Lawyer Life Podcast
by Lawyer Life Podcast
The Lawyer Life Podcast covers the professional, personal, and sometimes political lives of lawyers. Hosts Mike Anderson and Darlene Tonelli use their experience across music, media, tech, and entertainment to explore the news of the day and how lawyers can bring their A-game in their careers while enjoying life.Email us: [email protected]
Episodes
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New Year, New Goals - Goal-setting for 2026 with Mike and Darlene
It’s a new year, and for the Lawyer Life Podcast, that means it’s time to set some goals for 2026. Longtime listeners know that this is a beloved annual tradition for Mike and Darlene. This year we're keeping it light, and focusing on small areas for constant and never-ending improvement in our...
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Contract Law Gripes - How to Keep Contracts Efficient and Fair
No matter how much you love your job, there will always be things about it that you wish you could change. It's no different for contract lawyers. On this episode of the Lawyer Life, Mike and Darlene get into the weeds and start pulling up the peskiest side quests that come up in contract...
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"Goodbye Cruel Wordle" - Talking Detox from Phone Addiction with Steve Pratt
If every buzz, badge, and Wordle streak has you checking your phone like it’s your job—well, you’re not alone. And if you are a lawyer, it kind of IS your job. Between clients, courts, and colleagues, being “always on” can feel like the only option. But what if you could make a few simple tweaks…
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Excellence Without Extremes
Is it really true that you have to do everything with excellence to succeed in life? In this episode of the Lawyer Life Podcast, we unpack the pressure to be exceptional at all times—and how that mindset can actually hold you back. From perfectionism to burnout, we explore the hidden costs of...
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There Has To Be a Better Way: Rethinking Justice in the Hockey Canada Case with Pam Hrick
In this episode, we sit with the discomfort and frustration that followed the acquittal in the Hockey Canada case — a decision many lawyers saw coming, given the high bar for criminal convictions in sexual assault cases. It feels like there has to be a better way for society to reckon with harm,...
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Starting Strong: Tips for New Lawyers from Those Who Have Been There
Heading back to the office this fall? Whether you're a fresh-faced law student or a new associate, this episode is for you. Mike and Darlene crack open the memory vault to share the best advice they received as junior lawyers — the kind that helped them survive (and thrive) in both in-house roles...
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The Making and Unmaking of a Great Canadian Law Firm featuring Adam Dodek
Mike and Darlene interview Adam Dodek, author and professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, about his recent book "Heenan Blaikie: The Making and Unmaking of a Great Canadian Law Firm". It's a great chat full of lessons for lawyers setting out to improve on the business model…
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Are Lawyers Motivated by Revenge?
Is justice just revenge with better PR? In this episode, we dig into the idea that lawyers might be chasing more than fairness — maybe it’s payback too. Could the same fire that fuels equity also fuel a thirst for retribution? And is that… a bad thing? Join us as we unpack the messier motivations...
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Time Management For Lawyers
This week, in a twist, Darlene is in the interviewer's seat, asking Mike (!) about his time management skills (which are impressive, even by lawyer standards). One of Mike's special superpowers is his ability to set and meet deadlines, regardless of his workload. How does he do it?? Darlene aims…
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In-house vs. Private Practice
As lawyers who have both practiced in law firms and in-house, Mike and Darlene are often asked "which is a better way to practice law: in a law firm, or in-house in a corporation?". In this episode, we aim to answer this question based on our own experience and all that we have observed in our...
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Episode Trailer - Setting the Right Goal: Closing Commercial Contracts
EPISODE TRAILER - When it comes to commercial contracts, are lawyers sometimes just moving the puck around? Or are we trying to score...? As in hockey, lawyers can decide that our goal is to close, just like a professional hockey team can decide their goal is to win the Stanley Cup. Join us to…
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Setting the Right Goal: Closing Commercial Contracts
When it comes to commercial contracts, are lawyers sometimes just moving the puck around? Or are we trying to score a goal..? As in hockey, lawyers can decide that our goal is to close, just like a professional hockey team can decide (in theory...) that their goal is to win the Stanley Cup. Join…
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Deal or No Deal PART 2: How Should Law Firms Respond to these Threats?
This week, Mike and Darlene revisit the topic discussed in the last episode, about Big Law firms navigating Executive Orders by entering into “deals”. With less focus on the associates’ perspective this week, and more on the issue from the firm level, they comment on new developments, listener...
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Deal or No Deal - How Should Law Firms (and Lawyers) React to These Threats?
Right now, big law firms are being asked to enter into “deals” to extract themselves from Executive Orders. Mike and Darlene talk through our thoughts on this, and its impact on the legal profession as a whole, mainly by responding to the NYT Daily podcast interview with departing Skadden Arps...
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Staying Reasonable in Unreasonable Times
In a world where unreasonable behaviour seems more common than ever, Mike and Darlene ask: Is "being reasonable" something we actively need to protect? They explore how the small choices we make every day shape our ability to stay true to ourselves when faced with major societal upheavals. Are we...
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Risks & Benefits of Integrating AI
In this week’s episode, we talk AI: Artificial Intelligence, the topic that is on everyone’s mind — but this is a more personal take. We discuss our high hopes for the use of AI in improving government efficiency (based on the government of Canada and its new AI policy rollout, as covered in...
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Shelter from the Storm: Finding Solace in Difficult Times
In this week’s episode, we seek solace in chaotic times. We talk movies, books, poems, music and… doing the right thing when it counts! Seems these things are connected. Mike’s question this week (inspired by the amazing Vibe Check podcast): what movies, books, music or other materials serve as...
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Negotiation Strategy: We Revisit the Bully and the Bamboozler...
Mike and Darlene revisit the subject of negotiation strategy. Why now? Well, it's our attempt to process recent world events like tariff negotiations by breaking them down and looking at them through a lawyer's mechanical lens. We last spoke about this on an episode we did in June 2019, but felt...
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Do Lawyers Overdo it on "Effort" for the Sake of It?
Mike observes that law students, then lawyers, are often people who put in a lot of effort, and are rewarded throughout their lives for that effort. He wonders if it's this very quality, though, that makes it so hard for lawyers to learn to actually NOT put in so much effort sometimes. When do we...
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Show me the Remedy! Mike and Darlene Talk Recourse. Is there any?
Darlene wants to talk about whether we still have appropriate recourse for problems in life. Do we have time to pursue what little recourse there is? Do we deserve recourse if we're shopping online? Is a refund enough to compensate? And don't get us started on courts and the expense required to…
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Hello 2025 & The New Era of Associate Pushback ft. Daniel Fish
Darlene and Mike celebrate the end of 2024, welcoming Daniel Fish (Editor, Precedent Magazine) to discuss his most recent article entitled The New Era of Associate Pushback. PLUS - a BTS look at podcast editing, Darlene awkwardly accepts Mike's thanks, and a surprise Gripe! The article we…
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Once Off Limits, Now in Demand: Dealing with the Legalization of Everything
In today's episode of the Lawyer Life Podcast, Mike Anderson and Darlene Tonelli of Inter Alia Law muse about whether people are equipped to handle all the things in society for which government is removing regulatory guardrails. Plus: We talk about going on a "news fast", and what we will do...
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Meditations for Mortals (and a Mea Culpa)
Darlene and Mike chat about Darlene's most recent read - "Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts" by Oliver Burkeman, and his very different take on "maximum productivity" and "hyper optimization". They also introduce a new segment (with a...
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The Revenge of the Tipping Point... and a Mike-Themed Mug
In today's episode of the Lawyer Life Podcast, Mike Anderson and Darlene Tonelli of Inter Alia Law talk about what Mike has been reading lately (Malcolm Gladwell's "Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and The Rise of Social Engineering"). This gets Darlene talking about the...
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Election Reaction with David Moscrop
In today's episode of the Lawyer Life Podcast, Mike Anderson and Darlene Tonelli of Inter Alia Law talk through last week's US election results with the amazing journalist, author, and political commentator, David Moscrop. Five years ago, Mike and Darlene talked to David on the podcast about his...
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Lawyer Life Podcast 2.0
In today's episode of the Lawyer Life Podcast, Mike Anderson and Darlene Tonelli of Inter Alia Law catch up on what's been going on since they last posted an episode of the pod, plus: - Team-friendly sports contracts - are star players' lawyers the REAL difference between a winning team and a...
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Stop Yelling, Start Listening
Darlene and Mike wrap up season 6 by discussing the default treatment of opposing lawyers as instant adversaries. They ask whether an approach of respectful problem solving can lead to better results (and should become the profession's new default). PLUS: Mike's guru morning, Darlene revisits...
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Untangling Fear In Lawyering ft. Heidi K. Brown
Darlene and Mike are joined by Heidi K. Brown (Author, Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School) to discuss her book Untangling Fear In Lawyering. The group considers whether lawyers can improve performance and well-being by embracing confidence, understanding what drives fear, and adopting...
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Lawyers Aren't Robots: How Identity, Principles, and Empathy Drive Outcomes
Darlene and Mike are joined by Sara Robertson (Limehorse.com) to learn how acknowledging identity, principles, and empathetic abilities can help lawyers avoid bad outcomes. PLUS: Golden Girls, a genius road trip hack, and sartorial reviews of My Cousin Vinny. THANK YOU Thanks to dealcloser, our...
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Overthinking Is Not Awesome
Darlene and Mike discuss the downsides of overthinking. With a little help from books on the subject, they propose that eliminating negative soundtracks and distracting noise is actually key to the effective practice of law. PLUS: The power of Lego, a document from Darlene's past appears, and…
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The Problem With "Hacking It"
Darlene and Mike discuss whether 'hacking it' should be the goal, or whether it can actually be a sign of strength to choose another path. PLUS: Darlene hates cakes, Mike (desperately) offers his Alvin and the Chipmunks impression, and is Mike's obsession with his grass contagious? THANK YOU…
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What is *True* High Performance?
Darlene and Mike discuss the profession's misconception of high performers, and what TRULY makes a high performing person that practices law. PLUS: Mike talks about his grass (again), learning from the Billy Beane test case, and the importance of humility. CREDITS: Brendon Burchard – High...
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How To Mentor (and be mentored) ft. Nyssa Chopra
Darlene and Mike kick off season 6 with Nyssa Chopra (more on her below), discussing how mentor-mentee relationships work best. This episode is eligible for professionalism credits with the Law Society of British Columbia. PLUS: Mike and Darlene have an anniversary, entrepreneurship in the legal...
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Dealing with "These Times"
Darlene and Mike check-in and discuss the tools they currently use to get through the uncertainty and challenges of the pandemic. PLUS: Darlene makes a mixtape, Mike has a spa day, and one of the hosts discloses their life-long fear of caves. FEEDBACK, CREDITS & REVIEW Please give us feedback…
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Build Your Own Practice: Step 3 - Follow Good Advice
Darlene and Mike close off this short season by discussing some great pieces of advice, borrowed from other innovative lawyers and some helpful books. This program contains 30 minutes of Professionalism content accredited by the Law Society of Ontario. This short season is sponsored by Helcim....
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Build Your Own Practice: Step 2 - Know Your Options ft. Kimberly Y. Bennett
Darlene and Mike are joined by Kimberly Y. Bennett to discuss how successfully 'building your own thing' relies on choosing a style that most aligns with your skills, passion, and worldview. This program contains 30 minutes of Professionalism content accredited by the Law Society of Ontario....
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Build Your Own Practice: Step 1 - Know Yourself
Darlene and Mike kick-off a short season 5, about building your own practice. This program contains 30 minutes of Professionalism content accredited by the Law Society of Ontario. They discuss innovation, entrepreneurship, and how knowing your passions will help you reach fulfillment. This short...
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Teaching the Business of Law ft. Cat Moon
Darlene and Mike are joined by Cat Moon to discuss how the business of law is taught. Cat is the perfect person to speak about this topic, as she is Vanderbilt University's Director of Innovation Design for the Program on Law and Innovation. PLUS: A debate on exercise listening and the brilliance...
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How We Set Goals in 2021
Darlene and Mike discuss a new way to set goals. The process is a mix of their 2019 approach (inspired by Jack Canfield) and Colin Tipping's philosophy in his book Radical Manifestation. PLUS: Mike is a know-it all (again), and the problem with fruit stickers. SHOW NOTES: Jack Canfield's goal...
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Best Of 2020
Darlene and Mike put 2020 to bed by revisiting the conversations they shared on the podcast. PLUS: Mike's favourite show of 2020, an (unfortunate) musical contribution from Mike's kids, and Darlene gets choked up. FEEDBACK, CREDITS & REVIEW Please give us feedback here: http://bit.ly/LLPFeedback...
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A Lawyer, Among Other Things ft. Graham MacLennan
Darlene and Mike are joined by Graham MacLennan (lawyer, host of the Cheftimony podcast) to discuss lawyers that follow their passions, and find fulfillment outside of their day job. PLUS: Mike's office fridge, how to clean your cast iron pan, and food talk! LINKS: Check out Graham's podcast…
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Short Episode, Big Announcement
Darlene and Mike are "joined by a special guest" to make a big announcement. PLUS: Darlene goes for a power walk, Mike compares himself to Michael Barbaro (for all the wrong reasons), and the holiday season starts early on the pod. FEEDBACK, CREDITS & REVIEW Please give us feedback here:...
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2020 Presidential Election Special ft. David Moscrop
Darlene and Mike are joined by David Moscrop to discuss the 2020 Presidential Election. The group discuss the rule of law, lawyer ethics, and the health of democracy more generally (no pressure!). PLUS: Beards, past-tense texting, and early holiday decorations. SHOW NOTES Learn more about David...
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Remembering RBG
Darlene and Mike focus on the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. SHOW NOTES: https://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/a34019494/caitlin-moran-more-than-a-woman-interview/ To donate in RBG’s memory: Act Blue: https://secure.actblue.com/ ACLU - https://www.aclu.org/ National Women’s…
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Lawyers At Home Sharing Coffee - Sept 22
Darlene and Mike catch up after this unprecedented summer – they discuss what they’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and what might be next. PLUS: Mike the woodworker, virtual weddings, and silverlings. SHOW NOTES: Check out our “High Performance” episode (and oldy, but a goody) Susan Cain,...
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Book Club! Lawyer Forward ft. Mike Whalen
Darlene and Mike are joined by Mike Whalen, author of Lawyer Forward, to discuss how lawyers can find their place in the future of law. This program contains 30 minutes of Professionalism content accredited by the Law Society of Ontario. PLUS: A case of the Mondays, Star Trek, and more gardening...
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Lawyers with Kids (pt. 2) ft. Lily Coodin
Darlene and Mike are joined by Lily Coodin (Bay Street lawyer, Legal Expert on CTV's The Social) to discuss how we can change the profession to help parents thrive. PLUS: Mike and Lily's history, "Givers" in a workplace, and developing loyal employees. FEEDBACK, CREDITS & REVIEW Please give us...
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Risky Business ft. Juda Strawczynski
Darlene and Mike are joined by Juda Strawczynski (Director, practicePRO at the Lawyers' Professional Indemnity Company (LawPro)) to discuss whether risk can be a useful tool for lawyers. This program contains 30 minutes of Professionalism content accredited by the Law Society of Ontario. PLUS:...
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Anti-Racism & Sustainable Change ft. Hadiya Roderique
Darlene and Mike are joined by Hadiya Roderique to discuss anti-racism, creating sustainable change, and what (if anything) has changed since she wrote her Black on Bay Street essay in 2017. This program contains 20 minutes of EDI Professionalism content accredited by the Law Society of Ontario....
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RE-POST: Belonging Ft. Catherine Chang
We re-post this episode (originally recorded in 2019)as a resource, specific to the profession, for those seeking to learn more about systemic racism and its impacts on practicing lawyers from marginalized communities. This program contains 20 minutes of EDI Professionalism content accredited by...
About this show
The Lawyer Life Podcast covers the professional, personal, and sometimes political lives of lawyers. Hosts Mike Anderson and Darlene Tonelli use their experience across music, media, tech, and entertainment to explore the news of the day and how lawyers can bring their A-game in their careers while enjoying life.Email us: [email protected]
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