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. 1d ago

    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

    32 min

  2. 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

    41 min

  3. 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

    38 min

  4. 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

    36 min

  5. Apr 11

    Managing a Demanding Career While Caring for an Aging Parent

    In this episode, Steve Seckler speaks with Amy Mariani, a Boston-based mediator and former litigator. She shares her deeply personal journey navigating her professional life alongside caring for her mother with dementia. Her story offers valuable guidance for professionals facing similar challenges, emphasizing resilience, resources, and the importance of community. This episode underscores the importance of early planning, community support, and embracing the skills caregiving can foster, all while balancing a demanding career. Whether you're in the midst of caregiving or preparing for it ahead of time, Amy's insights and resources offer valuable guidance. Note: Amy appeared on Counsel to Counsel in 2021 when she was in the midst of her family crisis. At that time, she only spoke about her transition to mediation; but clearly a lot was going on then in her personal life.  You can listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. Episode 75-Shifting Your Litigation Practice to Mediation    Main Topics: The emotional and logistical complexities of caring for an aging parent with dementia How caregiving impacts professional life and work-life balance The benefits of family communication, mediating sibling relationships, and utilizing caregiver resources Key Insights: Amy's early recognition of her mother's dementia symptoms and the timeline of care The role of senior care managers in easing decision-making and reducing familial conflict Strategies for professionals to continue working effectively while caregiving The importance of establishing plans early, including involving future generations and professionals How caregiving enhances skills like patience, active listening, and emotional resilience—valuable assets for mediators and others Creating support networks, such as groups for children of aging parents, to share experiences and resources The societal need for more open discussion about aging and eldercare support Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Focus of the episode and guest background 02:23 - Amy's experience caring for her parents during the pandemic 05:26 - Explanation of the "sandwich generation" and caregiving responsibilities 06:32 - How Amy's caregiving journey began and evolving challenges 09:07 - Recognizing early symptoms and family dynamics in caregiving 21:12 - How caregiving improved Amy's skills as a mediator

    34 min

  6. Mar 29

    Boundaries, Burnout, and Building a Sustainable Legal Career with Gary Miles

    In this episode, Gary Miles delves into the pervasive issue of burnout in the legal profession and offers practical strategies for establishing healthy boundaries. Drawing from his extensive experience, Gary discusses the role of perfectionism and fear in contributing to lawyer stress and burnout. He emphasizes the importance of shifting from external validation to internal authority, which can significantly impact mental well-being and career satisfaction. The conversation also explores the concept of sustainable excellence, encouraging lawyers to redefine success and create practices that align with their personal values. Gary shares personal transformation stories and provides actionable steps for lawyers feeling trapped by their success or struggling with career transitions. This episode is a must-listen for legal professionals seeking to build a fulfilling and sustainable career. Takeaways: Understanding how perfectionism and fear contribute to burnout Implementing effective boundary-setting techniques Shifting from external to internal authority for better mental health Redefining success through sustainable excellence Practical advice for lawyers facing career transitions The importance of delegation and team-building to reduce stress Debunking the myth of immediate responsiveness Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Addressing lawyer burnout and the importance of boundaries 01:33 - Exploring dissatisfaction despite career success 06:42 - Setting healthy boundaries in legal practice 13:50 - How internal versus external authority influences self-worth and stress 20:46 - Achieving sustainable excellence through delegation and building teams 25:15 - The four pillars for evaluating a fulfilling legal career 30:46 - One simple, actionable step for setting boundaries this week Resources & Links: Gary Miles - Website Gary Miles - LinkedIn Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (Massachusetts) Lawyers Assistance Program - National Association of State Legal Assistance Programs Connect with Gary Miles: LinkedIn Email If you found this episode helpful, please share it with colleagues and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. For a personalized coaching session, visit secler.com for a free 30-minute consultation.

    31 min

  7. Mar 14

    A Career in Legal Operations with Jeff Kruse

    Legal operations has evolved from a back-office function into a strategic discipline that is reshaping how legal services are delivered. In this conversation, Stephen Seckler speaks with legal operations consultant Jeff Kruse about how technology, process improvement, and artificial intelligence are transforming the way law firms and legal departments work. Jeff shares insights from his career path, from product liability defense lawyer to in-house chief litigation officer and eventually a legal operations consultant. The discussion explores how legal operations helps organizations improve efficiency, manage risk, and adapt to rapid technological change. They also discuss how lawyers considering career transitions can leverage their transferable skills in new roles such as legal operations, consulting, or mediation. The episode concludes with a look at the future of legal operations and why the field is becoming increasingly strategic in law firms and corporate legal departments. Key Takeaways Legal operations has evolved from a back-office function into a strategic discipline AI is accelerating change in legal departments and law firms Process improvements often start with the people doing the day-to-day work "Trickle-up improvementnomics" can improve efficiency across an organization Change management is often the biggest obstacle to operational improvements Lawyers possess transferable skills that apply beyond practicing law Redundancy and backup systems are essential for managing technological risk Legal operations is becoming increasingly strategic within law firms and corporate legal departments Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and why legal operations is now critical 01:03 Jeff Kruse's background and career path 02:20 From law firm partner to in-house litigation leadership 06:16 Jeff's work as a mediator and what it taught him 08:18 Remote and hybrid work in legal teams before the pandemic 10:11 How remote work influences legal operations thinking 11:12 What legal operations actually includes 14:07 AI and the accelerating pace of change in the legal industry 15:44 Can small firms and legal departments keep up with AI? 19:23 Technology consolidation and evaluating legal tech vendors 21:10 What a legal hold is and why it matters 23:00 "Trickle-Up Improvementnomics" and operational efficiency 27:01 Why change management is difficult in legal organizations 34:01 Lessons from the Amazon Web Services outage 37:45 The future of legal operations 40:37 Closing remarks and coaching resources

    34 min

  8. Feb 26

    Episode 170-Shauna Bryce on How to use (and Not to Use) AI in a Job Search

    In this episode, Steve talks with Shauna Bryce of Bryce Legal about finding the right balance between AI tools and old-fashioned relationship-building in today's legal job market. Shauna shares concrete examples of how AI can speed up research, clarify goals, and help lawyers target the right employers. They also dig into the common missteps lawyers make, especially relying on AI to write résumés or to generate content without verifying accuracy. Shauna explains how strategic positioning still requires human insight and an understanding of what hiring managers actually care about. Ultimately, the conversation reinforces that networking, trust, and genuine human interaction remain central to career advancement. For lawyers exploring new opportunities, this episode offers a grounded perspective on using AI thoughtfully without losing sight of what matters most. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Job Search 02:38 Shauna Bryce's Career Journey 05:34 Transitioning to Coaching 08:25 Role as Chief Talent Officer 10:55 Current Coaching Business Overview 14:01 Long-term Client Engagements 16:45 Impact on Diverse Lawyers 19:33 Using AI Effectively in Job Searches 22:16 Common Missteps with AI in Job Searches 23:31 The Role of AI in Resume Writing 28:39 The Importance of Networking in Job Searches 35:41 Building and Expanding Your Network 37:48 Using AI for Interview Preparation 40:47 Balancing AI and Human Relationships in Job Searches

    40 min
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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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