Confidence and anxiety: a 30 year litigator tells you the truth with Mark Virgin

In this episode of Behind the Bar, I sit down with litigator, Mark Virgin, who brings more than 30 years of practice experience—and an extraordinary level of candor—to a conversation every law student and junior lawyer needs to hear.Mark shares the lessons he wishes he knew as an articling student, including why you should always ask the “stupid” question, how to find the right mentors inside a firm, and what it actually means to “reach up” when you need help. He also speaks openly about his journey with anxiety, how he learned to manage it, and why early-career lawyers must proactively build healthy habits and support systems.We also cover: • How to communicate effectively as a junior lawyer—and avoid the 50% misunderstanding trap • Why self-awareness, curiosity, and preparation are foundational to success • The professional etiquette expectations that genuinely matter in law firms • How to build a client-centric mindset early in your career • The long-term value of community involvement and choosing causes that matter to you • Why your ethical compass—and your reputation—are your most important assets in lawThis conversation is packed with practical guidance, stories from Mark’s career, and honest reflections that will help you navigate articling, summering, and your first few years of practice with more confidence, clarity, and resilience.Episode notes:Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/Lawyers Assistance Program BC: https://www.lapbc.com/ CBA Lawyer Assistance Program: https://cba.org/resources/well-being-and-lawyer-assistance/