You get the best effort from others not by lighting a fire beneath them, but by building a fire within. ~ Bob Nelson 

Why work with a coach? 

As a professional coach I help lawyers achieve strategic results in their professional lives. Coaching supports the development of new skills and improved performance in areas related to business development, professional development, leadership, client relations, strategic planning, client teams and practice group management.  My clients appreciate the confidentiality and the respectful and attentive support that coaching provides. 

Some examples from my practice include:

• Working with lawyers on managing the challenges of the pre-partnership years and attaining partnership.  
• Helping lawyers develop their rainmaking skills in order to expand their practices and bring in more interesting and fulfilling work. 
• Coaching lawyers on career decisions and professional development.

Coaching begins with a complimentary introductory session: 

I meet with the potential client for about 45 minutes to discuss their professional needs.  During this meeting the coach and client have a chance to get to know each other.  The initial meeting gives us an opportunity to determine if we share the comfortable and respectful rapport that serves as the foundation of the coaching relationship.  It also allows us to learn how my expertise might be of service.  If we decide to work together then we will talk about timing, scheduling, and the coaching process.

Specialised coaching programs:

I also offer a series of specialised coaching programs.

1.  Business development coaching for lawyers

Business development coaching is of value to lawyers at all stages of practice from new associates to senior partners. 

Business development coaching supports lawyers in:

• Developing and implementing strategic rainmaking skills.
• Learning advanced methods for preparing for business meetings, targeting new clients, cross-selling and “closing” more effectively.
• Coaching may also be used to support existing training programs and help lawyers put into action what is learned in the class room.

Results:  Lawyers learn advanced rainmaking skills.  They become better business developers.  They set goals for their practice, expand their client base and introduce new clients to their firms.

2.  Leadership coaching

Leadership coaching is designed to provide law firm leaders with the skills and knowledge to become effective leaders.  Too often law firms assign lawyers to leadership positions without providing them with support or training.  In most cases leadership does not come naturally but needs to be studied and mastered through practice.

Leadership coaching supports lawyers in:

• Enhancing leadership abilities and performance.
• Assisting a new client team or practice group leader with goal setting, planning, motivating a group and encouraging follow-through.
• Supporting lawyers in becoming effective mentors.

Results:  Lawyers learn to effectively lead teams, facilitate planning, and obtain follow-through on action items.   They also become effective mentors to junior lawyers.

3.  Practice management coaching

There are many good lawyers who fail to become great because of a lack of organizational skills.  They are kept on track by able support staff but ultimately their fire-fighting mode of practice can lead to mismanaged client relationships, burned out juniors and a practice that leaves no room for taking part in other firm activities such as leading practice groups, supporting law firm management or mentorship.

Practice management coaching provides:

• Private and confidential training and support when a lawyer has a need and a desire to be better organized and more self-managing.

Results:  Improved organization and time-management skills.  The lawyer has time to effectively manage his/her files, take part in firm activities and support client relationships.
Additional Resources:

I support coaching in all the above areas with handouts of articles, tip sheets, recommended reading lists and additional support materials.  

What distinguishes me as a coach?

• Ten years of experience working in-house for law firms in Beijing, New York, Washington D.C. and Vancouver.
• Recognized expert in marketing and business development.
• Frequently asked to write and present for U.S. and Canadian legal journals, professional associations and private law firms.
• Professionally trained Certified Executive Coach accredited by Royal Roads University.
• My practice is focused on the legal profession.

 For more information including references and pricing please contact Allison Wolf at allison@shiftworks.ca.

Business Development / Lawyer Coaching / Marketing Legal Services / Law Firm Retreats