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 make

• Why confidence and self-awareness matter more than you think
  
  
  
• How introverts (and extroverts!) can set themselves up to succeed
  
  
  
• What “ownership mentality” really looks like — and why partners value it
  
  
  
• How to ask better questions without driving your supervising lawyer crazy
  
  
  

The hard truths about starting your legal career

• You know far less than you think after graduation — and that’s normal
  
  
  
• Why legal success isn’t about hard work alone
  
  
  
• The reality of learning outside billable time
  
  
  
• How culture varies between firms, offices, and practice groups
  
  
  
• Why defining your own version of success is essential for long-term health
  
  
  

Murray 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/

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.ca

Linda Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaslinda/

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.com

Jayne’s email: Jayne@lawyermindset.com.

Jayne’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-rossworn-892642b9/