legal sanity

As part of my business offerings, I coach lawyers on achieving success and satisfaction and thwarting career burnout by building key skills in communication and negotiation, the attorney-client relationship and career success and fulfillment. I really enjoy helping other practitioners optimize their life in the law. I’ve also benefited tremendously from being coached at various points in my career. Along the way, I've learned that many lawyers are unfamiliar with the coaching process. This recent article provides a nice overview of executive coaching, which aims to help lawyers become more adept at client development. According to the piece, the 3-6 month regimen typically starts with “a needs analysis” and “setting individualized objectives” and fosters, among other things, “renewed energies to grow your business in today’s demanding legal environment.” Another article discusses the work of life coaches, trained professionals who “counsel people who need a nudge, guidance, or support (or all three) in matters ranging from health and wellness issues to financial and business affairs.” While some quibble that this type of coaching is synonymous with psychotherapy, the piece aptly challenges that argument, stating: “Coaches offer action-oriented advice, focusing on forward-looking solutions instead of delving into a person's psychological past. Few have therapy or counseling backgrounds.” If these articles peak your curiosity, there are a number of very good books about coaching - like this one – that will broaden your understanding.