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. JAN 31

    Matt Selig of Health Law Advocates: Practicing Public Interest Law

    In this episode, Stephen Seckler interviews Matt Selig, the Executive Director of Health Law Advocates (HLA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations in Massachusetts. They discuss HLA's mission, various advocacy programs, the evolution of healthcare policies, and the challenges faced in public interest law. Matt shares insights from his career journey, the skills needed for success in this field, and the importance of pro bono work. The conversation also touches on funding sources for HLA, the rewards and challenges of public interest law, and the organization's approach to addressing secondary trauma among its staff. Takeaways Health Law Advocates provides free legal services to vulnerable populations. The organization focuses on improving healthcare access for those at risk. Advocacy programs include mental health, immigrant healthcare, and disability rights. Public interest law requires passion for the mission and hard work. Experience in legal aid is highly valued in hiring at HLA. Pro bono work is a great way to transition into public interest law. Funding for HLA comes from state budgets, grants, and individual contributions. The work in public interest law can be rewarding despite challenges. Leadership roles in nonprofits can be achieved through growth within the organization 00:00 Introduction to Health Law Advocates 01:21 Mission and Activities of HLA 04:52 Legal Issues and Advocacy Programs 10:10 Evolution of HLA's Mission 12:39 Matt Selig's Career Journey 14:26 Skills for Success in Public Interest Law 16:23 Hiring Practices at HLA 17:56 Transitioning from Private Practice to Public Interest 19:17 Funding Sources for HLA 20:24 Pro Bono Opportunities at HLA 22:08 Rewards and Challenges of Public Interest Work 24:15 Addressing Secondary Trauma 26:58 Transitioning to Executive Director Role 32:34 Advice for Aspiring Public Interest Lawyers

    33 min

  2. JAN 17

    Episode 167-From Litigation to Mediation with Oran Kaufman

    In this episode, Stephen Seckler speaks with Oran Kaufman, a mediator with an extensive background in family law. They discuss Oran's journey from litigation to mediation, the skills required to be a mediator, and how mediation has changed over the last 30 years. Oran shares insights on the differences between mediation and litigation, the importance of listening, and the challenges of building a mediation practice. The conversation also touches on collaborative law, alternative legal careers, and the impact of technology on mediation. Takeaways Mediation requires a different skill set than litigation. Listening is a crucial skill for both mediators and lawyers. Transitioning from litigation to mediation can lower work related stress. Collaborative law offers an alternative to traditional litigation. Silence can be a powerful tool in mediation. There are several challenges in building a mediation practice that differ from building a law practice. Technology has expanded the reach of mediation services. Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:17 Oran Kaufman's Journey into Family Mediation 05:45 Transitioning from Litigation to Mediation 08:47 The Nature of Family Mediation 11:38 Skills and Challenges of Mediation 13:58 Building a Mediation Practice 16:21 Collaborative Law and Mediation 18:50 Qualities of a Good Mediator 21:44 Exploring Alternative Legal Careers 24:29 The Evolution of Mediation

    29 min

  3. 12/04/2025

    Counsel to Counsel-Coming in Late January 2026

    We are taking a pause until mid-late January 2026 for some upgrades. We are adding a YouTube feed to our mix for listeners who prefer video and we are lining up some great guests to talk to you about your legal career. We are grateful to our listeners and guests who have made Counsel to Counsel a labor of love. Until then, best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

    1 min

  4. 11/03/2025

    Marketing for Introverts with Saja Raoof, Border Wall Destroyer

    In this episode, Steve speaks with Saja Raoof, an immigration lawyer based in the Bay Area, about how introverted lawyers can build thriving practices without pretending to be extroverts. A self-proclaimed introvert and creative marketer, Saja shares how she transformed networking anxiety into authentic relationship-building through her "Wallflower Power" approach and how coaching and ProVisors played key roles in her success. Topics Discussed How hiring a coach in 2018 helped shifted her mindset from isolation to confident business owner. The role of ProVisors and the pandemic's move to Zoom in helping her find her voice and visibility. Her creative use of video testimonials to highlight other professionals and build genuine connections. Practical strategies for introverted lawyers: energy management, structured networking, and measuring success by impact rather than comfort. Why vulnerability, generosity, and storytelling have become her most effective marketing tools.

    32 min

  5. 10/19/2025

    Retirement on Trial with Steve Herman

    In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, Stephen Seckler speaks with Steve Herman, a civil litigator and documentary filmmaker from Vancouver, Canada. After more than 35 years in practice, Steve turned the camera on himself to explore one of the biggest transitions lawyers face—retirement. His film, Retirement on Trial, which he produced with his filmmaker wife, Evelyn Neaman, uses humor and introspection to examine what it means to step away from a career that has long defined one's identity.  In this episode, Steve Seckler speaks with Steve about his journey in making the film Through interviews with 14 lawyers and judges across North America, Steve explores the challenges of letting go of professional identity, navigating relationships in retirement, and planning psychologically—not just financially—for the next chapter. The film, structured as a farcical courtroom trial of the very concept of retirement, highlights how cultural attitudes toward aging shape our views about purpose and relevance. The conversation offers practical and emotional insights for lawyers thinking about their "next stage." As Steve puts it, retirement isn't the end—it's a transition into a new stage of growth and fulfillment. To learn more about the film and view it, visit www.retirementontrial.com.  To learn more about Steve Seckler's program for lawyers contemplating a retirement like transition, visit www.seckler.com .

    43 min

  6. 10/08/2025

    Experiencing Renewal in the Jewish New Year

    In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, I reflect on some of the themes of the Jewish New Year and the importance of self reflection (and the fact that you get to do it twice a year if you happen to be Jewish!)

    6 min

  7. 09/10/2025

    How to Use Book Publishing to Build Your Brand-with Melanie Herschorn

    Publishing a book may feel like an overwhelming project, but for lawyers it can be one of the most effective ways to build credibility, attract new clients, and open doors to new opportunities. In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, host Stephen Seckler speaks with Melanie Herschorn, publisher and book marketing strategist, about how attorneys can transform their expertise into a powerful marketing asset. Melanie draws on her diverse career in journalism, PR, entrepreneurship, and publishing to explain: Why publishing a book can significantly enhance your visibility and authority as a lawyer Common myths that hold professionals back from writing a book — and how to overcome them How long it realistically takes to produce a client-facing book and why length isn't the most important factor The difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid models How to continue marketing your book long after the launch, and whether there's a "statute of limitations" on calling it "new" Creative ways to repurpose book content into social media, podcasts, speaking engagements, and client gifts The role of AI in publishing — where it can help, and where it creates risks Melanie also shares her process for guiding attorneys from concept to published book, and how her clients have seen tangible business growth as a result. If you've been curious about publishing but aren't sure where to begin, this episode will give you the roadmap and inspiration to take the first step

    31 min

  8. 08/19/2025

    "What Do Lawyers Really Want?" with Philippe Danielides

    Many lawyers are clear about what they don't want in their career.  But they struggle to define what they do want. In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, Steve Seckler speaks with Philippe Danielides, former Biglaw associate, communications consultant, coach, and author of The Lawyer's Guide to Freedom: A Six-Step Plan to Discover What You Actually Want. Philippe shares insights from his own career journey—spanning Biglaw, corporate communications, solo coaching, authorship, and now his current role with the Career Design team at Latham & Watkins. He explains why career clarity is often so elusive, how lawyers can expand their range of possibilities, and why "freedom" doesn't necessarily mean leaving the law. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Philippe's career journey from Biglaw to communications to coaching—and back into Biglaw in a new role Why lawyers often know what they don't want, but struggle to define what they do want Common myths and misconceptions about career clarity Key elements of Philippe's six-step process from The Lawyer's Guide to Freedom How coaching helps lawyers get unstuck and uncover new possibilities What "freedom" means within the context of a legal career Insights from Philippe's work with Latham's Career Design team Practical advice for lawyers who feel stuck or afraid to ask themselves what they really want Philippe Danielides is a coach, writer, and former corporate communications consultant. In 2017, he launched the Blue Pen Project to guide lawyers through career transitions. His 2022 book, The Lawyer's Guide to Freedom, offers a structured roadmap for clarifying professional goals. Today, Philippe coaches lawyers and alumni at Latham & Watkins, helping them navigate questions of career direction and fulfillment.

    42 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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