Explore every episode of the podcast Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar
Dive into the complete episode list for Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Rows per page:
50
1–27 of 27
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
The Confidence Gap in Law: Stop Waiting to Feel Ready
08 Oct 2026
00:56:25
You earned your place in law school or at a law firm. So why does it still feel like someone might discover a mistake? Former litigator and now counsellor, Bena Stock, joins Susan Van Dyke and Johanna Mills to talk about the confidence gap, perfectionism and the habits that make anxiety louder. Bena brings 24 years of litigation experience and practical tools for the moments when your inner critic starts drafting its own factum.
What law students can take into practice: • Treat a mistake as information. Tell the right person promptly, help fix it, and ask what you can learn. • Catch the familiar mental route from one piece of criticism to “I do not belong here.” Check the evidence before you accept that story. • Write down one thing you did well each day and why. Keep kind feedback in a folder you can revisit on a difficult day. • Do not wait for a busy senior lawyer to notice every win. Share your contribution clearly. • Before a difficult ask, name the facts, your thoughts, your feelings and what you need. Choose the right person and time, then agree when to check back.
The goal is excellent work and steady learning, not a flawless performance that keeps you from starting.
00:00 Bridging the confidence gap 02:43 Bena’s early career and imposter syndrome 05:01 Why success can feel like luck 05:59 The perfectionism trap 10:53 What research says about mistakes 13:38 Choosing excellence over perfection 15:51 How to own a mistake at work 18:17 Building a growth mindset 21:19 “Cow paths” and anxious thinking patterns 27:04 Countering negativity bias with visualization 28:32 Record your wins and keep a kudos folder 32:02 The tiara syndrome: making your work visible 34:14 Using positive self-talk under pressure 35:44 Asking for what you want 40:08 A framework for difficult conversations 45:46 Debrief: the cost of avoiding risks 48:53 Recovering from mistakes 51:08 Finding a human connection at work 53:47 Final takeaways
Reframing the narrative of your professional toolkit
24 Sep 2026
00:41:59
Your next professional connection could start with two minutes by the coffee machine.
Susan Van Dyke, founder of Lawyer Launcher, joins Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci, Executive Director of the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, New York City Bar Association, on Building Belonging, a podcast from the New York City Bar Association and its Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, to unpack networking, mentorship, and the unspoken rules of a legal career.
Susan and Tanya explore how to build a community of mentors, colleagues, and future clients through curiosity, listening, and finding ways to be helpful. They discuss why networking can feel uncomfortable even for extroverts, how brief “micro moments” can lead to meaningful relationships, and what it looks like to take responsibility for your professional growth.
You’ll also hear how a successful litigator worked through his anxiety about small talk with a few simple, practiced questions. Whether you’re entering law school, starting at a firm, or strengthening your professional relationships, this conversation offers practical ways to find your people and keep those connections growing.
-- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Building Belonging & ALI 01:22 Meet Susan Van Dyke 04:50 Seeing the Bigger Picture Inside a Law Firm 06:08 Trust, Leadership & Belonging 07:23 The Gap Between Law School and Practice 10:02 Why Mentorship Needs Better Communication 12:01 Taking Responsibility for Your Career 14:09 Building Your Circle of Mentors 15:20 Adjusting to Life Inside a Law Firm 16:43 Introducing Lawyer Launcher 18:24 Law Firm Economics & Career Development 19:51 Making the Unspoken Rules Explicit 20:21 When Networking Feels Uncomfortable 22:55 Bringing Curiosity to New Connections 24:40 Networking Through Helpfulness & Listening 27:01 Finding Your People 29:36 Making the Most of Micro Moments 31:58 Turning Brief Conversations Into Follow-Ups 34:23 Helping a Senior Lawyer Get Comfortable With Small Talk 36:04 Connecting Legal Pipeline Programs & Resources 39:04 Learning From Different Voices in the Profession 40:08 Building Relationships Over Time 41:19 Closing Remarks
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the New York City Bar Association.
"That's Not Normal" The Conversation That Woke Up Pauline Chan
10 Sep 2026
00:59:11
Guest: Pauline Chan, called to the bar in 2010, now leading lawyer experience for a national network of 700+ Canadian lawyers.
Pauline's résumé reads like a success story: Big Law, in house, a solo practice, a fitness studio business she built with partners, and now a national leadership role. But this conversation isn't about the résumé. It's about what was happening underneath it: the 2 a.m. phone checks that spiked her heart rate before she was even fully awake, the bladder infections from refusing to leave her desk, and the afternoon she caught herself envying a colleague whose broken arm meant a month off work, thinking nothing of it.
Pauline and Susan trace the moment that "normal" stopped being normal: the outside conversation (with a husband, then two mentors) that finally named what her environment couldn't see. From there, Pauline walks through the messy, non linear path to in house to founding her own studio to a fractional practice, and what she learned at each stop about the difference between hard but meaningful work and work that's just hard because something's wrong.
This is a candid conversation about burnout culture in law, the myth of the "one right path," how to actually find (and use) a mentor, and why saying "I don't know, yet" might be the most powerful four words in a junior lawyer's vocabulary. If you're articling or interning, a few years in, or quietly wondering whether the grind is sustainable, this one's for you.
Want to stand out as a law student, articling student, or junior lawyer? Building a successful legal career takes more than becoming technically competent. It also means learning how to build relationships, develop your personal brand, navigate your law firm, and eventually generate business.
In this episode of Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar Susan Van Dyke speaks with Kimberly Rice, author of Rainmaker Roadmap, about the habits young lawyers can start developing from day one to become future law firm rainmakers.
Kimberly shares practical career advice for law students, summer students, new associates, and junior lawyers who want to accelerate their professional development and build a strong foundation for long-term success in law.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to: • Understand your law firm’s governance and power structure and identify the people who influence your career • Build relationships with mentors, partners, peers, and law firm staff • Increase your visibility within your firm by volunteering, joining committees, attending events, and putting yourself in the room • Push through self-doubt and learn to ask for opportunities instead of waiting to be invited • Develop a strong personal brand as someone who is hardworking, helpful, accessible, and trustworthy • Start developing a marketing and business development mindset early in your legal career • Build an authentic professional network that can eventually lead to referrals and new clients • Understand why relationships with assistants, receptionists, marketing teams, and other professionals can have a major impact on your career • Approach client service with a “servant’s heart” by anticipating what clients need and looking for ways to genuinely help • Build the habits that can turn a new lawyer into a future rainmaker
One of Kimberly’s central messages: don’t wait until you’re a senior lawyer to start thinking about networking, business development, and client relationships. The relationships and reputation you build at the beginning of your career can shape the opportunities available to you for years to come.
About Kimberly Rice
Kimberly is an author and accomplished business and client development professional with 25+ years of demonstrated passionate experience in strategic planning, marketing communications to spearhead growth initiatives.
With decades of experience working with law firms and lawyers, Kimberly has coached and trained thousands of women professionals to navigate career obstacles, build stronger professional relationships, develop their businesses, and create more prosperous and fulfilling careers.
If you’re a law student, articling student, intern, new associate trying to understand how law firms really work—and how to build a legal career that goes beyond simply doing good legal work—this episode is for you.
How you and your firm make money
13 Aug 2026
00:39:14
Gaining a solid understanding of law firm economics is vital for any new lawyer. Colin Cameron from Profits for Partners joins us to discuss the keys to financial literacy within the legal field, focusing on how new lawyers can navigate their careers with confidence.
Understanding the Basics of Law Firm Financials: Colin emphasizes the importance of grasping fundamental economic concepts when entering a law firm. He references David Maister's five profitability levers: rates, leverage, utilization, realization, and margin. These are critical for any lawyer aiming to succeed in the business of law.
Rates: Starting with rates, Colin notes that students may come in at an hourly rate of around $150. However, the effective rate—what the firm ultimately bills to clients—can be significantly lower due to write-offs. For instance, a student might bill four hours of work, but with a 50% write-off, the effective rate drops to $75 per hour. Colin advises new lawyers to focus on logging their time accurately while allowing their billing partners to handle the complexities of client invoicing.
Leverage: Next, we discussed leverage, which refers to the ratio of associates to partners in a firm. A one-to-one leverage is common, but increasing leverage by hiring more associates can enhance profitability. For example, in fields like personal injury law, firms can leverage more support staff, thereby maximizing efficiency and profits.
Utilization: Utilization is another critical concept, with successful associates typically aiming for 1,400 to 1,500 billable hours per year. However, many may find it challenging to reach this figure due to various factors, including the nature of the work and the learning curve for new lawyers. Colin highlights that understanding this metric is key to achieving financial success in a firm.
Realization and Margin: Moving on to realization, Colin explains that it measures how much of the billed time is actually collected. A realization rate of 95% is considered excellent and is essential for profitability. Finally, margin represents the net income of the firm compared to its total revenue. With rising associate salaries, maintaining healthy margins is becoming increasingly difficult.
Shifting Perspectives in Law Firms: The discussion also touches on the evolving mindset within law firms. As Colin recalls, there was a significant shift in the 90s towards viewing law firms as businesses, spurred by metrics like profit per partner and innovative billing practices. This evolution is crucial for new lawyers to understand as they embark on their careers.
Colin's insights provide a roadmap for future lawyers to navigate the complex landscape of law firm economics. By mastering these financial principles, new lawyers can position themselves for success and contribute meaningfully to their firms.
Understanding the business side of law is not just beneficial; it's essential for a thriving legal career.
You are allowed to ask for what you need. Even in a law firm. In this episode of Lawyer Launcher, Susan Van Dyke breaks down the real cost of staying silent as a law student or new lawyer, and why the quiet things you're tolerating right now (an uncomfortable chair, a confusing review process, an assignment with unclear instructions) may be quietly draining your performance every single day.
Through two real client stories, Susan shows exactly how unmet needs affect focus, confidence, and career longevity, and gives you the mindset shift and word for word scripts to fix it. You'll learn how to tell the difference between reasonable self advocacy and entitlement, how to ask for what you need without sounding needy, and how one well timed question can end weeks of anxiety before a performance review.
Nearly 60% of legal professionals report poor mental wellbeing, and more than half of lawyers surveyed have considered leaving the profession because of burnout. This episode is about closing that gap, one honest, well placed question at a time.
____ Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Welcome to Lawyer Launcher 02:34 What If You Haven't Asked for What You Need? 03:06 Why Speaking Up Matters to Your Career 05:13 Why Law Students Stay Silent 06:45 The Hidden Cost of Unmet Needs 07:19 The Office Chair That Was Holding a Lawyer Back 09:47 When Uncertainty Creates Unnecessary Anxiety 10:43 The Power of Asking One Simple Question 12:23 The Well-Being Crisis in the Legal Profession 14:18 Common Situations Where You Need to Speak Up 15:53 The Mindset Shift: Think Like a Supervising Lawyer 17:07 Asking for What You Need Without Seeming Entitled 18:48 Three Scripts for Asking What You Need 19:33 Script #1: Asking for a Better Workspace 20:12 Script #2: Preparing for a Performance Review 20:44 Script #3: Getting Clarification on an Assignment 21:17 Four Principles for Making a Professional Ask 21:52 Your Action Step: Identify One Thing You're Tolerating 22:31 Asking Is a Sign of Self-Awareness 22:59 What Are You Waiting to Ask For? 23:28 Final Thoughts & Follow Lawyer Launcher
The Junior Lawyer Playbook: AI, Articling, and How to Stand Out When Everyone Has the Same Degree
16 Jul 2026
00:52:07
You went to law school. You did the work. So why does everyone still feel lost when they actually get there?
Jacob Murad did it differently. He started as a litigation lawyer, realized the partnership track wasn't the finish line he wanted, and went on to build a 150-person professional services firm with his brothers by acquiring over 10 retiring law practices across Ontario. He's also a mentor through the Law Society of Ontario and writes regularly for LexisNexis. He's seen the full arc, and he's not here to sugarcoat any of it.
In this episode, Jacob gets real about what junior lawyers and articling students are getting wrong, what AI actually means for your career, and why the billable hour model is more important to understand than anything you learned in law school. We talk about imposter syndrome (spoiler: it never goes away, even at year 12), why most legal networking events are a waste of your time, how to make yourself irreplaceable in the age of AI, and what it actually takes to build a career on your own terms.
If you've ever felt like you're waiting for someone to hand you a roadmap, this is the episode that hands you one. Jacob also previews his upcoming book, Freedom by Acquisition, a step-by-step guide to buying a business even if you have no money, no connections, and no idea where to start.
This one is for the students, the articling clerks, and the early-career lawyers who know something has to change. Pull up a chair.
How to Actually Belong in a Law Firm (And Get Hired Back)
03 Jul 2026
00:21:43
In this episode I'm speaking straight to the law student sitting alone in their office wondering if everyone else has figured out something they haven't. I name it clearly: the assimilation gap. The space between who you are when you walk into a firm and who the firm needs you to become. Every student has one. The ones who make it are the ones who close it intentionally.
I build out the full picture: what belonging in a law firm actually requires, what to do when you're struggling and the instinct is to shrink, how to find the one lawyer who can change your entire trajectory, and — critically — the three questions partners are actually asking when the hire-back conversation happens. It isn't about brilliance.
This episode is for the student who is struggling and equally for the student who is doing well but wants to accelerate. I close with a webinar invitation and a reminder that the students who reach out are exactly the ones who end up where they want to go.
Free live webinar for summer students and articling students. Come with your questions. Here’s the link: https://forms.gle/mr5iWFhZGskKNYtK8
-- Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction: Why This Episode Is Different 2:00 — The Assimilation Gap: What Nobody Tells You on Day One 5:30 — There Is No Wallpaper in a Law Firm 8:00 — The Three Layers of Belonging: Relational, Reputational, Functional 10:15 — PROMO: Like and Share This Episode 10:30 — If You're Struggling Right Now: The Move Is Toward People, Not Away 14:00 — The Free Live Webinar: Ask What You Can't Ask Inside Your Firm 16:30 — How to Accelerate: Going From Satisfactory to Irreplaceable 17:30 — Finding Your Champion: The One Relationship That Changes Everything 20:00 — Making Yourself a Known Quantity Beyond Your Assigned Work 21:00 — Build Your Reputation With Everyone, Not Just the Lawyers 21:15 — PROMO: Share This Episode 21:30 — What Partners Are Actually Asking Themselves About You 24:00 — What "Easy to Work With" Really Looks Like on a Regular Tuesday 27:00 — Closing: You Have More Authorship Over This Story Than You Think 30:00 — You Belong Here. Now Go Show Them.
Law Firm Realities, The Generational Gap, and Building a Portable Reputation
19 Jun 2026
00:28:11
Welcome back to Lawyer Launcher: Behind the Bar. This week, we are doing something a little different. I recently had the lovely opportunity to be a guest on Claudio Klaus's podcast, Studying Law Around the World. We had such a wonderful conversation about the realities of the legal industry that I wanted to share the episode directly with all of you right here on the channel.
During our chat, I shared some of my experiences and observations from my 30 years in law firm management and recruitment. We talked about how law firms truly operate as businesses, some common misunderstandings students have when they first enter the field, and how we can all better navigate the generational gaps we are seeing in the office today. We also touched on the practical, everyday qualities that often help students secure a hire-back. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation as much as I enjoyed having it! My thanks to Claudio for hosting me on his popular podcast Studying Law Around the World!
Featured Guest: Claudio Klaus, host of the Studying Law Around the World podcast
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Collaboration 00:46 Claudio Klaus Welcomes Susan Van Dyke 02:04 Susan Van Dyke 30 Year Career Journey 06:58 What Law Students Misunderstand About Law Firms 10:28 Navigating the Generational Gap in Big Law 13:05 Hiring Secrets Who Gets Hired Back 18:46 Recruitment Secrets and Warm Networking Tips 22:30 Where to Connect with Lawyer Launcher Online 24:22 Three Rules for a Sustainable Legal Career
Signs You Won’t Get Hired Back at a Law Firm (Part 2 of 2)
05 Jun 2026
00:30:14
What if nobody tells you that you're not on track to get hired back?
In Part 2 of this Behind the Bar series, Susan Van Dyke explores two more invisible warning signs that law students and summer students often miss.
You may still be getting assignments. People may still be friendly. Nobody may have given you negative feedback.
But behind the scenes, partners are making decisions.
Are they coming back to you for more work?
Are they confident in your work product?
Do they trust you with their files?
Drawing on decades of experience working inside and alongside law firms, Susan explains what these signals really mean, why students often miss them, and most importantly, how to course correct before it becomes a bigger problem.
You'll learn:
• Why lawyers stop returning with additional assignments • What repeated corrections to your work may be telling you • How trust is built inside a law firm • Why visibility and responsiveness matter more than you think • Practical ways to improve your reputation immediately • How to recover when you sense confidence is slipping
If you're a summer student, articling student, law student, or junior associate, this episode may help you spot issues early and take action before opportunities disappear.
00:05 - Introduction and Part 2 Overview 01:22 - Welcome to the Lawyer Launcher Podcast 01:57 - Mindset Shift: From a 9-to-5 to Legal Professionalism 02:51 - Support the Show: Subscribe and Share 03:24 - Understanding Subtle Signals in Law Firms 04:00 - Invisible Sign #3: Past Assigning Lawyers Aren't Coming Back to You 09:58 - How to Fix Sign #3: Re-engaging and Building a New Pipeline 12:57 - Office Visibility vs. Remote Work Strategy 15:42 - Invisible Sign #4: Misinterpreting Too Much Feedback 18:21 - How to Fix Sign #4: Managing Up and Getting Better Instructions 20:34 - Utilizing Internal Resources and Law Librarians 21:36 - Collaborating with Paralegals and Assistants 23:07 - The Final Pass: Ensuring Work Accuracy and Quality 27:38 - Summary of the 4 Invisible Signals and Final Takeaways
Signs You Won’t Get Hired Back at a Law Firm (Part 1 of 2)
22 May 2026
00:32:51
How do you actually know if you’re on track to get hired back at your law firm?
The answer isn’t obvious. Firms rarely tell you directly. But they do signal it — quietly, consistently, and early.
In this episode, I walk you through the subtle signs that law students miss, including how your work is evolving, how feedback is being given, and what lawyers are really thinking when they decide who to invest in.
More importantly, I show you exactly what to do if you start seeing these signals — how to course correct, how to ask for feedback, and how to position yourself as someone lawyers want to work with again.
If you’re starting your first law firm role, this is essential listening.
00:00 Introduction 01:45 Why firms don’t tell you directly 03:30 This is your career, not just a job 05:40 Sign 1: Your work isn’t evolving 08:30 How to fix it and earn better work 11:30 Sign 2: You’re not getting real feedback 14:30 How to ask for feedback properly 17:15 What to do if work is drying up 20:30 The email that gets you feedback 22:50 What lawyers are really evaluating 25:00 You’re not a top candidate — now what 27:30 How to make feedback easy for lawyers 29:10 What to say in a feedback meeting 30:00 Final thoughts
What 75 lawyers say about legal careers
08 May 2026
00:50:09
In this episode of Lawyer Launcher, Behind the Bar, Susan speaks with Claudio Klaus, a Brazilian trained lawyer now articling in Ontario and host of Studying Law Around the World. Claudio shares what he learned from speaking with more than 75 University of Toronto Law alumni as part of the school’s 75th anniversary project, including the two themes that came up again and again: there is no single legal career path, and networking is not optional.
This conversation is especially useful for law students who are trying to figure out recruitment, articling, coffee chats, LinkedIn, international pathways, and the invisible job market. Claudio explains why credentials matter, but not as much as students think, and why communication, curiosity, generosity, and genuine relationships often create the opportunities that job boards never show you.
It is a practical, encouraging conversation for any law student feeling behind, uncertain, or discouraged about their path into the profession. Claudio’s 75 conversations project is also featured by the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, which notes that he spoke with more than 75 lawyers and found recurring advice around staying open, taking risks, building genuine relationships, and staying curious.
Show notes: Guest: Claudio Klaus Podcast website: https://law-learn-link.base44.app/ Podcast link: https://pod.link/1547616885 75 Lawyers, 75 Stories: https://jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/news/75-years-75-stories Claudio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudioklaus/
---- Chapters 01:50 Why Claudio interviewed 75 lawyers 03:40 Two themes from 75 lawyer conversations 06:51 The harder than expected path to being called 08:41 Building an international legal career 14:52 What is your legal career pathway 19:03 Why networking and communication matter 21:28 Coffee chats with law students 27:35 What matters more than credentials 30:09 Why interpersonal skills matter in law firms 39:00 If LinkedIn was a law student 39:35 Seeds law students can plant now 41:08 Encouragement for discouraged law students 42:46 The invisible legal job market 43:56 What is next for Claudio’s podcast
How to Network in a Law Firm
24 Apr 2026
00:36:39
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.
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.
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.
Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Real Career Differentiator
13 Mar 2026
00:48:17
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.
What every law student should know about mediation
27 Feb 2026
00:53:01
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.
Law school to law firm: the career strategy no one teaches you
13 Feb 2026
00:42:58
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.
How Law Firms Really Hire: A Recruiter’s Insider Guide for Law Students with Marketta Jokinen
30 Jan 2026
00:48:13
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
The playbook for new lawyers that actually works with David Brown
16 Jan 2026
01:01:31
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/
Confidence and anxiety: a 30 year litigator tells you the truth with Mark Virgin
19 Dec 2025
01:00:35
In this episode of Behind the Bar, I sit down with litigator, Mark Virgin, who brings more than 30 years of practice experience—and an extraordinary level of candor—to a conversation every law student and junior lawyer needs to hear. Mark shares the lessons he wishes he knew as an articling student, including why you should always ask the “stupid” question, how to find the right mentors inside a firm, and what it actually means to “reach up” when you need help. He also speaks openly about his journey with anxiety, how he learned to manage it, and why early-career lawyers must proactively build healthy habits and support systems. We also cover: • How to communicate effectively as a junior lawyer—and avoid the 50% misunderstanding trap • Why self-awareness, curiosity, and preparation are foundational to success • The professional etiquette expectations that genuinely matter in law firms • How to build a client-centric mindset early in your career • The long-term value of community involvement and choosing causes that matter to you • Why your ethical compass—and your reputation—are your most important assets in law This conversation is packed with practical guidance, stories from Mark’s career, and honest reflections that will help you navigate articling, summering, and your first few years of practice with more confidence, clarity, and resilience.
Retired Managing Partner Tells the Truth About Starting in Law with Murray Gottheil
05 Dec 2025
00:48:04
Behind the Bar – Lawyer Launcher Real advice from real experience — the things law school never told you.
In this episode, Susan sits down with retired business lawyer and former managing partner Murray Gottheil, known for his frank, funny, and refreshingly honest insights about the legal profession. From the “safety of retirement,” Murray shares the truths he wishes he’d known earlier — and the hard lessons he believes every law student, summer student, and new associate needs to hear before starting in a law firm.
Together, Susan and Murray break down:
The biggest mistakes new lawyers make
Why confidence and self-awareness matter more than you think
How introverts (and extroverts!) can set themselves up to succeed
What “ownership mentality” really looks like — and why partners value it
How to ask better questions without driving your supervising lawyer crazy
The hard truths about starting your legal career
You know far less than you think after graduation — and that’s normal
Why legal success isn’t about hard work alone
The reality of learning outside billable time
How culture varies between firms, offices, and practice groups
Why defining your own version of success is essential for long-term health
Murray also shares stories from decades in practice — from articling in the 80s, to hiring students, to mentoring young lawyers — with practical, actionable advice to help you thrive, not just survive.
If you’re preparing for summering, articling, or your first year of practice, this episode will give you the insight (and perspective) you won't find in textbooks.
Listen now and start building the leadership habits your future self will thank you for.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Lawyer Launcher for more episodes that help you thrive in the legal profession.
Episode notes:
Law & Disorder Inc: https://www.murraygottheil.com/
How to build trust and set yourself apart with Linda Lucas
21 Nov 2025
00:51:13
In this episode, I’m joined by Linda Lucas—a longtime law firm and professional services executive and now a sought-after leadership coach and trainer. With 25+ years of strategic, operational, and financial leadership experience, Linda shares practical insights every law student, summer/articling student, and new lawyer needs to hear.
Her core message: leadership starts on day one, not when you get a title.
What you’ll learn (and why it matters early in your career):
• How to be a leader at any level Small daily habits build your long-term reputation and influence.
• Why “thinking like an owner” sets you apart Students who take responsibility for their work get noticed—fast.
• The behaviours that build trust Integrity, accountability, follow-through, honesty, courage, and truly listening. These skills make colleagues want you on their team.
• EQ as the #1 skill in legal workplaces It’s learnable, and it’s what differentiates good junior lawyers from exceptional ones.
• What to ask yourself before starting your career Identify your values, imagine your future, and choose firms aligned with both.
• How to stand out in applications and early roles Be authentic, stay curious, and apply what you learn.
• How to avoid common pitfalls in law firms Understand firm culture, get clarity on expectations, record all your time, and protect your well-being.
• Why mentors and coaches matter—even early on The most successful professionals invest in their growth.
Listen now and start building the leadership habits your future self will thank you for.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Lawyer Launcher for more episodes that help you thrive in the legal profession.
Episode notes:
Lead Vantage: www.leadvantage.ca
Linda Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaslinda/
The Four Steps You Need to Recover from a Setback with Jayne Rossworn
07 Nov 2025
00:51:12
How do you come back from a setback? Most of us have experienced a setback - at work, in sport or our personal life. How do you regain confidence and develop resiliency when you’ve been knocked off your path? High achieving law students, and other new professionals, often have unique challenges when expectations are not met.
Jayne Rossworn is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with The Lawyer Mindset takes us through a four-step framework that will help you recover and rebuild your confidence. She also shares some personal examples of how she has bounced back herself.
The Truth About How Law Firms Make Money (And Why You Should Care) with Colin Cameron
24 Oct 2025
00:38:22
Colin Cameron, CPA, CA, takes us through the basics of law firm compensation and profitability and why it's important for law students and new lawyers to understand how billing rates and recording time tie into profits. We discuss the evolution of the business of law, the emergence of law firm business professionals, and how new lawyers can learn from them.
Colin Cameron is the founder of Profits for Partners, Management Consulting Inc. Colin has been advising professional service firms for more than 35 years and in his previous role as COO, he led his firm to become one of the most profitable firms in British Columbia.
He is a management consultant and advises law firms in the following key areas related to profitability: Profitability improvement, strategic planning, firm governance, partner compensation, financial management and operations management.
Episode notes:
Colin's blog: www.lawprofitability.com Profits for Partners: https://www.profitsforpartners.com/ Author David Maister: https://davidmaister.com/books.mtpsf/
The Rainmaker Roadmap with Kimberly Rice
10 Oct 2025
00:44:31
Kimberly Rice joins us to discuss how law students and new lawyers can learn how to become firm rainmakers. Legal competence is the price of admission to law firms these days. To succeed you must set yourself apart, and Kimberly has amazing tips to get you started. Takeaways from this episode include:
- Understand the governance & power structure of your new firm and befriend the power players
- Visibility matters. Seek out opportunities to be seen by those in power, push past self-doubt, and crash the party - don't wait to be invited!
- Relationships and your internal will be your key to success - and this means all law firm staff, not just other lawyers.
- Develop a marketing mindset and a "servant's heart" - what do we mean? You will have to tune in!
With decades of law firm experience, Kimberly Rice is a Chief Changemaker at CHANGEMAKERS, a business accelerator program specially designed to educate, empower and equip women professionals to create the careers of their dreams by charting their own course. She has successfully coached and trained thousands of women professionals to navigate the landmines that stand between them and their perceived obstacles to a more prosperous, fulfilling career and life.
Episode Notes:
- Rainmaker Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Prosperous Business https://www.amazon.ca/Rainmaker-Roadmap-Step-Step-Prosperous/dp/1942489374
Bena Stock spent over 24 years as a litigator before turning her talents to counselling others. In this episode she draws upon her personal experience, sharing tools that new and aspiring lawyers can use to quiet anxiety, grow confidence, and build a happier and more successful practice. She also addresses common career saboteurs such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism (yes, it's a problem), and the paralysis resulting from fear of failure. You will also learn the significance of "cow paths" - curious? Tune in to find out!