In this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg sits down with Murray Coffey—a legal industry veteran, storyteller, and strategic advisor—to explore the winding, unconventional paths that careers can take. From his early days as a public defender during the crack epidemic in Chicago to his current role as Senior Strategic Advisor at a major law firm, Murray shares candid reflections on risk, reinvention, and the power of storytelling in professional life.
“Storytelling was actually good advocacy—you could advocate better as a storyteller.”
“Your brand is the emotional reaction that clients have to you.”
Takeaways
Career paths are rarely linear: Embrace detours, pivots, and risks as opportunities for growth.
Storytelling is powerful: Use narrative to connect, persuade, and differentiate yourself in any field.
Culture matters: True success requires addressing internal challenges, like bullying, before external change.
Define your own success: There is no single right way up—find the path that fits you.
Murray’s journey from law to journalism to legal marketing.
The impact of storytelling on legal practice and business development.
Candid discussion of failures, firings, and the lessons they bring.
The need for culture change in law firms and practical ways to start.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murraycoffey
Connect with Murray for insights on legal marketing, storytelling, and strategic leadership in the legal industry.
Thank you for listening, if you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or colleague on their own unconventional journey. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations about carving your unique career path!
