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.
