Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar

Épisodes

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  The Confidence Gap in Law: Stop Waiting to Feel Ready 08.10.2026 56min

  You earned your place in law school or at a law firm. So why does it still feel like someone might discover a mistake? Former litigator and now counsellor, Bena Stock, joins Susan Van Dyke and Johanna Mills to talk about the confidence gap, perfectionism and the habits that make anxiety louder. Bena brings 24 years of litigation experience and practical tools for the moments when your inner critic starts drafting its own factum.What law students can take into practice:• Treat a mistake as information. Tell the right person promptly, help fix it, and ask what you can learn.• Catch the familiar mental route from one piece of criticism to “I do not belong here.” Check the evidence before you accept that story.• Write down one thing you did well each day and why. Keep kind feedback in a folder you can revisit on a difficult day.• Do not wait for a busy senior lawyer to notice every win. Share your contribution clearly.• Before a difficult ask, name the facts, your thoughts, your feelings and what you need. Choose the right person and time, then agree when to check back.The goal is excellent work and steady learning, not a flawless performance that keeps you from starting.Lawyer Launcher links:Instagram: https://instagram.com/lawyerlauncher/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke/Chapters:00:00 Bridging the confidence gap02:43 Bena’s early career and imposter syndrome05:01 Why success can feel like luck05:59 The perfectionism trap10:53 What research says about mistakes13:38 Choosing excellence over perfection15:51 How to own a mistake at work18:17 Building a growth mindset21:19 “Cow paths” and anxious thinking patterns27:04 Countering negativity bias with visualization28:32 Record your wins and keep a kudos folder32:02 The tiara syndrome: making your work visible34:14 Using positive self-talk under pressure35:44 Asking for what you want40:08 A framework for difficult conversations45:46 Debrief: the cost of avoiding risks48:53 Recovering from mistakes51:08 Finding a human connection at work53:47 Final takeaways
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  Reframing the narrative of your professional toolkit 24.09.2026 41min

  Your next professional connection could start with two minutes by the coffee machine.Susan Van Dyke, founder of Lawyer Launcher, joins Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci, Executive Director of the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, New York City Bar Association, on Building Belonging, a podcast from the New York City Bar Association and its Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, to unpack networking, mentorship, and the unspoken rules of a legal career.Susan and Tanya explore how to build a community of mentors, colleagues, and future clients through curiosity, listening, and finding ways to be helpful. They discuss why networking can feel uncomfortable even for extroverts, how brief “micro moments” can lead to meaningful relationships, and what it looks like to take responsibility for your professional growth.You’ll also hear how a successful litigator worked through his anxiety about small talk with a few simple, practiced questions. Whether you’re entering law school, starting at a firm, or strengthening your professional relationships, this conversation offers practical ways to find your people and keep those connections growing.Lawyer Launcher links:Instagram: https://instagram.com/lawyerlauncher/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke/--Chapters00:00 Introduction to Building Belonging & ALI01:22 Meet Susan Van Dyke04:50 Seeing the Bigger Picture Inside a Law Firm06:08 Trust, Leadership & Belonging07:23 The Gap Between Law School and Practice10:02 Why Mentorship Needs Better Communication12:01 Taking Responsibility for Your Career14:09 Building Your Circle of Mentors15:20 Adjusting to Life Inside a Law Firm16:43 Introducing Lawyer Launcher18:24 Law Firm Economics & Career Development19:51 Making the Unspoken Rules Explicit20:21 When Networking Feels Uncomfortable22:55 Bringing Curiosity to New Connections24:40 Networking Through Helpfulness & Listening27:01 Finding Your People29:36 Making the Most of Micro Moments31:58 Turning Brief Conversations Into Follow-Ups34:23 Helping a Senior Lawyer Get Comfortable With Small Talk36:04 Connecting Legal Pipeline Programs & Resources39:04 Learning From Different Voices in the Profession40:08 Building Relationships Over Time41:19 Closing RemarksOpinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the New York City Bar Association.
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  "That's Not Normal" The Conversation That Woke Up Pauline Chan 10.09.2026 59min

  Guest: Pauline Chan, called to the bar in 2010, now leading lawyer experience for a national network of 700+ Canadian lawyers.Pauline's résumé reads like a success story: Big Law, in house, a solo practice, a fitness studio business she built with partners, and now a national leadership role. But this conversation isn't about the résumé. It's about what was happening underneath it: the 2 a.m. phone checks that spiked her heart rate before she was even fully awake, the bladder infections from refusing to leave her desk, and the afternoon she caught herself envying a colleague whose broken arm meant a month off work, thinking nothing of it.Pauline and Susan trace the moment that "normal" stopped being normal: the outside conversation (with a husband, then two mentors) that finally named what her environment couldn't see. From there, Pauline walks through the messy, non linear path to in house to founding her own studio to a fractional practice, and what she learned at each stop about the difference between hard but meaningful work and work that's just hard because something's wrong.This is a candid conversation about burnout culture in law, the myth of the "one right path," how to actually find (and use) a mentor, and why saying "I don't know, yet" might be the most powerful four words in a junior lawyer's vocabulary. If you're articling or interning, a few years in, or quietly wondering whether the grind is sustainable, this one's for you.Guest links:LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/paulinepochan/Goodlawyer: https://www.goodlawyer.ca/Lawyer Launcher links:Instagram: https://instagram.com/lawyerlauncher/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke/
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  What it actually takes to become a rainmaker 27.08.2026 45min

  Want to stand out as a law student, articling student, or junior lawyer? Building a successful legal career takes more than becoming technically competent. It also means learning how to build relationships, develop your personal brand, navigate your law firm, and eventually generate business. In this episode of Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar Susan Van Dyke speaks with Kimberly Rice, author of Rainmaker Roadmap, about the habits young lawyers can start developing from day one to become future law firm rainmakers.Kimberly shares practical career advice for law students, summer students, new associates, and junior lawyers who want to accelerate their professional development and build a strong foundation for long-term success in law.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:    •    Understand your law firm’s governance and power structure and identify the people who influence your career    •    Build relationships with mentors, partners, peers, and law firm staff    •    Increase your visibility within your firm by volunteering, joining committees, attending events, and putting yourself in the room    •    Push through self-doubt and learn to ask for opportunities instead of waiting to be invited    •    Develop a strong personal brand as someone who is hardworking, helpful, accessible, and trustworthy    •    Start developing a marketing and business development mindset early in your legal career    •    Build an authentic professional network that can eventually lead to referrals and new clients    •    Understand why relationships with assistants, receptionists, marketing teams, and other professionals can have a major impact on your career    •    Approach client service with a “servant’s heart” by anticipating what clients need and looking for ways to genuinely help    •    Build the habits that can turn a new lawyer into a future rainmakerOne of Kimberly’s central messages: don’t wait until you’re a senior lawyer to start thinking about networking, business development, and client relationships. The relationships and reputation you build at the beginning of your career can shape the opportunities available to you for years to come.About Kimberly RiceKimberly is an author and accomplished business and client development professional with 25+ years of demonstrated passionate experience in strategic planning, marketing communications to spearhead growth initiatives.With decades of experience working with law firms and lawyers, Kimberly has coached and trained thousands of women professionals to navigate career obstacles, build stronger professional relationships, develop their businesses, and create more prosperous and fulfilling careers.Episode ResourcesRainmaker Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Prosperous Businesshttps://www.amazon.ca/Rainmaker-Roadmap-Step-Step-Prosperous/dp/1942489374If you’re a law student, articling student, intern, new associate trying to understand how law firms really work—and how to build a legal career that goes beyond simply doing good legal work—this episode is for you.
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  How you and your firm make money 13.08.2026 39min

  Gaining a solid understanding of law firm economics is vital for any new lawyer. Colin Cameron from Profits for Partners joins us to discuss the keys to financial literacy within the legal field, focusing on how new lawyers can navigate their careers with confidence.Understanding the Basics of Law Firm Financials:Colin emphasizes the importance of grasping fundamental economic concepts when entering a law firm. He references David Maister's five profitability levers: rates, leverage, utilization, realization, and margin. These are critical for any lawyer aiming to succeed in the business of law.Rates: Starting with rates, Colin notes that students may come in at an hourly rate of around $150. However, the effective rate—what the firm ultimately bills to clients—can be significantly lower due to write-offs. For instance, a student might bill four hours of work, but with a 50% write-off, the effective rate drops to $75 per hour. Colin advises new lawyers to focus on logging their time accurately while allowing their billing partners to handle the complexities of client invoicing.Leverage:Next, we discussed leverage, which refers to the ratio of associates to partners in a firm. A one-to-one leverage is common, but increasing leverage by hiring more associates can enhance profitability. For example, in fields like personal injury law, firms can leverage more support staff, thereby maximizing efficiency and profits.Utilization:Utilization is another critical concept, with successful associates typically aiming for 1,400 to 1,500 billable hours per year. However, many may find it challenging to reach this figure due to various factors, including the nature of the work and the learning curve for new lawyers. Colin highlights that understanding this metric is key to achieving financial success in a firm.Realization and Margin:Moving on to realization, Colin explains that it measures how much of the billed time is actually collected. A realization rate of 95% is considered excellent and is essential for profitability. Finally, margin represents the net income of the firm compared to its total revenue. With rising associate salaries, maintaining healthy margins is becoming increasingly difficult.Shifting Perspectives in Law Firms:The discussion also touches on the evolving mindset within law firms. As Colin recalls, there was a significant shift in the 90s towards viewing law firms as businesses, spurred by metrics like profit per partner and innovative billing practices. This evolution is crucial for new lawyers to understand as they embark on their careers.Colin's insights provide a roadmap for future lawyers to navigate the complex landscape of law firm economics. By mastering these financial principles, new lawyers can position themselves for success and contribute meaningfully to their firms.Understanding the business side of law is not just beneficial; it's essential for a thriving legal career.Lawyer Launcher links:Instagram: https://instagram.com/lawyerlauncher/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke/
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  Your Silence is Costing You Your Career 30.07.2026 24min

  In this episode:You are allowed to ask for what you need. Even in a law firm.In this episode of Lawyer Launcher, Susan Van Dyke breaks down the real cost of staying silent as a law student or new lawyer, and why the quiet things you're tolerating right now (an uncomfortable chair, a confusing review process, an assignment with unclear instructions) may be quietly draining your performance every single day.Through two real client stories, Susan shows exactly how unmet needs affect focus, confidence, and career longevity, and gives you the mindset shift and word for word scripts to fix it. You'll learn how to tell the difference between reasonable self advocacy and entitlement, how to ask for what you need without sounding needy, and how one well timed question can end weeks of anxiety before a performance review.Nearly 60% of legal professionals report poor mental wellbeing, and more than half of lawyers surveyed have considered leaving the profession because of burnout. This episode is about closing that gap, one honest, well placed question at a time.Show details:LawCare: https://lawcare.org.uk/American Bar Association Well-being Resources: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/resources/links-of-interest/Lawyer Launcher links:Instagram: https://instagram.com/lawyerlauncher/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke/____Chapters00:00 Introduction & Welcome to Lawyer Launcher02:34 What If You Haven't Asked for What You Need?03:06 Why Speaking Up Matters to Your Career05:13 Why Law Students Stay Silent06:45 The Hidden Cost of Unmet Needs07:19 The Office Chair That Was Holding a Lawyer Back09:47 When Uncertainty Creates Unnecessary Anxiety10:43 The Power of Asking One Simple Question12:23 The Well-Being Crisis in the Legal Profession14:18 Common Situations Where You Need to Speak Up15:53 The Mindset Shift: Think Like a Supervising Lawyer17:07 Asking for What You Need Without Seeming Entitled18:48 Three Scripts for Asking What You Need19:33 Script #1: Asking for a Better Workspace20:12 Script #2: Preparing for a Performance Review20:44 Script #3: Getting Clarification on an Assignment21:17 Four Principles for Making a Professional Ask21:52 Your Action Step: Identify One Thing You're Tolerating22:31 Asking Is a Sign of Self-Awareness22:59 What Are You Waiting to Ask For?23:28 Final Thoughts & Follow Lawyer Launcher
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  The Junior Lawyer Playbook: AI, Articling, and How to Stand Out When Everyone Has the Same Degree 16.07.2026 52min

  You went to law school. You did the work. So why does everyone still feel lost when they actually get there?Jacob Murad did it differently. He started as a litigation lawyer, realized the partnership track wasn't the finish line he wanted, and went on to build a 150-person professional services firm with his brothers by acquiring over 10 retiring law practices across Ontario. He's also a mentor through the Law Society of Ontario and writes regularly for LexisNexis. He's seen the full arc, and he's not here to sugarcoat any of it.In this episode, Jacob gets real about what junior lawyers and articling students are getting wrong, what AI actually means for your career, and why the billable hour model is more important to understand than anything you learned in law school. We talk about imposter syndrome (spoiler: it never goes away, even at year 12), why most legal networking events are a waste of your time, how to make yourself irreplaceable in the age of AI, and what it actually takes to build a career on your own terms.If you've ever felt like you're waiting for someone to hand you a roadmap, this is the episode that hands you one. Jacob also previews his upcoming book, Freedom by Acquisition, a step-by-step guide to buying a business even if you have no money, no connections, and no idea where to start.This one is for the students, the articling clerks, and the early-career lawyers who know something has to change. Pull up a chair.Guest details:Jacob Murad’s personal website is: https://jacobmurad.com/ Bluestar’s website is: https://bluestar-services.com/Jacob’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-murad-a209366a/Upcoming book (not yet published): Freedom by Acquisition Lawyer Launcher links:Instagram: https://instagram.com/lawyerlauncher/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke/
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  Law Firm Realities, The Generational Gap, and Building a Portable Reputation 19.06.2026 28min

  Welcome back to Lawyer Launcher: Behind the Bar. This week, we are doing something a little different. I recently had the lovely opportunity to be a guest on Claudio Klaus's podcast, Studying Law Around the World. We had such a wonderful conversation about the realities of the legal industry that I wanted to share the episode directly with all of you right here on the channel.During our chat, I shared some of my experiences and observations from my 30 years in law firm management and recruitment. We talked about how law firms truly operate as businesses, some common misunderstandings students have when they first enter the field, and how we can all better navigate the generational gaps we are seeing in the office today. We also touched on the practical, everyday qualities that often help students secure a hire-back. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation as much as I enjoyed having it! My thanks to Claudio for hosting me on his popular podcast Studying Law Around the World!Featured Guest: Claudio Klaus, host of the Studying Law Around the World podcastGuest Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudyingLawAroundTheWorld/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudioklausjr/Website: https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Lawyer Launcher links:Instagram: https://instagram.com/lawyerlauncher/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke/--Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Collaboration00:46 Claudio Klaus Welcomes Susan Van Dyke02:04 Susan Van Dyke 30 Year Career Journey06:58 What Law Students Misunderstand About Law Firms10:28 Navigating the Generational Gap in Big Law13:05 Hiring Secrets Who Gets Hired Back18:46 Recruitment Secrets and Warm Networking Tips22:30 Where to Connect with Lawyer Launcher Online24:22 Three Rules for a Sustainable Legal Career
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  Confidence and anxiety: a 30 year litigator tells you the truth with Mark Virgin 19.12.2025 1h

  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/
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  The playbook for new lawyers that actually works with David Brown 16.01.2026 1h 1min

  Behind the Bar with David Brown — Ascent Employment Law In this episode, Susan sits down with employment lawyer and Ascent Employment Law co-founder David Brown for an honest, grounded, and deeply practical conversation about building your legal career with intention. David shares his unconventional articling story, the power of relationships, how to navigate discomfort, and why young lawyers should be both “house cats” and “alley cats” in their early years.Whether you’re a law student, an articling student, or a new associate trying to find your footing, this episode gives you guidance you can act on today.What you’ll learn in this episodeHow David created an articling role for himself through strategic relationship-buildingWhy discomfort is part of the profession—and how to lean into itThe truth about networking (and why it’s a muscle, not a personality trait)How to think like an entrepreneur early in your careerWhat to do if you’re in the wrong firm or wrong practice areaThe “house cat vs. alley cat” model for succeeding as a junior lawyerHow values shape firm culture—and how Ascent built a values-led practice from day oneEpisode notes:David Brown LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmjbrown/Ascent Employment Law website: https://ascentemploymentlaw.ca/
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  How to Network in a Law Firm 24.04.2026 36min

  Most law students think networking means being charming, confident, and effortlessly good at small talk.It doesn’t.It means not knowing what to say.It means standing in a room full of lawyers and wondering how to enter a conversation.It means overthinking every word and then replaying it later like a bad exam answer.And here is the problem.The students who figure this out early build relationships … and get hired back.The ones who avoid it stay invisible.Susan Van Dyke breaks down what networking in a law firm actually looks like, why most students are getting it wrong and how to engage more comfortably.This is not about being outgoing or “good with people.”It’s about understanding how trust is built in a professional environment and how small, consistent interactions shape how lawyers see you.Susan covers:- how to start conversations without sounding awkward- what to say at firm events, coffee chats, and hallway run-ins- why listening is more powerful than talking- how to follow up in a way that actually builds relationships- why being quiet and invisible is not a strategy- how to show up at firm socials without hurting your reputationIf networking makes you uncomfortable, this episode will help you stop avoiding it and start approaching it in a way that feels natural, thoughtful, and effective.Because in a law firm, relationships are not optional.They are how your career actually moves forward.Lawyer Launcher linksInstagram: instagram.com/lawyerlauncherTikTok: tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncherYouTube: youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTBLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke
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  Retired Managing Partner Tells the Truth About Starting in Law with Murray Gottheil 05.12.2025 48min

  Behind the Bar – Lawyer Launcher Real advice from real experience — the things law school never told you.In this episode, Susan sits down with retired business  lawyer and former managing partner Murray Gottheil, known for his frank, funny, and refreshingly honest insights about the legal profession. From the “safety of retirement,” Murray shares the truths he wishes he’d known earlier — and the hard lessons he believes every law student, summer student, and new associate needs to hear before starting in a law firm.Together, Susan and Murray break down:The biggest mistakes new lawyers makeWhy confidence and self-awareness matter more than you thinkHow introverts (and extroverts!) can set themselves up to succeedWhat “ownership mentality” really looks like — and why partners value itHow to ask better questions without driving your supervising lawyer crazyThe hard truths about starting your legal careerYou know far less than you think after graduation — and that’s normalWhy legal success isn’t about hard work aloneThe reality of learning outside billable timeHow culture varies between firms, offices, and practice groupsWhy defining your own version of success is essential for long-term healthMurray also shares stories from decades in practice — from articling in the 80s, to hiring students, to mentoring young lawyers — with practical, actionable advice to help you thrive, not just survive.If you’re preparing for summering, articling, or your first year of practice, this episode will give you the insight (and perspective) you won't find in textbooks.Listen now and start building the leadership habits your future self will thank you for.Don’t forget to subscribe to Lawyer Launcher for more episodes that help you thrive in the legal profession.Episode notes:Law & Disorder Inc: https://www.murraygottheil.com/Murray Gottheil LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murray-gottheil-58787b1/
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  Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Real Career Differentiator 13.03.2026 48min

  In this episode of Lawyer Launcher: Behind the Bar, Susan Van Dyke sits down with leadership coach and former Big Law professional Megan Mallister to unpack one of the most misunderstood success factors in law firms: emotional intelligence.Law school teaches you how to think. It does not teach you how to navigate personalities, manage pressure, receive feedback, or build trust inside a firm.Megan reframes “soft skills” as power skills — the capabilities that differentiate lawyers who simply survive from those who thrive.They discuss:What emotional intelligence really means in a law firm environmentWhy stress is where EQ actually gets testedHow to “manage up” and clarify expectations with partnersThe right way to receive constructive feedbackHow to create your own development plan as a summer or articling studentWhy you need an internal “board of directors” instead of just one mentorHow to zoom out when early-career pressure feels overwhelmingIf you are preparing to enter your first firm — or trying to stand out in a competitive environment — this episode offers practical tools, scripts, and mindset shifts that will serve you for your entire career.These are not soft skills.They are career-defining skills.EPISODE NOTES:Megan McAllister Consulting and Coaching: https://www.meganmcallister.ca/ Megan’s LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-mcallister/ 
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  The Four Steps You Need to Recover from a Setback with Jayne Rossworn 07.11.2025 51min

  How do you come back from a setback? Most of us have experienced a setback - at work, in sport or our personal life. How do you regain confidence and develop resiliency when you’ve been knocked off your path?  High achieving law students, and other new professionals, often have  unique challenges when expectations are not met.  Jayne Rossworn is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with The Lawyer Mindset takes us through a four-step framework that will help you recover and rebuild your confidence. She also shares some personal examples of how she has bounced back herself.Episode notes:The Lawyer Mindset website: www.thelawyermindset.comJayne’s email: [email protected]’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-rossworn-892642b9/
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  How Law Firms Really Hire: A Recruiter’s Insider Guide for Law Students with Marketta Jokinen 30.01.2026 48min

  In this episode of the Lawyer Launcher podcast, Susan Van Dyke and Johanna Mills sit down with Marketta Jokinen, former national-firm lawyer, law firm recruiter, and career coach, to unpack what law students really need to know about law firm recruitment. Marketta is the Founder of Legal Talent Consultant and Career Coach at Current Talent.With experience spanning private practice, a labour relations board, and national-firm recruitment and talent management, Marketta brings a rare 360-degree insider perspective on how firms assess candidates—and how students can stand out.This conversation is essential listening for law students preparing for OCIs, in-firms, summer student applications, and articles, particularly at larger firms.In this episode, we cover:Why mindset matters just as much as grades in law firm recruitmentHow being “curious” can reduce anxiety and improve interviewsWhy firms struggle with “I’m open to everything” candidates—and what to say insteadHow to narrow your focus without pigeonholing yourselfWhat recruiters actually notice when reviewing hundreds of résumésHow to turn your résumé from a list of duties into compelling accomplishmentsThe role of storytelling in interviews—and how to avoid sounding over-rehearsedHow preparation builds confidence and makes the process more enjoyableChoosing between boutique, mid-size, and large firms—and why applying broadly mattersFinding “your people” and assessing firm fit beyond rankings and perksMarketta also shares practical, immediately usable tips for:Writing stronger cover lettersPreparing interview storiesUnderstanding what firms are really hiring forApproaching recruitment as the first step in a long, successful legal career Episode notes:Marketta Jokinen’s website is www.currenttalent.ca Markett’s LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/markettajokinen/ 
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  The Rainmaker Roadmap with Kimberly Rice 10.10.2025 44min

  Kimberly Rice joins us to discuss how law students and new lawyers can learn how to become firm rainmakers. Legal competence is the price of admission to law firms these days. To succeed you must set yourself apart, and Kimberly has amazing tips to get you started. Takeaways from this episode include:- Understand the governance & power structure of your new firm and befriend the power players- Visibility matters. Seek out opportunities to be seen by those in power, push past self-doubt, and crash the party - don't wait to be invited!- Relationships and your internal will be your key to success - and this means all law firm staff, not just other lawyers. - Develop a marketing mindset and a "servant's heart" - what do we mean? You will have to tune in! With decades of law firm experience, Kimberly Rice is a Chief Changemaker at CHANGEMAKERS, a business accelerator program specially designed to educate, empower and equip women professionals to create the careers of their dreams by charting their own course. She has successfully coached and trained thousands of women professionals to navigate the landmines that stand between them and their perceived obstacles to a more prosperous, fulfilling career and life.Episode Notes: - Rainmaker Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Prosperous Business https://www.amazon.ca/Rainmaker-Roadmap-Step-Step-Prosperous/dp/1942489374- CHANGEMAKERS: https://werchangemakers.com/
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  How to build trust and set yourself apart with Linda Lucas 21.11.2025 51min

  In this episode, I’m joined by Linda Lucas—a longtime law firm and professional services executive and now a sought-after leadership coach and trainer. With 25+ years of strategic, operational, and financial leadership experience, Linda shares practical insights every law student, summer/articling student, and new lawyer needs to hear.Her core message: leadership starts on day one, not when you get a title.What you’ll learn (and why it matters early in your career):• How to be a leader at any level  Small daily habits build your long-term reputation and influence.• Why “thinking like an owner” sets you apart  Students who take responsibility for their work get noticed—fast.• The behaviours that build trust  Integrity, accountability, follow-through, honesty, courage, and truly listening. These skills make colleagues want you on their team.• EQ as the #1 skill in legal workplaces  It’s learnable, and it’s what differentiates good junior lawyers from exceptional ones.• What to ask yourself before starting your career  Identify your values, imagine your future, and choose firms aligned with both.• How to stand out in applications and early roles  Be authentic, stay curious, and apply what you learn.• How to avoid common pitfalls in law firms  Understand firm culture, get clarity on expectations, record all your time, and protect your well-being.• Why mentors and coaches matter—even early on  The most successful professionals invest in their growth.Listen now and start building the leadership habits your future self will thank you for.Don’t forget to subscribe to Lawyer Launcher for more episodes that help you thrive in the legal profession.Episode notes:Lead Vantage: www.leadvantage.caLinda Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaslinda/
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  What Happens on Your First Day at a Law Firm? 10.04.2026 30min

  Starting at your first law firm can feel exciting, awkward, intimidating, and strangely high stakes, all at the same time.In this solo episode of Lawyer Launcher, I break down what orientation is really about, what law firms are actually paying attention to in your first few days, and how law students can build trust, confidence, and credibility from day one.This is not fluff. It is practical advice about what to do when you arrive, how to engage during orientation, what invisible mistakes to avoid, how to interact with lawyers and staff, and how to manage the discomfort of being new without disappearing into the wallpaper.If you are a summer student, articling student, or law student about to start in a firm, this episode will help you look more prepared, feel less lost, and understand what your first week is really doing to shape your reputation.Show notesEpisode topic:What orientation is really about, what firms notice immediately, and how law students can make smart, practical moves in their first week.GuestThis is a solo episode, so there are no guest links for this one.Lawyer Launcher linksInstagram: instagram.com/lawyerlauncherTikTok: tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncherYouTube: youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTBLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke
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  What 75 lawyers say about legal careers 08.05.2026 50min

  In this episode of Lawyer Launcher, Behind the Bar, Susan speaks with Claudio Klaus, a Brazilian trained lawyer now articling in Ontario and host of Studying Law Around the World. Claudio shares what he learned from speaking with more than 75 University of Toronto Law alumni as part of the school’s 75th anniversary project, including the two themes that came up again and again: there is no single legal career path, and networking is not optional.This conversation is especially useful for law students who are trying to figure out recruitment, articling, coffee chats, LinkedIn, international pathways, and the invisible job market. Claudio explains why credentials matter, but not as much as students think, and why communication, curiosity, generosity, and genuine relationships often create the opportunities that job boards never show you.It is a practical, encouraging conversation for any law student feeling behind, uncertain, or discouraged about their path into the profession. Claudio’s 75 conversations project is also featured by the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, which notes that he spoke with more than 75 lawyers and found recurring advice around staying open, taking risks, building genuine relationships, and staying curious.Show notes:Guest: Claudio KlausPodcast website: https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Podcast link: https://pod.link/154761688575 Lawyers, 75 Stories: https://jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/news/75-years-75-storiesClaudio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudioklaus/Lawyer Launcher linksInstagram: https://instagram.com/lawyerlauncher/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lawyerlauncher/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LawyerLauncher-BTB/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanpvandyke/----Chapters 01:50 Why Claudio interviewed 75 lawyers 03:40 Two themes from 75 lawyer conversations 06:51 The harder than expected path to being called 08:41 Building an international legal career 14:52 What is your legal career pathway 19:03 Why networking and communication matter 21:28 Coffee chats with law students 27:35 What matters more than credentials 30:09 Why interpersonal skills matter in law firms 39:00 If LinkedIn was a law student 39:35 Seeds law students can plant now 41:08 Encouragement for discouraged law students 42:46 The invisible legal job market 43:56 What is next for Claudio’s podcast
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  Bridging the Confidence Gap with Bena Stock 10.10.2025 57min

  Bena Stock spent over 24 years as a litigator before turning her talents to counselling others. In this episode she draws upon her personal experience, sharing tools that new and aspiring lawyers can use to quiet anxiety, grow confidence, and build a happier and more successful practice. She also addresses common career saboteurs such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism (yes, it's a problem), and the paralysis resulting from fear of failure. You will also learn the significance of "cow paths" - curious? Tune in to find out!Episode Notes:- Bena Stock Counselling & Consulting: https://www.benastock.com/- The Power of Believing That You Can Improve: https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve- Fake it Till You Make It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVmMeMcGc0Y- VIA Character Strengths Survey: https://www.viacharacter.org/ - Change Your Mindset, Change the Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tqq66zwa7g - How to Make Stress Your Friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGyVTAoXEU