starting your own law firm can be one of the most exciting and rewarding career moves a lawyer can make. But amid the excitement of choosing a name, finding clients, and building a practice, it's easy to overlook ethical and operational issues that can create problems down the road. In this episode, Steve Seckler speaks with Mike Rossi, a partner at the law firm Conn Kavanaugh in Boston. Mike focuses on professional liability, business litigation, and advising lawyers and law firms on professional responsibility and risk management. Together, they walk through the ethical and practical issues lawyers should think about when starting a new practice, especially the decisions that need to be made before a firm opens its doors. The conversation begins with the obligations lawyers have when leaving a firm, including how to notify clients appropriately and why client choice matters. Mike explains the importance of handling departures harmoniously, avoiding premature client outreach, and understanding the fiduciary duties involved in a transition. The episode explores marketing and business development and operational issues. Mike and Steve also discuss supervision responsibilities, the ethical use of AI tools, co-counsel arrangements, referral disclosures, and the risks that can arise when lawyers take on unfamiliar matters too quickly. This episode is a reminder that a little prevention early on can save a lot of trouble later. Key Takeaways Leaving a firm starts with your obligations to the firm and your clients, not your new business plan. Clients ultimately choose where their matters go, and a joint communication is the safest way to notify them. Legal tech competence is part of modern professional competence, so your systems should be ready on day one. IOLTA and trust accounting are high-risk areas for new solos and deserve careful setup before taking client funds. Marketing must avoid false or misleading claims, especially around results, specialization, and expertise. AI, supervision, and conflict checks all require active oversight; "set it and forget it" creates risk. Key Topics Ethical obligations when leaving a law firm and managing client relationships How to navigate conflicts of interest, client notifications, and joint communications Essential technology and systems for risk management, including trust accounts and practice management tools Marketing and advertising rules: do's and don'ts for building your brand online The role of AI and emerging technologies in legal practice and supervision responsibilities Best practices for growth: supervision, hiring, and managing non-lawyer participation Preparing for launch: conflict checks, IOLTA setup, and ethical pitfalls to avoid Timestamps 00:40 - Responsibilities of law firm owners beyond client acquisition 01:37 - Ethical challenges: client intake, conflicts, and engagement letters 05:24 - ABA guidance on leaving a firm and client transition rules 06:16 - Client autonomy in choosing where matters go 12:08 - Ethical duty of technological competence and practice management tools 13:48 - Trust accounting: setting up compliant IOLTA accounts 16:13 - Advertising and online marketing rules 28:44 - Using AI tools responsibly and supervising outputs

  3. Jul 11

    Episode 179: Beyond Law Firms: Careers in Law Schools and Nonprofits

    Many lawyers assume their career options begin and end with practicing law. In this episode, Steve speaks with Tony Waller, a lawyer, educator, former nonprofit CEO, and career development leader whose career demonstrates the many ways a legal education can lead to meaningful and rewarding work. Tony discusses his journey from private practice to recruiting, law school career services, nonprofit leadership, and higher education administration. Along the way, he shares practical advice for lawyers and law students who are considering career transitions, searching for more meaningful work, or wondering how to leverage their legal skills outside of traditional practice. Whether you're happy practicing law or considering a different path, this conversation will broaden your perspective on what a successful legal career can look like. Key Takeaways Your legal skills are highly transferable and can create opportunities well beyond traditional legal practice. Career transitions are most successful when they're intentional rather than reactions to temporary dissatisfaction. Lawyers need to become comfortable identifying and communicating the value they bring to employers and clients. Law schools offer rewarding career paths in career development, student affairs, advancement, and administration. Volunteer leadership and nonprofit board service can expand your network while developing valuable leadership skills. Strong professional relationships often lead to career opportunities before positions are ever publicly posted. Before making a career change, identify exactly what is making you unhappy so you don't repeat the same mistakes. Career success isn't a race—focus on continuous growth rather than comparing your timeline to others. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Tony Waller's unconventional legal career 04:05 Why Tony left legal practice and the transferable skills lawyers possess 12:05 Career opportunities for lawyers in law school administration 15:20 Transitioning into nonprofit leadership and serving as a CEO 20:30 Networking, relationship building, and the hidden job market 22:45 How legal career development has changed over the past two decades 25:00 Advice for lawyers considering a career transition 29:45 Final career advice and Tony's recommendation for the TV series Shrinking Connect with Tony Waller Tony Waller University of Georgia School of Law Email: twaller@uga.edu Connect with Steve Seckler To schedule a free 30-minute consultation or access free career, leadership, and business development resources for lawyers, visit www.seckler.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who may be exploring new career possibilities.

  4. Jun 27

    Episode 178-Becoming a Legal Recruiter: Navigating an Alternative Legal Career with Matt Miller

    In this episode, Steve sits down with Matt Miller to discuss Matt's unconventional journey from practicing lawyer to what he describes as an "accidental tourist" in legal recruiting. They explore why he doesn't subscribe to the familiar "recovering lawyer" narrative, what he has learned from observing thousands of legal careers, the surprising value of a legal education, and how our priorities, definitions of success, and career choices often evolve over time.   Matt is a lawyer, entrepreneur, recruiter, and legal industry innovator whose career has taken him through Big Law, boutique practice, law firm partnership, and an in-house role as General Counsel. Along the way, he founded a legal recruiting firm and more recently launched an AI-powered job search platform designed to help lawyers navigate their careers more effectively.   Whether you're considering going in-house, transitioning out of practice, or exploring entrepreneurship, Matt's insights challenge traditional narratives and offer practical guidance.   Key takeaways   A legal career can evolve in many directions, and those pivots can create unexpected opportunities. Going in-house can be appealing, but timing and fit matter more than many lawyers realize. Relationships and networking often shape careers more than formal plans do. It helps to think long term about career decisions instead of reacting only to the next move. Vulnerability, coaching, and honest conversations can create real clarity. Lawyers have more flexibility than they think, especially when they stay open to new paths.   Timestamps   00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 01:07 - Matt's background and journey into law and entrepreneurship 03:44 - Early career choices and the move through private practice 07:00 - What lawyers should consider before transitioning in-house 14:10 - Intentionality versus opportunity-driven career moves 18:10 - Why relationships matter throughout a legal career   Links   Jolo.ai – AI-powered legal job platform Ascent Counsel

  5. Jun 13

    Understanding Executive Functioning and Its Impact on Lawyers' Performance

    In this episode, Steve Seckler speaks with Dr. Sarah Alsaidi, a psychologist, executive coach, and creator of the Brain in Mind Method, a coaching framework that integrates neuroscience and psychology to help high-performing professionals better understand how their brains work and perform at their best. Dr. Alsaidi explores the critical role of executive functioning in high-performing legal professionals. She demystifies how these mental skills influence productivity, resilience, and well-being, offering practical insights for lawyers and their organizations. This episode offers a blend of neuroscience, practical coaching strategies, and insights into the unique challenges faced by legal professionals, making it a valuable listen for anyone looking to enhance their cognitive skills and resilience in high-stakes careers. Key Takeaways: Executive functioning is like the brain's CEO, involving skills such as planning, organization, and emotional regulation. Microaggressions and cultural factors can significantly impact cognitive functions and focus. Distinguishing between perfectionism and healthy ambition is crucial for sustainable performance. Metacognition, or thinking about your thinking, is essential for identifying effective tools and strategies. Emotional regulation is vital for managing stress and maintaining resilience in high-pressure environments. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and guest background 02:00 - Relevance of executive skills in legal practice 04:00 - Impact of microaggressions and sociocultural factors on cognition 06:50 - Behavior patterns linked to executive function challenges 11:15 - The importance of giving tools time to work 16:00 - Normalizing individual differences in the workplace 23:00 - Practical tools for self-assessment and improvement 30:00 - Supporting colleagues with executive functioning challenges

  6. May 27

    Episode 176-What Makes for a Happy Lawyer or Successful Associate?

    In this episode, Steve's guest, Paul Karvanis, delves into redefining success and happiness within the legal profession. Paul, a former lawyer turned coach, speaker, and author, shares his journey from practicing law to coaching, emphasizing the importance of aligning career goals with personal values. His books, The Happy Lawyer and The Successful Associate, provide a roadmap for lawyers seeking fulfillment beyond traditional achievements. Paul discusses the traps lawyers often fall into, the significance of self-awareness, and the role of community and self-compassion in achieving sustainable success. Key takeaways: Success is personal; align work with your values for true satisfaction. Sustainable happiness comes from action, not just awareness. Adopt an ownership mindset for continuous growth and mastery. Excellence requires a dynamic loop of reflection and action. Build supportive communities and practice self-compassion for resilience. Embrace imperfect action to overcome overthinking and accelerate growth. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Success vs. happiness in law 02:11 - Meet Paul Karvanis: Background and focus 05:38 - The Happy Lawyer Project origin 10:04 - Chasing traditional success vs. fulfillment 14:42 - Studying thriving lawyers 20:28 - Foundations for thriving: Community and self-compassion 26:29 - Why lawyers delay change until crises 35:25 - Correct work vs. useful work

  7. May 9

    Making Strategic Lateral Moves: Insights for Law Firm Partners from a Top Legal Recruiter

    In this episode, Scott Love, a renowned legal recruiter and host of the Rainmaking Podcast, delves into the complexities of lateral partner transitions within law firms. Scott shares his wealth of experience, offering listeners a roadmap to navigate these high-stakes decisions effectively. From understanding the motivations behind partner moves to the strategic importance of building trust and conducting thorough due diligence, Scott provides actionable insights to help partners avoid common pitfalls and achieve successful transitions. Key Takeaways: Surge in Lateral Moves: Discover why lateral moves are increasing and what firms are looking for in new partners. Motivations for Change: Explore common reasons for partner transitions, including leadership and strategy issues. Building Trust: Learn the importance of trust and relationship-building in legal business development. Due Diligence: Gain a step-by-step guide to assessing opportunities and avoiding costly mistakes. Common Mistakes: Understand the pitfalls partners often encounter, such as unrealistic expectations about client portability and integration challenges. Successful Transitions: Understand the role of process, connection points, and force multipliers in seamless integrations. Ethics and Timing: Learn about the ethical considerations and strategic timing crucial for minimizing risks. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to lateral partner movement 01:01 - Scott Love's background in legal recruiting 05:37 - Strategic reasons for partner moves 10:45 - Navigating moves effectively with a clear process 18:10 - Common mistakes in lateral moves 20:22 - What firms seek in new partners 26:47 - Trust-building and successful recruiting moves 35:20 - Final advice for partners considering a move Resources: Partners on the Move - Scott's process hub and resources Rainmaking Podcast - Scott's podcast on business development for lawyers Steve Seckler's appearance on the Rainmaking Podcast Connect with Scott Love: LinkedIn Email

  8. Apr 27

    How Self-Awareness Increases Your Effectiveness in Managing Your Legal Team

    Self-awareness is an important and often overlooked skill in a lawyer's toolkit. Personality and behavioral assessments like DISC can be used in a practical, grounded way to help lawyers better understand their strengths, spot blind spots, improve communication, and show up more effectively with clients, colleagues, and prospects. To unpack how these tools can be used well (and where they can be misused), Steve is joined in this episode by John Kormanik, a Professional Certified Coach who works with lawyers around the world and the author of Break the Law: A Story of a Reimagined Career and a Reclaimed Life. Before launching his coaching practice, John spent more than 20 years as a practicing attorney, including serving as a Deputy Attorney General, working in private practice, and owning and leading his own law firm for 16 years. This experience informs his practical approach to helping lawyers lead with intention. Key Takeaways: Self-awareness is crucial for lawyers to enhance leadership and client relationships. DISC assessments help improve communication within legal teams. Understanding natural vs. adapted states can help overcome fixed mindsets. Cultural experiences can significantly influence communication styles. Networking and continuous personal evolution are vital for career success. Introverts and extroverts can expand their influence by being authentic. Assessments are tools for awareness, not fixed definitions of personality. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to self-awareness in legal coaching 01:02 - John Kormanik's career path from attorney to coach 03:16 - How John works with lawyer clients and addressing leadership challenges 05:58 - Embracing international practice and client acquisition 09:11 - Building international networks through events, workshops, and online platforms 13:23 - How legal experience shapes coaching approach and pushing clients 18:39 - Deep dive into DISC components and their application 23:38 - Clarifying DISC components: D, I, S, C 28:56 - Effective moments and applications of assessments in legal practice 35:01 - Continuous growth and the importance of not defining oneself by assessments

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About

Counsel to Counsel is a periodic podcast produced by Stephen Seckler of Seckler Attorney Coaching (www.seckler.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, the ProVisors business network, sits on the Career Center Board of the American Bar Association, and on the editorial boards of the ABA publications GPSolo and GPSolo eReport. He has been quoted frequently in the legal and business press. Since 2021, he has been named a top coach in the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Reader Rankings Awards (#1 or #2 for Business Development Coach, Lawyer Outplacement Service, and Executive Coaching). He is the author of Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur (American Bar Association, 2025).

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