The Happy Lawyer Podcast

Marketing a law firm isn’t the same as marketing any other business. The rules are different, the timelines are longer, and the strategies that work in retail or tech often flop in law. That’s why Catherine invited Tifiny Swedensky, CEO of Sharp Cookie, onto The Happy Lawyer Podcast.Sharp Cookie specializes in helping law firms cut through the noise and get real results. In this conversation, Tifiny shares her no-nonsense approach to building visibility, attracting the right clients, and investing in marketing with confidence.Whether you are a solo lawyer just starting out, running a firm with a modest budget, or scaling toward seven figures, this episode gives you practical guidance to put into action.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhere to start if you have no or very little budgetHow much of your revenue should be reinvested into marketingWhy different practice areas (PI vs. family vs. corporate) need different strategiesThe channels delivering the best ROI for law firms right nowHow to balance referral-based marketing with direct-to-client marketingThe most important metrics and KPIs to trackWhere law firms often waste marketing dollarsWhat’s changing in law firm marketing over the next three to five yearsFor more tools to help you build a practice that feels aligned and sustainable, visit thehappylawyer.ca.And if you’re ready to get clear on the next step for your practice, check out The Practice Compass — my free diagnostic tool that shows you exactly where to focus your energy for the greatest impact. You can access it here: thehappylawyer.ca

Faren walks us through the move from a well-known Toronto firm to running her own shop. She explains why she refused to put her name on the door, how she engineered a “maximum billable hours” launch without burning out, and how rigid personal rules at a prior firm pushed her to design real flexibility. We also have some fun with what kids are watching on TV now and why that matters for working parents who are still building serious careers. The through-line is simple. There is a job in law for everyone. Do the work to find yours, then build the structure to support it. In this episode we chat about: networking. Start now. Relationships compound over years.Your own clients = control, security, leverage.A portable book protects you from firm politics.Fulfilment drives consistency and better work, which grows referrals and revenue.Flexibility supports fulfilment: control your calendar, design your week.Delegate outside your zone of genius to stay on high-value work.Align files with your values. Say no to the wrong matters. More tools and the free Practice Analyzer at thehappylawyer.caTo learn more about  Faren  head over to https://www.constructlegal.ca/

In this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast, I sit down with Mike Morse, the visionary behind one of America’s largest personal injury law firms—valued at over $300 million. Mike shares his journey from a struggling practitioner to building a wildly profitable and predictable business, thanks to discovering the EOS/Traction framework.We dig into:How Mike Found Traction – and why it was the turning point for scaling his firm without burning out.The Fireproof Model – the five-step system from his bestselling book, Fireproof: A Five-Step Model to Take Your Law Firm from Unpredictable to Wildly Profitable.Why Lawyers Struggle with Time and Money – and the mental traps that keep them from breaking through.The Delegation Problem – why lawyers are notoriously bad at it, and how to finally let go of the work that’s holding you back.The books that inspire better leadership and living, including Shine by Gino Wickman, Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, and Die with Zero by Bill Perkins — and how their lessons connect to running a thriving law firm.If you’ve ever felt like there’s never enough time, money, or bandwidth to grow your firm, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, systems, and your role as an owner.Resources & Links:Connect with Mike Morse: MikeMorse.comGet Fireproof: FireproofTheBook.comLearn more about Fireproof Performance: FireproofPerformance.comLearn more about EOS/Traction: EOSWorldwide.comTake my Free Practice Analyzer and start moving your firm from chaos to calm: TheHappyLawyer.ca

🎙️ The Happy Lawyer PodcastEpisode: From Chaos to Clarity: What I Did to Improve My Practice ExponentiallyDescription: In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of how I took my practice from a place of chaos, burnout, and misalignment—and turned it into something intentional, values-driven, and truly fulfilling.2023 was a year of major life transitions and growing pains—personally and professionally. My practice was expanding, but the systems, structure, and people weren’t keeping pace. I hit a breaking point and realized it was time to rebuild from the ground up.From discovering EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System) and diving into game-changing resources like Traction and Fireproof, to implementing scorecards, redefining our core values, and making tough staffing decisions—I’m walking you through the steps I took to regain control of my business and fall back in love with my practice.Whether you’re in the middle of chaos or just looking to build something more sustainable and joyful, this episode is for you.🔑 Key Takeaways:Why personal and professional misalignment led to a firm-wide resetHow discovering Ben & Brian Glass helped me find “my people” in the legal worldThe power of EOS and how Traction became a foundational resourceThe critical importance of core values—and actually living themLessons learned (the hard way) about hiring slowly and firing quicklyHow tools like the People Analyzer and scorecards created clarityThe impact of Mike Morse’s Fireproof on tracking the right metricsWhy rebuilding your foundation can lead to exponential growth📚 Resources Mentioned:Traction by Gino Wickman10X Is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin HardyThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksFireproof by Mike MorseGreat Legal MarketingRenegade Lawyer Marketing by Ben Glass Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)🧩 Want More?If you’re a lawyer looking to grow your practice and love your life again, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and rebuild on purpose.👉 Know a lawyer who needs to hear this? Send them this episode. 📩 Let’s stay connected! Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review if this resonated with you.Always feel free to reach out - [email protected] 

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast  I am back with  my husband John Shearer to talk about  Success Depression.  We touch on the following points:what success depression is how anxiety and depression go hand in hand the difference between burnout and depression how to manage burnout, anxiety and depression the key to effective self care If you want to see more of John's content  head over to @kickstartmenstherapy on Instagram. Feel  free to  reach out to me at anytime!  [email protected] @guelphinjurylawyer (insta) or Follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-shearer-062434a6/

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with John Shearer (my husband) of Kickstart Men's Therapy about:core values and what they are how you can define them how they help you in business an life how to unhook from unhelpful thoughts living with intention If you want to see more of John's content  head over to @kickstartmenstherapy on Instagram. Feel  free to  reach out to me at anytime!  [email protected] @guelphinjurylawyer (insta) or Follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-shearer-062434a6/

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast Marco Brown and I chat about:how he build a frim that aligns with his values the great shower incident of 2015 the 300 list his zero AR family practice how to know your value as a lawyer how not to sell your soul as a lawyer Feel  free to  reach out !  [email protected] @guelphinjurylawyer or Follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-shearer-062434a6/

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast:why the podcast went away burnout and recovery again what you can expect from the next season Feel  free to  reach out !  [email protected] @guelphinjurylawyer or Follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-shearer-062434a6/

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with  Success and Mindset coach Emily Elliot about :her journey from marketing exec to ND to coaching what a mindset shift iswhy its important to shift a limiting mindset why feedback is crucial to development  why we are all resistant to feedback how mindset impacts our marketing, businesses and legal practice As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer supportTo learn more about Emily Elliot and her upcoming coaching experience head to: https://www.kelseyreidl.com/2023  The LEAP  program starts May 17th! UPCOMING FREE EVENTS!Please join me and co-host Jennifer Germaine for a new webinar series accredited by the Law Society of  Ontario for  1.5  hour of professionalism.Awaken Your Leadership Mindset Friday, May 4, 2023 at Noon - 2 PM EST - LIVE on ZoomManaging Conflict in the Practice of Law, Friday June 2,  2023 at Noon -2 PM EST - LIVE on ZoomTo  register for any of the above events: https://www.breathefireintolife.com/thefulfilledlawyerproject

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with  Erin Gerner about:·         Her journey in big law and why she left ·         Finding clarity in her chaos ·         How to overcome overwhelm & perfectionism ·         How to simplify your practice As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerJoin  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer supportTo  reach Erin  go to: https://www.eringerner.com/For info on the Retreat: https://www.eringerner.com/re:treat-texas-hill-country

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with Hannah Chapman about money stories and creating wealth.  Specifically we covered: ·         What is a money story·         Where does a money story come from ·         How do negative money stories hold us back ·         How we can all overcome negative money stories to create wealth  As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer supportUPCOMING FREE EVENTS!Please join me and co-host Jennifer Germaine for a new webinar series accredited by the Law Society of  Ontario for  1 hour of professionalism. Attracting Your Dream Clients Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Noon - 2 PM EST: Live on ZoomAwaken Your Leadership Mindset Friday, April 21, 2023 at Noon - 2 PM EST - LIVE on ZoomManaging Conflict in the Practice of Law, Friday May 19 2023 at Noon -2 PM EST - LIVE on ZoomTo  register for any of the above events: https://www.breathefireintolife.com/events

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with  former lawyer turned legal consultant Laura Hartnett about:·         What are instincts ·         How can we use instincts in our professional lives·         Why you might want to pay attention to instincts or intuition in law·         Shifting from checked boxes to emotionally aligned decisions ·         How to use your “Spidey Sense” intentionally ·         Learning to trust your legal practice experience ·         How to go from overwhelm to clarity As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer supportUPCOMING FREE EVENTS!Please join me and co-host Jennifer Germaine for a new webinar series accredited by the Law Society of  Ontario for  1 hour of professionalism. Attracting Your Dream Clients Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Noon - 2 PM EST: Live on ZoomAwaken Your Leadership Mindset Friday, April 21, 2023 at Noon - 2 PM EST - LIVE on ZoomManaging Conflict in the Practice of Law, Friday May 19 2023 at Noon -2 PM EST - LIVE on ZoomTo  register for any of the above events: https://www.breathefireintolife.com/events

 In this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with lawyer and almost newly minted psychotherapist David Sazant about:·       Fulfillment in law and life ·       Aligning your career with your values and interests ·       Identifying your value systems ·       Identifying your core beliefs  and core wounds·       Where our core wounds come from ·       How core wounds hold us back ·       How we can heal core wounds As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer supportUPCOMING FREE EVENTS!Please join me and co-host Jennifer Germaine for a new webinar series accredited by the Law Society of  Ontario for  1 hour of professionalism. Creating Fulfillment in Your Life and Practice February 17, 2023 at  Noon - 2 PM EST on Zoom Attracting Your Dream Clients Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Noon - 2 PM EST: Live on ZoomAwaken Your Leadership Mindset Friday, April 21, 2023 at Noon - 2 PM EST - LIVE on ZoomTo  register for any of the above events: https://www.breathefireintolife.com/events

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with Misty Lucas.  Misty left the legal world behind to focus on her own wellness and healing journey.    We talked about:her experience in law her experience with an autoimmune disorder why she ultimately left law her career pivot to helping stressed women how you can manage stress, fatigue, demanding careers and even autoimmune diseaseTo learn more about Misty head to: https://www.mistylucaswellness.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer support.  

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I spoke with Doron Gold  The Lawyer Therapist and a  Member Assistance Program  therapist,  which is run through Homewood Health  and the Law Society of  Ontario.  Doron is also a former practicing lawyer.   We chatted about: his journey in law why he left how to identify when you need a change how to identify the type of change needed top reasons lawyers suffer with mental health tips on how to be happier in law To contact the MAP head to: https://homeweb.ca/mapTo learn more about Doron head to: http://www.thelawyertherapist.ca/about-doron.htmlAs always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer support.  

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with lawyer and business woman Alex Sinatra about: ·       Creating a legal practice that she loves ·       Splitting her passion between business, law and sports ·       How to build a personal  brand ·       Tools to help identify your core values To learn more about Alex or to listen to her podcast or read her books head to: yourpotentialforeverything.comAs always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer support 

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with former lawyer turned therapist Kara Hardin about:·       Her journey in and outside of law ·       The biggest blocks to happiness in the profession ·       How we can address these  blocks to be happier ·       How to identify the right path for you To learn more about Kara head to https://www.karahardin.com/about-meLisa Feldman Barrett on Emotions: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/opinion/brain-neuroscience-stress.htmlPaula Davis Lack (on debriefing and burnout): https://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/Connect/Rotman-MAG/Issues/2021/Fall-2021/Fall-2021-IDEX/F2021-DavisShawn Achor: https://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work?language=enAs always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer support.  

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I talk to Val Hemminger about:·         Leaving traditional law to start her own firm ·         Financial difficulties and its impacts on her mental health ·         Breaking the  Rules of Professional Conduct ·         Being investigated by the Law Society ·         Mental health impacts and a diagnosis of AHDA ·         Learning from mistakes and moving forward  If you want to reach out to Val you can reach her at https://www.valhemminger.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer support.  

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with lawyer, life coach and fellow podcaster, Angela Han.   We  talk about:·       Her legal journey ·       Challenges faced in her legal career ·       Mastering the side hustle ·       The importance of coaching ·       Impact of perfectionism on lawyers ·       Her selfcare routine If you want to reach out to Angela you can find her at https://www.angela-han.com/ or connect with her on  LinkedIn.As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd now you can connect in The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391 

 On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I spoke with  Aaron Baer about:·       His journey to equity partner ·       Why he choose to leave big law ·       Tips on  how to build your book of business ·       The knowledge gap between law school and practice ·       How he created 4L  Academy to address it ·       How legal  tech is changing traditional law As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391for peer to peer support.  

Welcome to  season 2 of The Happy Lawyer Podcast!   On this episode I  chat with Leena Yousefi founder of Y Law. We do a deep dive into how the traditional legal practice model led to burnout, mental and physical  health issues.   We  discussed how this  gave her the courage to start her own firm and how that firm has now boomed.  We cover the following:·         Why law firms are stuck in the past ·         How burnout has become the norm in the profession and why that must end ·         The impacts of stress and burnout on her physical and mental heath ·         Why she started her own practice and how it took off ·         Why being a mom makes you a better lawyer not a liability ·         Transition to a  4 day  work week and its success  As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerAnd  now you can  join  The Happy Lawyer Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/899616490629391 for peer to peer support.  

The Happy Lawyer Podcast is taking a quick  break to  regroup for Season 2. See you all Soon! 

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with  Cherolyn Knapp about all things conflict and conflict  resolution including:·       Why she left private practice for dispute resolution ·       How conflict exists with all relationships ·       Why conflict seems negative ·       The types of conflict personalities ·        How to use conflict resolution skills  If you want to learn more about conflict resolution or related skills you can find Cherolyn at https://knappresolutions.com/ As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.caYou can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast  I  chat with  University of Western Ontario Law Professor  Thomas Telfer about:·       His personal struggles with burnout & depression ·       His experience seeking help ·       Where to seek help if needed ·       Impact of COVID-19 on lawyers mental health ·       How he began teaching mindfulness for credit at UWO law ·       Defining mindfulness & provides a guided meditation  If you are an Ontario lawyer looking for any type of support or help please head to the LSO member assistance site at: https://lso.ca/lawyers/practice-supports-and-resources/member-assistance-program-(1)As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.caYou can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I talk to  Toronto based lawyer Jasmine Daya about: ·       Her law school and unique articling experience ·       How she fell into her practice area and loves it·       The difficulties of being a  junior lawyer ·       Navigating mothering and a law practice ·       The why and how of opening her own firm ·       How she manages multiple side hustles As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast  I chat with Erin Cowling the creator of Flex Legal  Network about:·       Her journey from  big law to unemployment to creating Flex Legal ·       Her struggles with mental health ·       How stress impacted her pregnancy ·       The importance finding your values ·       Identifying what isn’t working in your career ·       The importance of creating a network ·       How to make networking less daunting  & more fun You can find Flex Legal Network  at https://www.flexlegalnetwork.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website https://www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with Jennifer Germaine we talk about finding passion, purpose and a fulling life.   We dive into the following topics:·       Her journey from big law to her own firm ·       Burnout and how to identify it & address it ·       Finding purpose in life and in law ·       The importance of a well rounded life ·       Setting boundaries in your practice ·       Blind spots and fears holding us back If you want to learn more about Jenn or her podcast you can head to https://www.breathefireintolife.com/ As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with  Elizabeth Mountford former lawyer turned Mindset Coach.   We talk about:·         Her journey to leaving law ·         Imposter syndrome and overcoming it ·         Stress and its physical impacts ·         Self care and its amazing benefits ·         How to create a self care plan As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with  Quinn Ross the Managing Partner at  The Ross Firm about: ·       Innovation in the legal profession ·       The profitability of happy ·       Creating an inclusive culture that fosters wellbeing ·       Benefits of 4 day work week in the legal profession ·       Wellness in the legal workplace As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

TRIGGER WARNING!!! This episode talks about childhood sexual abuse.  On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I speak to Stephen Roth who is an author,  former private practice lawyer, and who currently sits several Ontario Tribunals.  We talk about:·       The release of his new fiction book·       How childhood trauma inspired the book ·       The importance of sharing his abuse story ·       When and why he became  lawyer ·       How he handled tragedies when running his own firm ·       How he identified his values and pivoted out of private practice  To   get a copy of Stephen’s  book  head to: https://www.amazon.ca/Evolutions-Magnum-Opus-Innocence-Trial/dp/1635543029As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

TRIGGER WARNING! This episode talks about eating disorders, weight loss and infertility. On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I speak with author, life coach and personal trainer, Amanda Gazzola about her new book titled Finally A Diet That Works For Me.  In this episode we chat about:·       How she found herself in the health and fitness world ·       How she crashed and burned through every diet out there ·       How she overcame her lack of self confidence and negative body image ·       Why she wrote the book ·       How her lifestyle changes drastically improved her life ·       Why you can do it too To learn more about Amanda Gazzola head to her website at https://www.reloveandrise.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with Alicia Gillett MSW, RSW about improving your emotional health.   We dive into the following:·       What emotional health means ·       What emotional well-being is ·       How to build emotional resilience·       What your ‘wise-mind’ is and how to use it ·       Using mindfulness to cope with emotions ·       Way to adapt with change in this COVID world  You can find Alicia at https://naturalchoicemedicalclinic.com/our-team/alicia-gillett-msw-rsw/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with Louise Pitre and AnnaLise Trudell about power, privilege, equality and oppression in the context of law firms and the legal profession.   Specifically we talk about:·       What unconscious bias is ·       How unconscious bias shows up in law firms ·       How this leads to unequal power dynamics ·       What social and positional power is ·       How this can and does lead to a lack of diversity at the top ·       How to combat bias and unequal power dynamics  To learn more about  Louise and AnnaLise you can  head to www.louisepitreconsulting.caAs always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on linkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with style expert Melanie Lippman about: •Why lawyers need help with fashion •The non-verbal messages our clothes send •How an outfit can impact performance •How style is connected to mindset •Showing up and feeling good today •Video conference fashion tips You can find Melanie Lippman at https://www.melanielippman.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I talk to Elena Deutsch, founder and CEO of WILL - Women Interested in Leaving (big) Law about:·       Why women feel stuck and unhappy in law ·       How common it is for women to be unhappy in law ·       How to find a fulfilling and balanced career ·       Ways to career pivot internally ·       When to make an external career move ·       When to consider leaving law and what to do first To learn more about Elena or if you would like to join her community you can head to https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

 On this episode of  The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with  Amy Grubb about starting your own firm including:·       How she decided to  open her own virtual firm ·       The “right” time to go solo·       Common fears and how to overcome them ·       Marketing and networking for solo lawyers ·       How a coach can help  To learn more about Amy Grubb and the solo small firm community she offers  head to https://grubblaw.ca/ As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast  I  talk with  Lena Koke the CEO if Axess Law about:·       Why she went to law school knowing she didn’t want to practice ·       What her experience in law was like ·       How she made the decision to leave and why ·       The story behind Axess Law ·       How Axess is different than a typical  firm ·       How to say no and how to delegate·       Important advice for young lawyers  To learn more about Axess Law head over to www.axesslaw.com As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

In this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with the co-founders of Epilogue Wills about their journey leaving law to create a company aimed at increasing access to wills.  We will learn about:·       The best and worst part of private practice·       Leaving the linear career mindset behind ·       Managing stress and expectations ·       Inspiration behind Epilogue Wills ·       The billable hour as a bar to collaboration·       Why a law degree is a licence to think outside the box To learn more about Epilogue Wills head over to https://www.epiloguewills.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast Dina Eisenberg and I  talk about lawyer turnover and onboarding.   Specifically we  talk about:·         Why there seems to be high turnover for young lawyers·         How to recognize a turnover problem ·         Why turnover is so problematic to the organization ·         How law firms can attract the right candidate ·         How candidates can find the right law firm for them ·         What onboarding is and why its important ·         Exploring lateral moves If you want to reach out to Dina you can find her at https://www.outsourceeasier.com/ or email her at [email protected] As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with Jamie Spannhake about:·         Her journey from big law in Manhattan to being partner in a small firm ·         The importance of personal values when choosing a career path ·         How she juggles all of her many roles in life and work ·         How to  avoid overburdening ourselves ·         Her personal story overcoming clinical anxiety ·         An inside look at her book  The Lawyer, The Lion & The Laundry You can reach Jamie at https://www.jamiespannhake.com/pages/book where you can also find a copy of her book. As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with Jessie Spressart, Lawyer Leadership Coach and Managing Director of Optia Consulting.  We talk about:·         Imposter Syndrome – what it is and how to identify it ·         Different ways Imposter Syndrome can show up in life ·         Why its important to address it ·         How to overcome Imposter Syndrome ·         How to change negative thoughts If you want to get in touch with  Jessie you can reach her at https://www.optiaconsulting.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyerIf you like the show please rate and review to allow others to find this resource. 

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I  speak with Loretta Merritt who has been  a lawyer at  Torkin Manes for 33 years and counting.  She shares with us her words of wisdom when it comes to:·         How she established her career and practice area ·         How she has maintains work life balance ·         The most difficult part of being a lawyer for her ·         The best part about being a lawyer for her ·         How the industry has changed and needs to change for women ·         The importance of autonomy as a lawyer ·         Advice for young lawyers on stress and anxietyAs always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

This episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast is for all of you working parents out there with tiny humans who just aren’t getting the sleep they need.  I chat with  Ashley  Fricker of Mountains of Sleep about all things sleep training.  She shares with us her personal story about how her newborn refused to sleep and how that led to her becoming a certified sleep consultant.  In this episode you will learn:·         Why I hired a sleep consultant with my son and what it was like ·         When you can start sleep training·         Tips on sleep training a toddler ·         What sleep regressions are and how to deal with them ·         Transitioning to daycare You can reach Ashley for a consultation at https://www.mountainsofsleep.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca  You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with former lawyer turned law school counselor and career coach Andrea Yang.  We  discuss:·        Career pivots as a lawyer ·        Transition from law ·        Life after leaving law ·        The importance of knowing your values  in selecting your career·        How to know if you should leave law or leave an environment ·        How we each get to decide our own definition of happiness You can  find Andrea at https://www.andreayangcoaching.com If you want to learn more about your  personal values and character head to VIA  Character  Survey at  https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/surveys/takesurveyAs always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on LinkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer 

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I  chat with Kim Gale about:• Going to law school outside of Canada • The difficult & lonely accreditation process upon returning • How she started her own law firm  right after being called to the bar • How she started the NCA network, an incredible resource  for foreign trained lawyers • The why and how behind Law Blog for Millennials • How she deals with the stress and chaos of running a law firm, a law blog and the network for foreign trained lawyers ***PLEASE NOTE***  the time lines and deadlines in this episode are no longer accurate.  Please visit NCA Network for more info. https://ncanetwork.com/

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with Katie about:•How she went from partner to starting and growing her own firm despite serious doubts•The importance of finding your practice area •How to be afraid and make changes anyways •How she addressed her own issues with depression and anxiety •The importance marketing and networking in growing your practice •How supporting each other in the pursuit of goals helps everyone  You can reach out to Katie on Linkedn : Katie Lipp,  you can find her on Instagram @lawpracticequeen or you can head to www.lawpraticequeen.com  As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on linkedIn: Catherine Shearer, or you can  connect through the website www.thehappylawyer.ca  You can also find me on Instagram @guelphinjurylawyer 

In this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I chat with Rachel Coll, lawyer turned relationship coach about: •how she went from being a lawyer who liked her job to a relationship coach •why lawyers need help with relationships•tips for those who are currently  searching for love •the importance of letting go of dating expectations •the importance of focusing on  what you want in a relationship •a quick dip into my dating past to share some lessons I  learned •tips for those in relationships•and finally, we learn why your partner is not your problem to solve.If you are interested in coaching with Rachel you can find her at: https://www.rachelcollcoaching.com/And if you have any questions about your legal career you can  reach me at: thehappylawyer.ca 

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I host our first of many, male guests!  Ryan Osbourne joins me to discuss: ·         His trying law school admissions process ·         Life at Osgoode Hall Law School ·         The good and the bad in big law ·         How he found himself over-stressed and out of sync ·         What he did to over come that·         Embarking on a solo career as a mediator and collaborative law practitioner ·         The importance of self care and ·         The importance aligning your practice with your values 

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast we discuss •The importance of encouraging parental leaves not just maternity leaves •Challenges in Parenting and lawyering  and pushing back against traditional gender roles •Parenting During Covid-19 •Work life balance for all, not just women, not just parents •Defining work life balance realistically •Discrimination women face in the legal profession •Reflections on the discrimination and harassment we have faced in our legal careers

On this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I speak with Danielle Marks about: •Career pivots - from big law  to boutique firm  to a small firm  outside the GTA•Dispelling the myth that law outside of Toronto or Big Law doesn’t exist •Navigating maternity leaves as an associate and as a partner •Practical impacts of taking any type of leave from work •The importance of flexibility in the workplace and the value women add to the workplace •Why making deep connections will have positive impacts for both employer and employee