Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar

Susan Van Dyke
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Law school teaches you the law. This podcast teaches you how to succeed inside a law firm. Lawyer Launcher – Behind the Bar is for law students and newly called lawyers who want to thrive and build confidence when they start practice. Hosted by Susan Van Dyke, a trusted advisor to law firms and a guide for new lawyers navigating their first year, this show offers an insider perspective from the other side of the hiring table. With over 30 years of experience working with law firms and their leadership teams, Susan knows exactly what firms expect from new hires—and what they rarely explain. This podcast fills that gap, with practical advice, candid conversations, and tools to help you build confidence, credibility, and competence from day one. New episodes drop every two weeks. Because landing the job is just the beginning.

  1. 23 HR AGO

    How to Network in a Law Firm

    Most law students think networking means being charming, confident, and effortlessly good at small talk. It doesn’t. It means not knowing what to say. It means standing in a room full of lawyers and wondering how to enter a conversation. It means overthinking every word and then replaying it later like a bad exam answer. And here is the problem. The students who figure this out early build relationships … and get hired back. The ones who avoid it stay invisible. Susan Van Dyke breaks down what networking in a law firm actually looks like, why most students are getting it wrong and how to engage more comfortably. This is not about being outgoing or “good with people.” It’s about understanding how trust is built in a professional environment and how small, consistent interactions shape how lawyers see you. Susan covers: - how to start conversations without sounding awkward - what to say at firm events, coffee chats, and hallway run-ins - why listening is more powerful than talking - how to follow up in a way that actually builds relationships - why being quiet and invisible is not a strategy - how to show up at firm socials without hurting your reputation If networking makes you uncomfortable, this episode will help you stop avoiding it and start approaching it in a way that feels natural, thoughtful, and effective. Because in a law firm, relationships are not optional. They are how your career actually moves forward. Lawyer Launcher links Instagram: instagram.com/lawyerlauncher TikTok: tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher YouTube: youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke

    37 min

  2. 10 APR

    What Happens on Your First Day at a Law Firm?

    Starting at your first law firm can feel exciting, awkward, intimidating, and strangely high stakes, all at the same time. In this solo episode of Lawyer Launcher, I break down what orientation is really about, what law firms are actually paying attention to in your first few days, and how law students can build trust, confidence, and credibility from day one. This is not fluff. It is practical advice about what to do when you arrive, how to engage during orientation, what invisible mistakes to avoid, how to interact with lawyers and staff, and how to manage the discomfort of being new without disappearing into the wallpaper. If you are a summer student, articling student, or law student about to start in a firm, this episode will help you look more prepared, feel less lost, and understand what your first week is really doing to shape your reputation. Show notes Episode topic: What orientation is really about, what firms notice immediately, and how law students can make smart, practical moves in their first week. Guest This is a solo episode, so there are no guest links for this one. Lawyer Launcher links Instagram: instagram.com/lawyerlauncher TikTok: tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher YouTube: youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke

    31 min

  3. 27 MAR

    How to Get Hired Back at a Law Firm

    This episode breaks down what actually determines whether law students get hired back after a summer, articling, or internship position. Susan cuts through three persistent myths that mislead students from day one: that good work is enough, that mentorship will be structured and consistent, and that someone else is responsible for your development. Instead, she explains how law firms really operate. Time is scarce, expectations are implicit, and the students who succeed are the ones who take ownership early. This episode gives you a practical framework for standing out in an environment that can feel unstructured and unpredictable. If you are heading into a law firm role or trying to secure a return offer, this is essential listening. ⌄ Follow the Lawyer Launcher channel here ⌄ https://www.instagram.com/lawyerlauncher tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher linktr.ee/lawyerlauncherbtb

    46 min

  4. 13 MAR

    Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Real Career Differentiator

    In this episode of Lawyer Launcher: Behind the Bar, Susan Van Dyke sits down with leadership coach and former Big Law professional Megan Mallister to unpack one of the most misunderstood success factors in law firms: emotional intelligence. Law school teaches you how to think. It does not teach you how to navigate personalities, manage pressure, receive feedback, or build trust inside a firm. Megan reframes “soft skills” as power skills — the capabilities that differentiate lawyers who simply survive from those who thrive. They discuss: What emotional intelligence really means in a law firm environment Why stress is where EQ actually gets tested How to “manage up” and clarify expectations with partners The right way to receive constructive feedback How to create your own development plan as a summer or articling student Why you need an internal “board of directors” instead of just one mentor How to zoom out when early-career pressure feels overwhelming If you are preparing to enter your first firm — or trying to stand out in a competitive environment — this episode offers practical tools, scripts, and mindset shifts that will serve you for your entire career. These are not soft skills. They are career-defining skills. EPISODE NOTES: Megan McAllister Consulting and Coaching: https://www.meganmcallister.ca/  Megan’s LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-mcallister/

    48 min

  5. 27 FEB

    What every law student should know about mediation

    In this episode of Lawyer Launcher, mediator Mark Tweedy, K.C,  discusses the rapid growth of mediation across Canada and the U.S., particularly since 2020, and why it has become central to modern dispute resolution. He explains that mediation is no longer a last-minute procedural step before trial—it is increasingly a strategic inflection point in litigation. Court backlogs, cost pressures, and client expectations have pushed lawyers to pursue resolution earlier and more deliberately. Key themes include: Mediation as strategy, not compromise. Effective lawyers use mediation to shape risk, manage psychology, and test leverage—not simply “split the difference.”The psychology of settlement. Ego, perception of fairness, and emotional drivers often matter more than pure legal strength.What makes a strong mediation advocate. Preparation, credible risk analysis, and disciplined communication outperform theatrics.Common lawyer mistakes. Overconfidence, positional bargaining, and failing to understand the opposing party’s interests undermine resolution.Opportunities for junior lawyers. Observing negotiation dynamics and preparing strong briefs can significantly elevate their value in practice.The episode ultimately reframes mediation as a core litigation competency and a sophisticated discipline requiring strategic judgment and interpersonal skill. EPISODE NOTES: Mark’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tweedy-kc-9172941/  Mark Tweedy Mediation + Arbitration: https://marktweedy.com/

    53 min

  6. 13 FEB

    Law school to law firm: the career strategy no one teaches you

    This episode is not about résumés. It’s about how you run your job search — and who you become in the process. In this solo episode of Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar, I’m speaking directly to law students and junior lawyers navigating the transition from law school to their first firm role. After decades working inside and alongside law firms, advising leadership teams, recruiting lawyers, and mentoring students, I’ve seen one consistent truth: Careers don’t happen by accident. They’re built deliberately. In this episode, we go beyond recruitment tactics and focus on the structure, mindset, and professional habits that separate reactive candidates from strategic ones. We cover: • Why searching for a job is a job • How to normalize (and use) discomfort • The reality of imposter syndrome at every level • Why silence from firms isn’t personal • How hiring actually works inside firms • Why every interaction is part of your application • Social media and LinkedIn — what firms really see • How to build a networking system (not random coffee chats) • Finding mentors who accelerate your growth • Narrowing your focus without locking yourself in • Why comparison will quietly sabotage you This is about taking ownership early — not waiting for clarity, permission, or perfect timing. If you’re in OCIs, articling recruitment, internships, or preparing for your first associate role, this episode gives you a practical roadmap you can implement immediately.

    43 min

  7. 30 JAN

    How Law Firms Really Hire: A Recruiter’s Insider Guide for Law Students with Marketta Jokinen

    In this episode of the Lawyer Launcher podcast, Susan Van Dyke and Johanna Mills sit down with Marketta Jokinen, former national-firm lawyer, law firm recruiter, and career coach, to unpack what law students really need to know about law firm recruitment. Marketta is the Founder of Legal Talent Consultant and Career Coach at Current Talent. With experience spanning private practice, a labour relations board, and national-firm recruitment and talent management, Marketta brings a rare 360-degree insider perspective on how firms assess candidates—and how students can stand out. This conversation is essential listening for law students preparing for OCIs, in-firms, summer student applications, and articles, particularly at larger firms. In this episode, we cover: Why mindset matters just as much as grades in law firm recruitment How being “curious” can reduce anxiety and improve interviews Why firms struggle with “I’m open to everything” candidates—and what to say instead How to narrow your focus without pigeonholing yourself What recruiters actually notice when reviewing hundreds of résumés How to turn your résumé from a list of duties into compelling accomplishments The role of storytelling in interviews—and how to avoid sounding over-rehearsed How preparation builds confidence and makes the process more enjoyable Choosing between boutique, mid-size, and large firms—and why applying broadly matters Finding “your people” and assessing firm fit beyond rankings and perks Marketta also shares practical, immediately usable tips for: Writing stronger cover letters Preparing interview stories Understanding what firms are really hiring for Approaching recruitment as the first step in a long, successful legal career  Episode notes: Marketta Jokinen’s website is www.currenttalent.ca  Markett’s LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/markettajokinen/

    48 min

  8. 16 JAN

    The playbook for new lawyers that actually works with David Brown

    Behind the Bar with David Brown — Ascent Employment Law  In this episode, Susan sits down with employment lawyer and Ascent Employment Law co-founder David Brown for an honest, grounded, and deeply practical conversation about building your legal career with intention. David shares his unconventional articling story, the power of relationships, how to navigate discomfort, and why young lawyers should be both “house cats” and “alley cats” in their early years. Whether you’re a law student, an articling student, or a new associate trying to find your footing, this episode gives you guidance you can act on today. What you’ll learn in this episode How David created an articling role for himself through strategic relationship-building Why discomfort is part of the profession—and how to lean into it The truth about networking (and why it’s a muscle, not a personality trait) How to think like an entrepreneur early in your career What to do if you’re in the wrong firm or wrong practice area The “house cat vs. alley cat” model for succeeding as a junior lawyer How values shape firm culture—and how Ascent built a values-led practice from day one Episode notes: David Brown LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmjbrown/ Ascent Employment Law website: https://ascentemploymentlaw.ca/

    1hr 2min
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About

Law school teaches you the law. This podcast teaches you how to succeed inside a law firm. Lawyer Launcher – Behind the Bar is for law students and newly called lawyers who want to thrive and build confidence when they start practice. Hosted by Susan Van Dyke, a trusted advisor to law firms and a guide for new lawyers navigating their first year, this show offers an insider perspective from the other side of the hiring table. With over 30 years of experience working with law firms and their leadership teams, Susan knows exactly what firms expect from new hires—and what they rarely explain. This podcast fills that gap, with practical advice, candid conversations, and tools to help you build confidence, credibility, and competence from day one. New episodes drop every two weeks. Because landing the job is just the beginning.

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Van Dyke
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar
  • Show Website
    Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar