Being a good communicator is central to being a good lawyer.
Last month, I sat in on a fireside chat between President Obama and the president of my alma mater, Hamilton College. As someone widely regarded as one of the most gifted public speakers in recent U.S. history, Obama shared the four key skills he believes every great communicator needs. Naturally, I took notes.
Continue Reading Want to Be a Better Lawyer? Start by Being a Better Communicator
Last week, many people tuned in to hear former President Barack Obama speak during an hour-long fireside chat filled with thoughtful insights and meaningful advice. What many don’t know is that this powerful conversation took place at my alma mater — Hamilton College.
Alumni had the opportunity to attend live or via video link. I opted for the latter (because I couldn’t get tickets) and took pages of notes — on what it means to be a strong communicator, how future leaders can engage with artificial intelligence, and how we all can make a difference. One theme that stood out was Obama’s advice for bridging gaps — something that feels especially vital in today’s fractured world.
Continue Reading What President Obama Taught Me (Again) About Bridging Gaps
Last week, I woke up with a migraine and a heavy heart.
If I’m honest, I was also angry. Very angry.
In part, that’s because I saw people – especially those with privilege and platforms – suddenly speaking out in defense of the rule of law, urging others to join them. And listen, that matters. It matters a lot.
But the first thing that I wondered was: Where have you been?
Continue Reading When It’s Safe to Speak Up
I was an early adopter of virtual networking. As an introvert and remote worker, for me, the ability to connect from my computer from wherever I am has a variety of benefits and always will – I know that I’m not alone in this. While I am confident that it’s possible to build and sustain strong personal relationships online, there is no true replacement for in-person connection. I know that we all lead incredibly busy lives, so it’s tempting to sign up for that one-hour or even three-hour virtual session instead of committing to a three-day event out of the office, especially when it means time away from your family. But I want to assure you that even if you use virtual networking to stay engaged, your relationships are suffering from the lack of your in-person presence.
Continue Reading Taking It Offline: Why In-Person Connections Still Matter in a Virtual World
When I speak with law firms, two topics come up over and over again—the practical implementation of AI in the practice of law and the challenge of attracting and retaining talent.
Law firms, like all businesses, are in a constant battle for top talent. But when people join a firm—whether as young and enthusiastic lawyers or seasoned practitioners—what is it that truly keeps them there?
Continue Reading The War for Talent: Making the Case for a Culture Fit
In the grind of the day-to-day, it can sometimes be easy to forget who is at the center of everything we do – our clients. I’d like to offer you two contrasting stories that serve as a reminder of putting clients first (which I know we all strive to do!) and show how going that extra mile can really make the difference in adding value.
Continue Reading The Good and the Ugly: Lessons in Putting Clients First
As we all rush to finish up our work for the end of the year, very few things will make me stop what I’m doing and focus on them – and that, folks, is what you want to achieve with your own content.
What am I talking about?
Greentarget and Zeughauser Group’s 2025 State of Digital & Content Marketing Survey Report. Along with being one of my favorite ways to wrap up the year, this report offers critical insights into what content resonates with executive decision-makers – which is why lawyers and law firms should also be digging into its content.
Continue Reading The 2025 State of Content Marketing: What C-Suite and In-House Counsel Value Most
If you know one thing about me, it’s that I love to talk about the state of the legal industry. We may love to joke about lawyers’ reluctance to change, but truthfully, the industry is no stranger to evolution. And as we close 2024, a year marked by shifting economic priorities and political upheaval, the question on everyone’s minds is: What comes next?
With a new U.S. administration poised to reshape policies that impact both business and law, we can draw from the trends of 2024 and 2023 to anticipate where the legal market might head in 2025 and beyond.
Continue Reading State of the US Legal Industry: As We Head into 2025, What Comes Next?
The landscape of networking has shifted significantly in recent years, driven in large part by the pandemic. This period has accelerated changes that were already underway, such as the rise of virtual meetings, remote work, and technological advances. I recently had the opportunity to present to legal professionals in legal aid, and I’m sharing the suggestions that I offered to them – but this transformation presents challenges and opportunities for all legal professionals. Adapting networking strategies to fit the current environment is key to staying effective and connected.
Continue Reading Adapting Networking Strategies for the Post-Pandemic Era
Whether you’re confident in your social media skills or still think it’s something “the kids use,” social media can give your networking efforts a significant boost. Social media is just one tactic in your toolbelt, and how you use it depends on your goals. Let’s explore eight ways social media can enhance your professional networking and development. If any of these align with your goals, it’s time to make social media a key component of your strategy.
Continue Reading Supercharge Your Networking with Social Media: A Lawyer’s Guide