In this episode, host Stephen Seckler welcomes back Gary Johnson, president of J2 Marketing Consultants, for a dynamic session of role-playing client intakes. They explore how lawyers can turn initial business conversations into productive relationships. Gary, an expert in coaching attorneys on growing their practices, shares practical techniques for understanding client needs, building trust, and addressing objections.

Role-play scenarios include consultations with a restaurant owner expanding his business, a divorcing client navigating complex emotions and custody issues, and parents of a special needs child seeking estate planning advice. Each scenario highlights the importance of active listening, empathy, and providing tailored solutions. Gary also emphasizes the long-term value of relationship-building in legal marketing. This episode is packed with actionable insights for lawyers aiming to enhance their client interactions and business development strategies.

Additional Resources

• Episode 74-Turning Business Conversations into Business-with Gary Johnson
• Episode 144-Turning Business Contacts into Business: Lessons From the 2024 Election
• Episode 110-Dominic Grew on “Getting to No”-Turning Leads into Business and Other Ways to Succeed in Private Practice

In this host Stephen Seckler sits down with Carrie Flynn, a fractional CMO and growth marketing consultant, to explore the evolving landscape of marketing for lawyers and law firms. Carrie brings over eight years of experience helping professional service businesses scale their revenue and impact through tailored digital and traditional marketing strategies. Together, they unpack the essential elements of building a robust marketing plan that balances relationship-building with digital tools.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Marketing Fundamentals for Law Firms: How to identify your ideal client and develop targeted messaging to stand out in a competitive market.
• The Power of Diversification: Combining referral marketing with digital strategies like email marketing, social media, and SEO to drive consistent lead generation.
• Data-Driven Strategies: Leveraging past performance to inform future marketing decisions and optimize results.
• AI in Legal Marketing: The opportunities and ethical considerations when incorporating AI into your marketing efforts.
• Actionable Steps: Tips for creating a focused 90-day marketing plan and evaluating its impact.

Carrie also shares her journey from public school teacher to marketing consultant and offers insights into how law firms can establish effective marketing practices that drive growth without sacrificing work/life balance.

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, host Stephen Seckler is joined by Susanne Aronowitz, a senior consultant with Beard Strategies and a Professional Certified Coach, to discuss career transitions and job satisfaction for lawyers. Susanne shares her journey from employment attorney to career coach, offering insights drawn from her 25 years of experience. Together, they explore how lawyers can address career dissatisfaction, identify whether issues are fixable within their current role, and recognize when it’s time to move on. Susanne also provides actionable advice on navigating involuntary job loss, reframing layoffs as opportunities for growth, and leveraging networking for successful transitions.

The conversation covers strategies for improving job satisfaction, such as proposing changes to employers, adjusting responsibilities, and exploring complementary practice areas. Susanne highlights the importance of self-care and managing negative self-talk during career transitions, as well as practical steps for processing emotions and maintaining professionalism in the face of job loss. Packed with valuable tips and inspiring success stories, this episode offers a roadmap for lawyers seeking fulfillment and balance in their careers. Don’t miss Susanne’s expert guidance on turning challenges into opportunities! For more information, visit Susanne's website or contact her directly.

Additional Resources

• Strategies for Prioritizing Well-Being in Attorney Job Searches and Career Development
• Episode 142-Winning in Your Own Court with Dena Lefkowitz
• Episode 135-Tackling Mental Health Issues in the Law with Amy Levine and LCL

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In this episode of the Counsel to Counsel podcast, host Stephen Seckler engages with Nancy Capistran, founder of Capistran Leadership and a Vistage chair, to delve into the transformative impact of peer advisory groups and executive coaching. Nancy, an internationally certified executive coach and crisis advisor, is renowned for her commitment to Expanding Human Excellence®. She is also the author of the best-selling book Open Your Eyes and LEAD: Hardship and Wisdom Shape the Best Leaders in Life, which offers insights into overcoming challenges to achieve exceptional results.

In this conversation, Nancy shares how group coaching fosters leadership growth through collaborative learning, diverse perspectives, and collective problem-solving. She also distinguishes between group and one-on-one coaching, emphasizing how each format can transform leaders both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a legal professional or a business executive, this episode provides practical insights into leadership development and maximizing your potential.

Additional Resources

• Episode 130-Emotional Intelligence and EQ i-2.0 With Susan Schwartz
• Episode 129-Law Firm Leadership with Kristi Royse
• Ted Lasso (?TV+) and Lessons in Leadership and Performance
• 15 Tips for Leadership Success

Starting your own law practice is a bold and rewarding move, but it comes with its share of challenges. In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, host Stephen Seckler sits down with Chris Earley, a Massachusetts-based personal injury attorney and business coach, to discuss lessons from his journey building the Earley Law Group from scratch. Chris shares insights from his ABA article, "Five Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Law Practice," and offers actionable advice for attorneys looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Chris recounts the early days of his practice, launching in 2005 with no cases, money, or connections, and the hustle it took to get his firm off the ground. He emphasizes the importance of networking and creative marketing, lessons he learned the hard way. Chris also reflects on how shifting his mindset from being a lawyer to being a business owner transformed his approach to growth. From leveraging his last name in branding to building a strong referral network, Chris’s story is packed with practical tips for standing out in a crowded market.

The episode also explores the evolution of personal injury law, including trends like safer cars and self-driving technology that are reshaping the field. Chris discusses the challenges of scaling a practice, managing stress, and staying present for his family. Whether you're a new lawyer considering starting your own firm or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your approach, this conversation will inspire and equip you to navigate the path ahead with confidence.

Additional Resources

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Own Law Practice (ABA membership required)

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, host Stephen Seckler shares insights from his recent experiences volunteering during the 2024 election. Drawing lessons from the power of listening in political campaigns, Steve explores how lawyers can apply the same principles to business development. He emphasizes that active listening and understanding client concerns are key to building trust and turning relationships into business opportunities.

Steve breaks down practical strategies for lawyers:

• Ask open-ended questions to uncover client needs.
• Help clients articulate the urgency of solving their problems.
• Position yourself as a problem-solver, not a salesperson.
• Build trust by guiding clients through a thoughtful, solution-focused process.

Tune in to learn how these strategies can help you grow your practice authentically and effectively.

In this episode Steve Seckler speaks with Judith Kurnick, an executive transition coach who specializes in guiding late-career lawyers, executives, and business owners as they navigate career transitions. Judith delves into the “longevity revolution,” the idea that professionals in their 60s can expect to live and thrive for another 25-30 years.

She shares strategies for overcoming challenges like ageism, health concerns, financial planning, and maintaining relevance while transitioning from demanding roles. The episode provides practical advice on shifting mindsets, exploring new roles, and developing personalized plans to stay productive, engaged, and fulfilled in later career stages. Judith also emphasizes the importance of repurposing skills rather than retiring, helping listeners rethink what’s possible in their next chapter.

Judith Kurnick is an executive transition coach, speaker, and writer with over 35 years of experience as a strategic communications leader. Drawing from her background as a former classical musician, C-suite executive, and consultant, she helps clients create personalized plans to remain relevant, productive, and energized as they move into the next stages of their careers.

Additional Resources and Episodes

• Episode 134-Law Firm Succession Planning with David Wood
• Episode 67-Retirement By Design (for Lawyers)
• Succession Planning for Your Career-What Comes Next

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, host Stephen Seckler welcomes Dena Lefkowitz, a professional coach and former practicing attorney who helps lawyers navigate the complexities of career development, marketing, and finding professional fulfillment.

Dena practiced law for over 20 years before transitioning to coaching and has authored the book Winning in Your Own Court, published by the American Bar Association. The book has garnered notable recognition, including the Nautilus Silver Award for Inner Prosperity & Right Livelihood. Together, Stephen and Dena discuss key insights from the book, focusing on how lawyers can take control of their careers, improve well-being, and discover greater satisfaction in their work.

Tune in as they explore topics such as why attorneys often become dissatisfied in their careers, strategies for managing burnout, the importance of self-awareness, and practical steps for improving time management. They also delve into networking, setting boundaries, and how lawyers can embrace change in their professional lives. This episode is packed with actionable advice for attorneys seeking to boost their career satisfaction while maintaining balance and personal fulfillment.

Related Episodes and Resources

• Episode 139-Conquering Perfectionism in the Practice of Law with Jordana Confino
• Episode 135-Tackling Mental Health Issues in the Law with Amy Levine and LCL
• Episode 122-For the Sake of Your Mental Health, Stop Thinking (and Acting) Like a Lawyer