Shows
XL LegalWriting Effective Affidavits with Sakina BabwaniSakina Babwani shares her expertise and advice about affidavit drafting. Sakina is a litigator, former journalist, and co-presenter of the popular law society webinar, “Advocacy in Affidavit Drafting”.
Topics discussed include:
When to write an affidavit
What to include in an affidavit
Preparing to write an affidavit
Cross-examination considerations
How advocacy can be used when writing affidavits
Affidavit drafting tips
To learn more about Sakina and her work, visit Bennett Jones’ website or connect with her on LinkedIn.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps.
...2023-06-2132 minXL LegalUsing LinkedIn to Become a Recognized Thought Leader with Jay HarringtonJay Harrington shares his expertise and advice about lawyers using LinkedIn for thought leadership. Jay’s a leading business coach, trainer, consultant, and strategist who helps lawyers and law firms grow profitable legal practices by establishing themselves as thought leaders in a defined niche.
Topics discussed include:
Why lawyers should think about becoming thought leaders on LinkedIn
Benefits of creating text posts vs. sharing links
Generating content ideas for posts
The importance of posting content consistently
Tips for creating engaging posts
To learn more about Jay and his work, visit his website, check out his Th...2023-06-0738 minXL LegalWriting Content Marketing Articles with Bull GarlingtonBull Garlington shares his expertise and advice about content marketing for lawyers. Bull’s an award-winning content marketing writer, author, and speaker.
Topics discussed include:
Finding the balance between strategy and creativity
Developing engaging, helpful content that responds to your readers’ needs
Weaving keywords into a narrative
Why the quality of your writing matters
When to hire a content writer
“Cursing your way to better writing”
Key writer’s hack: READ ALOUD
To learn more about Bull, and read samples of his work, visit:
https://bullgarlington.com/creativewriterpro/
https://allamericanwhiskey.com/author/prettyprettygoatboy/
https://bullgarlin...2023-05-2448 minXL LegalBreaking the Cycle of Poor Sleep with Marlee Boyle & Leah CorkumSleep consultants, Marlee Boyle and Leah Corkum, share their expertise about lawyers’ struggles with sleep – and tips to overcome them. Marlee and Leah are the founders of Sleep Works Consulting, and creators/presenters of the popular law society webinars: “The Business of Sleep: A Productivity and Success Toolkit for the Legal Practitioner”, and “Sleep and your Wellness: More Info on the Business of Sleep”.
Topics discussed include:
Why it’s important to get a good night’s sleep
Signs of fatigue
Common sleep disruptors
Adjusting light exposure and other practical strategies to promote a good night’s sleep
Sleep and...2023-05-1059 minXL LegalDemystifying Digital Marketing with Annette ChotiDigital marketing expert and lawyer, Annette Choti, shares her expertise and advice about digital marketing for lawyers. Annette’s the owner/founder of the legal digital marketing agency Law Quill, a podcaster, and a bestselling author.
Topics discussed include:
What SEO is and why it’s important for law firms
Creating a digital marketing strategy
Branding
Website
SEO content
Social media marketing
Repurposing content and using social media scheduling tools
How to get free backlinks
Why you shouldn’t use AI tools to write content
To learn more about Annette and her work, visit her websit...2023-04-2642 minXL LegalMastering our Personal Finances with Rho ThomasRho Thomas shares practical tips to help manage our money and mindset to improve our personal finances. Rho’s a lawyer turned financial coach who believes that true wealth is having control of our time.
Topics discussed include:
Rho’s journey from BigLaw associate to financial coach
Taking the emotion out of personal finances
Financial coaching vs. financial advising
Why we should be intentional with our spending
How making a budget creates freedom, not deprivation
What to expect when working with a financial coach
Thinking of each financial choice as a trade-off
To learn more abou...2023-04-1232 minXL LegalPlain Language Practice with Laura J. GenovichLaura Genovich shares her expertise and advice about clear legal writing. Laura’s a practicing lawyer, legal writing professor, and author of The Plain Language Practice: A Pocket Guide for Lawyers.
Topics discussed include:
Defining plain language
Preliminary matters to consider before drafting
The difference between brevity and conciseness
Being thoughtful about the words we choose
Why critical thinking is such an important part of every writing task
Using reader-centred organizational tools
To learn more about Laura and her work, connect with her on LinkedIn
Laura’s book is available outside Canada on Amaz...2023-03-2941 minXL LegalUnpacking the National Wellness Study with Doron GoldDoron Gold shares his insights about the National Study on the Wellness of Legal Professionals in Canada. Doron’s a mental health professional, former practicing lawyer, and member of the study’s steering committee.
Topics discussed include:
Background information about the study
Key findings and recommendations from Phase I of the study
Implementing the recommendations
The Canadian Bar Association’s free online mental health and wellness course
The importance of being kind to ourselves, including when engaging in self-talk
To learn more about Doron and his work, visit his website, follow him on twitter, or connect...2023-03-1543 minXL LegalHandling Difficult People with Jason StittJason Stitt shares his expertise and advice about handling difficult people. Jason’s a “recovering” lawyer, mediator, and trainer who provides training in dispute resolution, negotiation and dealing with difficult people through the Stitt Feld Handy Group.
Topics discussed include:
Changing the way we see and respond to difficult people
Managing our reactions to behaviors that bother us
Becoming a better listener
How to know if you’re a difficult person
The impact of taking real responsibility for our behavior
To learn more about Jason, visit Stitt Feld Handy Group
Or connect with Jason directly...2023-03-0139 minXL LegalHow to Become a Workday Warrior with Ann GomezAnn Gomez talks about her new book, Workday Warrior: A Proven Path to Reclaiming your Time. Ann’s a productivity expert who’s worked with many law firms and lawyers. She’s also the founder of the training company Clear Concept Inc, an inspiring speaker, and a bestselling author.
Topics discussed include:
What inspired Ann to write Workday Warrior
How Workday Warrior differs from other books about time management and productivity
The top three barriers that sabotage our time
Three practical steps, and supporting tools, to overcome the top three productivity challenges
To learn more about...2023-02-1539 minXL LegalOptimizing our Mental Fitness with Cory ChadwickCory Chadwick, founder of The Mental Gym, discusses how working out our minds – like we work out our bodies – enables us to think, feel, make decisions, and perform at our best. Cory’s a mental fitness and performance coach who’s passionate about helping all of us build the essential habits and mindset to achieve optimal mental fitness.
Topics discussed include:
What The Mental Gym is and isn’t
Defining mental fitness
How The Mental Gym works
The essentials of “Living Your 10”
To learn more about Cory and The Mental Gym, visit www.mentalgymlife.com
Or conne...2023-02-0133 minXL LegalHumanizing the Practice of Law with Quinn Ross“Changemaker” Quinn Ross describes how his firm is humanizing the practice of law by doing things differently. Quinn is the managing partner and CEO of the Ross Firm; and chair of the Law Society of Ontario’s Futures Committee. Quinn was also named as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2022 – in the Changemaker Category.
Topics discussed include:
Creating a culture of abundance
Moving to a four-day workweek
Problems with the billable hour model
Advice for firms contemplating some of the changes the Ross Firm has made
This episode contains 40 minutes of Professionalism Content.
2023-01-1839 minXL LegalThe Art of Effective Delegation with Deborah GlatterLegal management and training consultant extraordinaire, Deborah Glatter, shares her expertise and advice about effective delegation for lawyers. Deborah’s a former practising lawyer and partner of a national law firm, where she was responsible for the professional development and management of its lawyers for many years.
Topics discussed include:
What delegation is and isn’t
Why lawyers should delegate
How to delegate – and be delegated to – effectively
Barriers to effective delegation
To learn more about Deborah and her work, visit Deborah’s website or reach out to her directly at info@deborahglatter.com
This episo...2023-01-0437 minXL LegalEmotional Intelligence for Lawyers with Alexandra OverchukAlexandra Overchuk shares her expertise and advice about emotional intelligence (EI) for lawyers. Alex is a talent management consultant to accountants and lawyers, and is certified in EQ-i 2.0 – the world’s leading measure of EI.
Topics discussed include:
What EI is
Why lawyers should care about EI
Assessing EI, with and without a psychometric tool
EQ-i 2.0
When would you use it?
What are the benefits of using it?
Why are people skeptical of it?
Ways to develop and strengthen EI
To learn more about Alex and her work, visit Alexandra Overchuk Consulting.
This epis...2022-12-1439 minXL LegalHealthy Eating for Busy Lawyers with Rachel CavenRachel Caven shares her expertise and advice about healthy eating for busy lawyers. Rachel’s Canada’s expert nutritionist, and Owner and Clinic Director of Caven Nutrition in Ottawa. She’s also a sought-after speaker who’s on a mission to educate all of us about how eating well can be easy, and improve our health and quality of life.
Topics discussed include:
Benefits of healthy eating
Why we should drink water first thing in the morning – and before drinking coffee
How breakfast sets our day up for success
Why it’s important to eat the right amount...2022-11-3040 minXL LegalSupporting Workplace Health & Wellbeing with Marla WarnerMarla Warner shares her expertise and advice about supporting workplace health and wellbeing. Marla’s a health, resilience, and leadership coach who helps organizations and individuals build positive, supportive workplace cultures that enhance resilience, productivity, and mental health.
Topics discussed include:
Marla’s work as a health, resilience, and leadership coach in the legal profession
The impact of associate wellbeing on a law firm
The role law firm leaders play in fostering a workplace culture of wellbeing
How law firms can support their associates’ health and wellbeing
Building habits that stick
To learn more about Marla...2022-11-1639 minXL LegalWriting Emails Worth Reading with Stephanie C. MitchellStephanie C. Mitchell shares her expertise and advice about writing effective professional email. Stephanie’s a communication coach and professional speaker who helps lawyers, judges, and other professionals communicate more clearly.
Topics discussed include:
What’s wrong with the way lawyers write email
Leading from the top
Taking advantage of the subject line
Fighting against the negativity bias
Maintaining a consistent tone
Knowing when to end an email chain
Using email to build professional relationships
To learn more about Stephanie and her work, visit her website.
This episode contains 45 minutes of Professionalism Content
2022-11-0242 minXL LegalThe Do Nothing Revolution with Celeste HeadleeCeleste Headlee shares her expertise and advice about the “Do Nothing Revolution”. Celeste’s an award-winning journalist, long-time radio host, professional speaker and author of the bestselling books We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter and Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving.
Topics discussed include:
What inspired Celeste to write Do Nothing
The “busyness delusion”
The “cult of efficiency”
Why task switching isn’t efficient
Problems with time-based billing
Strategies to help lawyers break their addiction to false efficiency
To learn more about Celeste and her work, visit: celestehe...2022-06-0152 minXL LegalWriting Engaging Law Firm E-Newsletters with Michelle TroutmanMichelle Troutman shares her tips for writing engaging law firm e-newsletters. Michelle owns Classy Writing, a business that specializes in creating e-newsletters and ghostwriting blog posts for law firms and other professional services firms.
Topics discussed include:
Differences between a blog and an e-newsletter
Common challenges in writing law firm e-newsletters
Practical tips for engaging with your audience
What to include in a law firm e-newsletter
Targeting the different stages of your client’s/buyer’s journey
To learn more about Michelle and her work, visit classywriting.com and request a free e-newsletter audit
Thi...2022-05-1824 minXL Legal50 Lessons for Happy Lawyers with Nora Bergman and Chelsy CastroLegal coaches and former practicing attorneys, Nora Bergman and Chelsy Castro, talk about their soon-to-be-released book – 50 Lessons for Happy Lawyers: Research-based Strategies to Increase your Personal and Professional Happiness.
Topics discussed include:
What inspired Nora and Chelsy to write 50 Lessons for Happy Lawyers
Happiness
What it is
Its benefits
How to cultivate it
Lawyer burnout
Warning signs
Consequences
How to prevent it, or deal with it if you have it
Resilience
What it is
Why it matters
Strategies to develop it
The “one thing that can change everything”
To learn more about Nora, Chelsy, and their...2022-05-041h 06XL LegalOutsourcing Legal Research & Drafting with Sarah PicciottoSarah Picciotto talks about outsourcing legal research and drafting. Sarah’s a former judicial law clerk and litigator – and founder of OnPoint Legal Research, a firm that specializes in providing a variety of research, writing and litigation support services to lawyers across Canada.
Topics discussed include:
Sarah’s career path and how it led to the creation of OnPoint Legal Research
Challenges in setting up a firm specializing in legal research and drafting
Types of services OnPoint offers
The benefits of outsourcing legal research and drafting
Qualities of a good research lawyer
To learn more about...2022-04-2022 minXL LegalJuggling Careers in Law and Football with Jock ClimieJock Climie shares his experience building successful careers in law and football simultaneously – and some of the lessons he learned along the way. Jock’s a partner at Emond Harnden, a boutique labour and employment law firm in Ottawa, where he’s practiced for over 20 years. During that time, Jock also juggled two careers in football – first as a professional player with the CFL, and then as a TSN on-air football analyst.
Topics discussed include:
Managing the competing demands of academics and professional football
Challenges of combining two very different careers
The importance of:
Focus
Planning and prep...2022-04-0640 minXL LegalStemming Associate Attrition with Allison WolfAllison Wolf shares her expertise and insights about the associate retention challenge. Allison’s a sought-after legal coach, writer, and presenter who helps lawyers across North America develop thriving legal practices.
Topics discussed include:
Why so many associates are leaving legal practice
Why raising compensation isn’t stemming associate attrition
What law firms can do to retain associates
How developmental networks can help solve the associate retention challenge
Tips to help associates build their own developmental networks
Associate Mentoring Plus
After we recorded the episode, Allison found what she describes as a “great DIY developmental networ...2022-03-2348 minXL LegalPodcasting for Lawyers with Gordon FiremarkThe Podcast Lawyer™ – Gordon Firemark – shares his expertise and advice about podcasting for lawyers. Gordon’s a media, entertainment, and business lawyer; podcaster; author; and creator of an online podcasting training course designed specifically for lawyers.
Topics discussed include:
How Gordon became interested in podcasting
How podcasting helped Gordon’s law practice
Why lawyers should consider podcasting
Challenges to starting a legal podcast
Tips for launching and maintaining a successful legal podcast
Legal podcast topic ideas
To learn more about Gordon, visit his website and be sure to request your free copy of The Podcaster’s Ultimate Qu...2022-03-0936 minXL LegalGoing Solo with Amy GrubbBusiness coach and consultant Amy Grubb shares her insights and advice about setting up a solo law practice. Amy’s a Big Law-trained lawyer and former sole practitioner who helps other lawyers build successful solo and small legal practices.
Topics discussed include:
Common concerns lawyers have about going solo
Niching down
Benefits of going solo
Challenges of going solo
Embracing technology
Marketing tips
To learn more about Amy and her work, visit her website and request a free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Building a Profitable Solo/Small Firm Practice
Additional resource Amy...2022-02-2336 minXL LegalUnderstanding & Overcoming Impostor Syndrome with Cameron StoutCameron Stout shares his insights about impostor syndrome in the legal profession. Cam’s a former securities litigator – and current mental wellness advocate and coach – with a special interest in impostor syndrome.
Topics discussed include:
What impostor syndrome is
Why so many lawyers experience impostor syndrome
Common signs of impostor syndrome in lawyers
How impostor syndrome impacts lawyer well-being
Ways to deal with/overcome impostor syndrome
To learn more about Cam and his work, and read his blog, visit www.stoutheart.org
This episode contains 45 minutes of Professionalism Content
You ca...2022-02-0945 minXL LegalBoosting your Grammar with Jane GriesdorfJane Griesdorf shares her expertise and advice about a topic lawyers love to hate – grammar. Jane’s the founder of The Writing Consultants, a firm specializing in effective writing and grammar training for lawyers and other professionals. She’s passionate about grammar and is often praised as the “best grammar teacher ever”.
Topics discussed include:
Why grammar is important for lawyers
“Thinking like an editor”
Common grammar errors lawyers make – and tips to avoid them
Grammar “rules” you can break
Why what “sounds right” may be wrong
To learn more about Jane’s webinars and in-house training programs...2022-01-2645 minXL LegalLeading a Law Firm Effectively with Norm BacalNorm Bacal shares his expertise about effective law firm leadership. Norm founded the Toronto office of Heenan Blaikie and – as co-managing partner – built the firm into an iconic Canadian and international firm. After the firm unravelled almost 8 years ago, Norm wrote a fascinating bestseller entitled Breakdown: The Inside Story of the Rise and Fall of Heenan Blaikie.
Topics discussed include:
Why Heenan Blaikie dissolved when it did
The role played by the firm’s unique culture in both its rise and its demise
The “three Cs” of law firm leadership
The importance of leadership training
Tips for effect...2022-01-1245 minXL LegalCreating Meaningful Connections While Networking with Stephanie HannaStephanie Hanna shares her expertise about creating meaningful connections while networking. Stephanie’s a lawyer, coach, and founder of The Other 85 where she helps lawyers build their brand and grow their business, while helping remove the stigma around relationship building and networking.
Topics discussed include:
Why relationship-building is important for lawyers
Leveraging social media
Making the most of networking events
Common relationship-building challenges and how to overcome them
You can learn more about Stephanie, her work, and her podcast here:
The Other 85 website
Capture Your Confidence Podcast
LinkedIn
This episode contains 40 mi...2021-12-2936 minXL LegalLawyers and ADHD with Dr. Shawn HealyDr. Shawn Healy shares his insights and advice about practicing law with ADHD. Dr. Healy’s a clinical psychologist with Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in Massachusetts where he runs workshops on practicing law with ADHD, and weekly support groups for law students and lawyers with ADHD.
Topics discussed include:
Defining ADHD
Why viewing ADHD as a deficit in attention can be problematic
What ADHD looks and feels like for lawyers
“Time blindness”
Practical strategies lawyers with ADHD can use to harness their attention and focus
Here are links to the resources Dr. Healy mentioned during our di...2021-12-1547 minXL LegalBreaking Free from Perfection with Simi BoticSimi Botic shares her wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and advice about breaking free from perfection. Simi’s a corporate lawyer turned holistic health and anti-diet coach, and intuitive eating counsellor, who helps women release their desire to be perfect, and heal their relationships with food and body image. Simi’s also the author of Letting Go of Leo: How I Broke Up with Perfection, a memoir about her own struggles with disordered eating, body image, and perfectionism – and her journey to recovery.
Topics discussed include:
How Simi realized the practice of law wasn’t for her
The ways...2021-12-0142 minXL LegalAvoiding Malpractice Claims with Ray LeclairRay Leclair shares his expertise and practical tips to help lawyers avoid malpractice claims. Ray’s the Vice President, Public Affairs at LAWPRO, the Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company. Before joining LAWPRO, Ray worked in-house, practiced with a major national law firm, and ran his own solo practice.
Topics discussed include:
LAWPRO as an innovative liability insurance provider and resource for lawyers
Main reasons why lawyers report malpractice claims
What lawyers can do to avoid malpractice claims
Wire fraud scams targeting law firms and their clients
To access LAWPRO’s wealth of excellent free resour...2021-11-1744 minXL LegalCreating a Happy and Fulfilling Legal Career with Darlene TonelliDarlene Tonelli describes her path to creating a happy and fulfilling legal career, and shares some of the lessons learned along the way. Darlene’s the founder of Inter Alia Law – a very different kind of legal services business. Before founding Inter Alia, Darlene worked in-house at a record label and practiced at a large Bay Street law firm.
Topics discussed include:
Inter Alia Law: the business model, Darlene’s blog, and the Lawyer Life Podcast
Darlene’s career path and how it led to the creation of Inter Alia Law
Differences between practicing in a tra...2021-11-0332 minXL LegalModern Training for Lawyers and Law Students with Aaron BaerLawyer/entrepreneur Aaron Baer talks about the two innovative legal training companies he recently co-founded – 4L Academy and Build Your Book Academy. Aaron’s currently a partner and director of training and development at the Montreal-based digital law firm Renno & Co.
Topics discussed include:
Aaron’s journey from lawyer to lawyer/entrepreneur
How Aaron’s experiences as a law student and junior lawyer inspired the creation of 4L Academy and Build Your Book Academy
What’s missing from traditional law school and law firm training
4L and Build Your Book’s practical, engaging, and modern traini...2021-10-2037 minXL LegalCareer Alternatives for Lawyers with Hindi GreenbergHindi Greenberg – a recognized expert on career counselling and outplacement for lawyers – shares her wealth of knowledge about lawyer career satisfaction and alternatives. Hindi’s the founder and president of the career consulting firm Lawyers in Transition, author of The Lawyer’s Career Change Handbook, and former practicing lawyer.
Topics discussed include:
Why so many lawyers are unhappy at work
Advice to lawyers considering a career change
Career alternatives for lawyers (both inside and outside of law)
Common challenges lawyers experience when switching careers
What new lawyers should think about – and look for – when choosing their first job
2021-10-0642 minXL LegalWhat a Partner Looks for in an Articling Student with Mary PatersonMary Paterson – a litigation partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Toronto – discusses what she looks for when working with an articling student.
Topics discussed include:
The articling program at Osler
What the firm expects from its articling students
Traits of a successful articling student
How articling students can prove their value to the firm
The importance of finding balance and maintaining intellectual curiosity
Common mistakes articling students make and what to do when they happen
This episode contains 40 minutes of Professionalism Content
You can listen to the episodes here or by s...2021-09-2242 minXL LegalAvoiding Common Appellate Advocacy Mistakes with Eugene Meehan,Q.C.Eugene Meehan,Q.C. shares his expertise about appellate advocacy. Eugene’s the founding partner of the boutique law firm, Supreme Advocacy LLP, where he specializes in appellate advocacy and agency work.
Topics discussed include:
Differences between trial and appellate advocacy
Preparing and presenting an oral argument
Common factum writing mistakes
Factum writing tips
Eugene kindly wrote a companion paper for this episode entitled “Ten Ways to Lose at the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court of Canada”. To request a free copy of the paper, email me at info@exellegal.com or Euge...2021-09-0840 minXL LegalSummer Break AnnouncementAfter 30 episodes, I’ve decided to take a break for the summer. In the meantime, you might want to check out an earlier episode. All 30 are still available and accredited by the Law Society of Ontario for Professionalism Content.
Wishing you a happy and healthy summer.
I look forward to reconnecting with you in September.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps.
And don’t forget to rate and review the XL Legal Podcast.
2021-06-0901 minXL LegalFinding Your First Job as a Lawyer with Paulette NnoromPaulette Nnorom shares her expertise about finding your first job as a lawyer. Paulette’s a lawyer, coach, and certified career and résumé strategist. She’s also the founder and principal coach at hireback.ca – an online coaching program created specifically to help articling students and LPP candidates in Ontario find their first job as a lawyer.
Topics discussed include:
Developing a focused job search strategy
Networking during the pandemic
Tapping into the hidden job market
Preparing personal marketing material
To learn more about Paulette and her work, visit https://21stcenturylawyer.ca/coaching/ and https://www...2021-05-2651 minXL LegalMindful Lawyering with Shailini George
Shailini George shares her expertise about mindful lawyering. Shailini’s a professor of legal writing at Suffolk Law School, a former practicing lawyer, and a prolific author on the topics of learning, distraction, and mindfulness. Her most recent book – The Law Student’s Guide to Doing Well and Being Well – is on the cusp of being released.
Topics discussed include:
Maximizing the brain’s potential and why that’s important for lawyers
Factors that can affect the brain’s performance
Tips to improve the brain’s ability to focus
Benefits of mindfulness for lawyers
Dealing with the...2021-05-1147 minXL LegalStrategizing Like a Trial Lawyer with John Hollander
Litigator, author, and trainer – John Hollander – shares his expertise about trial advocacy. John teaches trial advocacy techniques to law students and is the founder of the Advocacy Club, where he trains novice lawyers to become skilled advocates.
Topics discussed include:
The hallmarks of a successful trial lawyerHow trial lawyers think and planCase analysisDeveloping a theory, and theme, of your caseTelling the story of your case persuasively
To learn more about John and the Advocacy Club, visit https://www.advocacyclub.ca/
This episode contains 30 minutes of Professionalism Content
2021-04-2832 minXL LegalWriting Effective Legal Memos with Neil GuthrieNeil Guthrie – author of the popular legal writing text, Guthrie’s Guide to Better Legal Writing – shares his advice and practical tips for writing effective legal memos. Neil’s the Director of Professional Development, Research and Knowledge Management at Aird & Berlis in Toronto; a former practicing lawyer; and a legal research and writing instructor.
Topics discussed include:
Why lawyers write memos
What distinguishes a good memo from a great one
Common memo writing challenges
Tips for writing the different parts of a memo
The second edition of Neil’s book will be published on April 15/21. Click this...2021-04-1450 minXL LegalConquering Office Clutter with Ruth Carter
Ruth Carter shares their strategies for preventing and conquering office clutter. Ruth’s a lawyer, former therapist, prolific blogger, professional speaker, best-selling author – and an aspiring minimalist.
Topics discussed include:
Problems associated with a cluttered office
Benefits of an uncluttered office
Lawyers’ common excuses for having too much stuff in their offices
Tips to help lawyers declutter their offices
To learn more about Ruth and their work, visit Geek Law Firm
This episode contains 30 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your...2021-03-3128 minXL LegalThe Changing Landscape of Tribunal Proceedings with Jennifer Khurana
Jennifer Khurana, Vice Chair of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) and chair of the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals (CCAT), shares her expertise about the impact of the pandemic on administrative tribunals in Canada – and parties appearing before them.
Topics discussed include:
Challenges that administrative tribunals have faced during the pandemic
How the CHRT has adapted to the new environment
Best practice tips for lawyers involved in virtual proceedings before administrative tribunals
Lessons learned from the pandemic
To access CCAT’s repository of best practices and tips Jennifer mentions during our discussion, visit http...2021-03-1730 minXL LegalRetirement Coaching for Lawyers with Sheena MacAskill
Professional coach, lawyer, and career strategist – Sheena MacAskill – shares her expertise about retirement coaching for lawyers.
Topics discussed include:
Why lawyers reach out to retirement coaches
Lawyers’ main concerns about retirement/leaving practice
Tips for a successful retirement/satisfying life after law
Ways lawyers can stay busy and productive after they leave practice
To learn more about Sheena and her work, visit her website Coaching Lawyers for Success.
This episode contains 35 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your f...2021-03-0333 minXL LegalShining as a Virtual Presenter and Trainer with Lisa Braithwaite
Certified virtual presenter, public speaking coach, trainer, and author – Lisa Braithwaite – shares her expertise about virtual training.
Topics discussed include:
Converting a live presentation into a virtual one
Choosing the right virtual training format
Designing and delivering engaging training programs/presentations online
Main challenges
Best practices
Useful tools and equipment
To learn more about Lisa and her work, visit her Coach Lisa B website.
And make sure you check out her free gift – the Speak to Engage® Presentation Scorecard – at https://coachlisab.com/XLLegal.
This epis...2021-02-1751 minXL LegalBuilding Confidence at Work with Olivia Mitchell
Professional speaker, trainer, coach, and former practicing lawyer, Olivia Mitchell, shares her expertise about developing the confidence necessary to speak up during work meetings, networking events, and larger group presentations.
Topics discussed include:
Why visibility at work is important
What’s really behind our fear of speaking up at work
The myth about confidence that holds us back
Tips for overcoming our fear of networking, speaking up in meetings, and public speaking
To learn more about Olivia and her work, visit her two websites: Speaking About Presenting and Tiny Acts of Courage
...2021-02-0341 minXL LegalSleeping Well with Dr. Elliott Lee
Dr. Elliott Lee – one of Canada’s leading specialists in sleep and sleep disorders – shares his expertise about:
Common sleep issues affecting lawyers
Consequences of not getting enough restorative sleep on a regular basis
Factors that affect our ability to get enough restorative sleep
Discovering our natural sleep cycle
Tips for better sleep
This episode contains 50 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps. And don’t forget to rate and review the XL Legal Podcast.2021-01-2050 minXL LegalMastering Virtual Meetings and “Feedback” Conversations with Deborah Glatter
Legal management and training consultant, Deborah Glatter, shares her expertise about meetings and associate feedback in our new virtual world.
Topics discussed include:
Preparing to attend a virtual meeting
Preparing to lead a virtual meeting
Ensuring that virtual meetings are effective and worthwhile
Getting people to participate in virtual meetings
Delivering, eliciting, and receiving feedback in a virtual world
To learn more about Deborah and her work, visit Deborah’s website.
This episode contains 40 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to th...2021-01-0643 minXL LegalStepping into Difficult Conversations with Rick WeilerRick Weiler – one of Canada’s foremost commercial mediators – shares his expertise and advice about navigating difficult conversations. Topics discussed include:
Key ingredients of a good conversation
Habits we should develop in order to have more productive and effective difficult conversations
Preparing for difficult conversations
Managing reactions in difficult conversations
Techniques for getting derailed conversations back on track
To learn more about Rick and his work, visit Rick’s website.
Additional Resources
Here are links to some of the resources Rick mentioned during our discussion:
The Conflict Resolution Toolbox by Gary Furlong
When the B...2020-12-2351 minXL LegalBuilding a Diverse and Inclusive Legal Profession with Rebecca Bromwich
The National Manager of Diversity and Inclusion at Gowling WLG – Rebecca Bromwich – shares her expertise and insights about building a diverse and inclusive legal profession. Topics discussed include:
Current EDI challenges in the legal profession
Recognizing and interrupting our unconscious biases
Workplace EDI initiatives
Obstacles to fostering more EDI in legal workplaces
How lawyers can be EDI champions in their workplaces
This program contains 30 minutes of EDI Professionalism Content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps. And don’...2020-12-0936 minXL LegalThe Art of Public Speaking with Rohan BansieLawyer, mediator, arbitrator, educator, and Deputy Judge – Rohan Bansie – shares his public speaking tips and strategies. Topics discussed include:
The four key questions speakers should ask themselves when preparing an oral presentation
How storytelling helps connect speakers with their audience
Common public speaking mistakes
Managing public speaking anxiety
To learn more about Rohan and his popular public speaking guide, Eloquence: Public Speaking Skills for Lawyers and Other Professionals, visit Rohan’s website.
This episode contains 40 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscr...2020-11-2540 minXL LegalSucceeding as a Law Firm Associate with Jessica WatkinsJessica Watkins – the National Director of Professional Resources at Miller Thomson LLP – shares invaluable insights and advice about what it takes to succeed as a law firm associate in today’s competitive legal market. Topics discussed include: the importance of taking ownership of your career, your work, and your mistakes; reasons associates leave private practice; and obstacles to advancement.
This episode contains 35 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps.
And don’t forget to rate and review the XL Legal...2020-11-1136 minXL LegalGrowing a Profitable Legal Practice with Jay HarringtonIf you’re like most law firm associates, you’re probably not devoting enough time to business development. Or maybe you’re not sure how to get started. Legal marketing and business development expert Jay Harrington offers practical strategies to help you grow a profitable legal practice by engaging in thoughtful and strategic business development activities at a specific time every day.
To learn more about Jay and his work, visit his website where you’ll find his podcast, blog, and some great free resources. And don’t forget to check out his most recent book: The Productivity...2020-10-2848 minXL LegalBuilding Powerful Mentoring Relationships with Ida Abbott
Professional mentor and coach – and former trial lawyer – Ida Abbott shares her expertise about mentoring and sponsorship for lawyers. Topics discussed include: what mentoring is; the benefits of mentoring for both mentors and mentees; the key ingredients of a successful mentoring relationship; the difference between mentoring and sponsorship; and how to find a mentor/sponsor.
To learn more about Ida and her work, visit her website and check out her wonderful resources – including her books:
The Lawyer’s Guide to Mentoring, 2nd Edition
Sponsoring Women: What Men Need to Know
Retirement by Design
2020-10-1452 minXL Legal"Thinking Like a Writer" with Steve Armstrong
Legal writing expert Steve Armstrong shares the key principles for transforming complex legal information into clear prose – and discusses several real-life examples of the principles in action. To learn more about Steve and his work, visit his website and check out his seminal legal writing resource: Thinking Like a Writer: A Lawyer’s Guide to Effective Writing and Editing
This episode contains 45 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps. And don’t forget t...2020-09-3046 minXL LegalA Lawyer’s Recovery from Depression with Michael Herman
In the final episode of our three-part mental health series, lawyer and mental health advocate Michael Herman shares his personal struggle with depression, and the lessons he learned on his road to recovery. Michael has been instrumental in developing and implementing a mental health strategy at his firm, including launching an internal app of mental health resources and tools. An extensive range of resources to support employee wellbeing is also available for free on Morneau Shepell’s app and website, WellCan: A Community of Support.
This episode contains 50 minutes of Professionalism content.
Yo...2020-09-1649 minXL LegalA Cautionary Tale About Substance Use in the Legal Profession with Eilene Zimmerman
In the second episode of our three-part mental health series, journalist and social worker Eilene Zimmerman shares what she learned about substance use and addiction within the legal profession while writing her new book Smacked: A Story of White-Collar Ambition, Addiction, and Tragedy. The book revolves around Eilene’s shocking discovery that her ex-husband – a successful senior partner at a Silicon Valley law firm – died from a heart infection brought on by his intravenous drug use. To learn more about Smacked, and how to get your copy, visit Eilene’s website.
This epi...2020-09-0940 minXL LegalTaking Care of Our Mental Health with Doron Gold
In the first episode of our three-part mental health series, “the lawyer therapist” – Doron Gold – shares his expertise about mental health and wellness in the legal profession. Topics discussed include: the prevalence of mental health issues in the legal profession, recognizing the signs of depression and anxiety in ourselves and others, strategies for reaching out to someone you’re concerned about, and tips for staying healthy. To learn more about Doron and his work, visit The Lawyer Therapist and follow him on Twitter.
Some Additional Resources
Ontario’s Member Assistance Program
Listing of Lawyer Assistance Programs in Canada
Dir...2020-09-0251 minXL LegalThe Early Years of Practice with Reuben Rothstein, Madeleine Tyber, & Harmehak Somal
In today’s episode, three lawyers who’ve chosen different career paths candidly discuss their first year or two of practice, and offer some great advice for new calls. Reuben Rothstein is an associate at McMillan LLP, Madeleine Tyber is in-house counsel for LawPro, and Harmehak Somal is an Assistant Crown Attorney.
This episode contains 40 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps. And don’t forget to rate and review the XL Legal Podcast.2020-08-1942 minXL LegalEmbracing the New World of Remote Advocacy with Stephen Cavanagh
Tech-savvy civil litigation lawyer Stephen Cavanagh shares his experience with remote hearings, and offers helpful practice tips for participating in litigation proceedings remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
To access the two main resources Steve refers to during our conversation, follow these links:
Procedures Governing Proceedings Before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Best Practices for Remote Hearings
This episode contains 35 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps. And don’t fo...2020-08-0535 minXL LegalThriving as a Quiet Lawyer in a Profession of Loud Voices with Heidi K. Brown
Law professor, author, and former litigator Heidi Brown shares her strategies for helping introverted, shy, and socially anxious law students and lawyers “amplify their voices” – without compromising or suppressing their quiet strengths.
To learn more about Heidi and her work, visit her website and check out her books: The Introverted Lawyer: A Seven-Step Journey Toward Authentically Empowered Advocacy and Untangling Fear in Lawyering: A Four-Step Journey Toward Powerful Advocacy
You can also reach out to Heidi directly on either Twitter or Instagram.
This episode contains 35 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can...2020-07-2236 minXL LegalSolving the Procrastination Puzzle with Tim Pychyl
Procrastination expert Tim Pychyl demystifies procrastination by explaining what it really is, why we do it, and how best to tackle it. To learn more about Tim and his work – and to access a wealth of wonderful free resources – visit procrastination.ca. And make sure you check out Tim’s easy to digest hit book: Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change.
This episode contains 45 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps. And don’t...2020-07-0845 minXL LegalFinding Your Calm in the Chaos & Five Traits of Great Lawyers with Jamie Jackson Spannhake
Lawyer, certified health coach, and writer Jamie Jackson Spannhake shares the practical mind management strategy for achieving a healthy balance in our lives introduced in her new book The Lawyer, the Lion, & the Laundry: Three Hours to Finding Calm in Your Chaos. She also discusses her popular Attorney at Work article Five Traits of Great Lawyers.
To learn more about Jamie and her work, visit her website at www.jamiespannhake.com.
This episode contains 40 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on...2020-06-2440 minXL LegalBONUS EPISODE: Navigating the Legal Job Market During the COVID-19 Pandemic with Dal Bhathal
Legal talent management expert Dal Bhathal shares her wealth of knowledge about the current state of the legal job market and how best to navigate it.
If you have any lingering questions about how the pandemic might impact your career or the legal profession, you can reach Dal directly here or consult The Counsel Network’s website or their COVID-19 Hotline.
This episode contains 40 minutes of Professionalism content.
You can listen to the episodes here or by subscribing on your favourite podcast apps. And don’t forget to rate and revie...2020-06-1741 minXL LegalEscaping the Clutches of Perfectionism with Gordon Flett
Perfectionism expert Gordon Flett shares his wisdom about the difference between striving for excellence and striving for perfection in the legal profession – as well as some cautionary tales.
If you’re interested in learning more about perfectionism, here are a few resources to get you started:
Perfectionism: A Relational Approach to Conceptualization, Assessment, and TreatmentWhen Perfect Isn’t Good Enough: Strategies for Coping with PerfectionismPerfectionism, Self-Doubt, and Mental Health in the Legal Profession
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This...2020-06-1037 minXL LegalWriting Effective Court Submissions with Justice James O’Reilly
Justice James O’Reilly offers practical tips on how to write court submissions that stand out, make judges receptive to your arguments, and give you a leg up. Because each submission you write is an opportunity to improve your writing, Justice O’Reilly recommends that all lawyers have a good legal writing guide on their desk.
Here are a few suggestions:
Thinking Like a Writer: A Lawyer’s Guide to Effective Writing & EditingWriting Reasons: A Handbook for JudgesPlain English for LawyersThe Elements of Legal Style
Success by Mixaun...2020-05-2734 minXL LegalMaximizing Efficiency and Productivity with Ann Gomez
Productivity and leadership consultant Ann Gomez talks about a few simple changes you can make to the way you work right now to ensure you get the most out of every day.
To learn more about the key topics discussed in today’s episode, visit Ann’s website – www.clearconceptinc.ca – and watch these short videos:
The Power of FocusPriority ManagementProactive RoutinesThe Email Warrior
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This episode contains 40 minutes of Professionalism content.2020-05-1339 minXL LegalIntroductory Episode
In today’s mini introductory episode, host Shelley Appleby-Ostroff introduces the XL Legal Podcast: Practice Excellence & Wellness Tips for Lawyers.
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2020-04-2101 min