Contributors

Allison Wolf

I am the founder of AWAL and one of the most senior coaches for lawyers in North America. I have helped countless clients over the past fifteen years, develop thriving legal practices and before that served as director of marketing for award-winning law firms. My specialty is uncovering the thinking traps and gaps holding clients back and helping them acquire the mindsets, skills, and habits for growing successful and rewarding legal careers. After a career in legal marketing and business development with law firms in Beijing, New York, and Vancouver, I was trained as a coach in 2004 at Royal Roads University and now coach clients from across North America. You can reach me at allison@shiftworks.ca or learn more about my coaching practice from the coaching section of the Attorney With A Life Website.

Paulette Pommells

I am a certified coach with a creative approach to bring out the best of the 21st Century Lawyer! A 21st Century Lawyer myself, I was faced with a professional dilemma years ago: I had become a “successful” lawyer, and yet something didn't feel right. One day, I hired a career coach and realized how similar coaching is to the legal strategy process. I decided to share this breakthrough with every single lawyer. Today, Creative Choices™ is a sought-after technique by lawyers, law students and law firms when it comes to professional challenges of all kinds. You can learn more about this on my website www.21stcenturylaywyer.ca or by emailing me at paulette@21stcenturylawyer.ca.

Jill Farmer

I love helping people get more meaningful work done in less time. I am the author of "There's Not Enough Time... and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves" which debuted as a bestseller in the Time Management Category on Amazon. In 2015, The Washington Post named me to its 21-Day Time Hacker team. I travel the world delivering keynotes and seminars for top corporations and organizations. I am also a wife and the mother of two teens and I have the two worst-behaved dogs in the universe. You can reach me at jill@jillfarmercoaching.com or visit my website JillFarmer.com.

Judy Hissong

Professional Athlete. Accredited Executive Coach. Certified Personal Trainer. Decade in legal management. I revel in maximizing human potential – coaching and training leaders to live from the inside out, creating and synergizing teams to balance flow and service, and speaking to audiences of all sizes on the power of our minds, managing stress, and a variety of other topics. Find me @judyhissong, email at judy@nessostrategies.com, and learn more at www.nessostrategies.com

Julia Menard

Have you ever wondered why you can be so calm and rational for your clients, but when it comes to your own life, stress can creep in so easily? That’s the quest I set out on when, after 20 years as a mediator, my own marriage disintegrated. I teamed up with a therapist from Portland, and we wrote a book that captures much of what I’ve learned over the last five years about finding a the calm in the chaos. Hold On To Yourself: How to Stay Cool in Hot Conversations is the result. If you are interested in mindfulness, finding the leader within and engaging the gifts in conflict, then check out my website and sign up for my free monthly newsletter at: http://www.juliamenard.com/.

Denise Mortati

My legal coaching practice helps attorneys rediscover their passion and look forward every day to a fulfilling career. I do this through one-on-one, group and corporate coaching, using specialized techniques and practices that help to clarify goals and priorities, and balance work and personal time. I support clients in finding peace in their careers and within themselves. I’m also a practicing attorney in a solo practice, so I, too, am “walking the walk” with my clients! I feel that my life’s mission is to change the paradigm of what a law career is “supposed” to be. Contact me at denise@thejoyfullawyer.com or visit my website, thejoyfullawyer.com.

Jasbindar Singh

Lisa Holden Rovers

Lisa Holden Rovers is the Founder of Workplace Matters, where she serves as a powerful catalyst for business leaders and career professionals. She has coached and trained hundreds of emerging and veteran leaders to discover their strengths, develop an influential leadership style, and take action to achieve their goals.

Lisa has been personally mentored and trained by some of the masters in the personal development industry, most notable of which is internationally recognized leadership authority, John C. Maxwell. Maxwell’s core philosophy, “Everything rises and falls on leadership” is a key message Lisa shares with clients through her coaching, training, facilitation, and speaking engagements.

Guest Contributor

Attorney With A Life® welcomes guest posts from lawyers and professionals who work with the legal sector. These guest posts provide a valued compliment to the insights shared by our regular contributors.

Michelle Heighington

I am a registered holistic nutritionist (RNCP and ROHP) who also holds a degree in medical anthropology. Having worked in the legal industry for 15 years I became familiar with the corporate lifestyle and culture, and how the dedication to work – and the addiction to caffeine and sugar cravings that come with it – can get in the way of achieving a desired work/life balance. Through corporate workshops, articles and providing customized nutrition advice tailored to busy lifestyles, I help people to stay healthy at work without losing billable hours or precious time after work. You can reach me at michelle@greystoneshealth.com or visit my website www.greystoneshealth.com.

Dr. Joseph Steyr N.D.

I am a Naturopathic Doctor with a focus on biochemistry and endocrinology (hormones). My interest in research relating to long-term stress and the development of chronic disease led me to become a corporate health and wellness speaker. I see myself not only as a doctor, but also as an educator. My knowledge of conventional medical sciences and traditional health philosophies allows me to see a person’s health from multiple points of view so that I can educate my patients on which treatment options are best for their optimal health. You can reach me by email at drsteyr@greystoneshealth.com or visit my website http://greystoneshealth.com.

David E. Behrend

Director of Career Planning Service, I have been a consultant working with attorneys and other professionals for over 25 years. My focus is on career development, concentrating on meaningful or necessary job change or career transitions. I have authored many articles on the subject, and have appeared on numerous radio and television shows. My practice offers both office and telephone career consultations.

Steven Levy

As the CEO of Lexician, I help lawyers around the world manage their projects, their time, their teams, and their clients. I am the author of four books for legal professionals, including the new edition of the groundbreaking Legal Project Management and the time-management guide, The Off Switch. Before founding Lexician, I was the former head of Microsoft’s Legal Operations / Technology department. You can contact me at steven.levy@lexician.com or learn more at Lexician.com.

Milisa Burns

I practiced law for 6 years, and was an at-home parent, before founding Strategic Evolution Coaching & Consulting, in 2006. Through my “Making Room For You” programs, I boldly and tenderly support professional women as they create success for themselves, on their terms. My clients are very "successful", but inside they may initially be very stressed, full of questions, possibly bored and no longer fulfilled. They are yearning for more. My clients are amazed at how quickly they create peace and contentment while achieving at even higher levels than they previously imagined. I have 3 children and am married to my law school sweetheart.

Sheila Walkington

To help people succeed financially is my life’s mission. As a Certified Financial Planner with over 20 years of experience in banking and financial services, I Co-Founded Money Coaches Canada with a clear objective – to develop a training program for Money Coaches that helps them empower clients to take control of their finances. I am proud of what we’ve developed - a system that helps people make smart financial decisions and creates lasting behavioral change. Money Coaches Canada is the nation’s leading provider of advice-only financial planning. Our team of Money Coaches has guided over 1,200 clients achieve a level of financial contentment many never thought possible. You can reach me at sheila@moneycoachescanada.ca or visit moneycoachescanada.ca.

Robert De Toni

Rob is a litigation lawyer with over 25 years in practice in both small and medium-sized firms. Recognizing the value that coaching provided to him, Rob decided to become a professional coach and obtained both his Certified Executive Coaching Certificate and his Certified Resilience Coaching Certificate. As a lawyer and a coach, Rob is uniquely positioned to help new lawyers set the foundation for thriving in their legal careers. Rob’s philosophy: “Being intentional about planning from the very outset will ensure you are the puppeteer of your career and not the puppet.”

Don Jones

Don Jones has been licensed to practice law in Texas for longer than seems possible – 35 years – though he hasn’t practiced law that entire stretch. He went on a hiatus from the practice to tour as a musician and later to serve as a licensed chemical dependency counselor in a number of treatment centers. He has been with the State Bar of Texas for the past 25 years, first serving as director of the Texas Lawyers Assistant Program and later serving in the Legal Counsel’s office and as a trainer in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator curriculum. He’s been married for 27 years and has four great kids – one 22 year old and 20 year old triplets.

Janiene Chand

Janiene Chand is a lawyer turned certified professional coach who puts her experience and knowledge to work in support and guidance of legal professionals.

Prior to becoming a coach, Janiene worked in the legal field for over 12 years in various capacities. Her diverse experience as a legal assistant, paralegal, and lawyer gives her a unique understanding of the different roles, perspectives, and team dynamics within law firms.

Janiene excels in time management, practice management, team management, career transitions, and career development. Her coaching practice is dedicated to putting these strengths and her experience to work in service of her client's goals and growth.

Ritu Goswamy

I am a lawyer, author, and legal productivity consultant. I created the New Billable Hour™ system for lawyers to expand their time by billing themselves first. I teach this system directly to lawyers in a way that is engaging, fun, and practical. By prioritizing our needs in an efficient way, we are able to then respond to other demands on our time. My philosophy is to shift from the reactive training we have as lawyers in order to live more intentionally and ultimately have a bigger impact in all aspects of our lives. My first book, The New Billable Hour: Bill More Hours, Be More Productive, and Still Have Work-Life Balance is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785697S8 or for a free copy, visit www.newbillablehour.com. You can reach me at ritu@newbillablehour.com.

Trena White

Trena White – I am the co-founder of a book publishing agency called Page Two that helps professionals publish books that build their businesses. Before launching Page Two, I was the publisher of Douglas & McIntyre and Greystone Books and a non-fiction editor at McClelland & Stewart. I’ve always been passionate about helping writers reach the widest possible audience with their best possible work. I have a master of publishing degree from Simon Fraser University and now teach there as an adjunct professor in publishing. You can email me at trena@pagetwostrategies.com or read more about my company at www.pagetwostrategies.com.

Twitter: @trenawhite
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/trenawhite

Derek LaCroix Q.C.

Derek LaCroix, QC,: I joined LAPBC as Executive Director in 1996. I have more than 40 years’ work experience, and bring a varied perspective to my commitment to both the LAPBC and to the legal profession. I was a trial lawyer for almost 20 years and went on to develop and use my skills in business and as a counsellor. I have a diverse range of interests and experience and this has helped me become a leader in the legal, health care and recovery communities. I present seminars and workshops throughout the province, and am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of legal professionals and those who care about them. I am proud to have received the designation of Queen’s Counsel in 2004.
Derek can be reached at the 604-685-2131 or at Derek@lapbc.com.

Margaret Campbell

I run a charitable foundation but I find most of my time being taken up by thinking about food and cooking it to the delight of my friends and family. Once my friends knew I had completed my first year apprentice chef training, I was inundated with requests, for recipes, food preparation help and meal planning assistance. It seemed to be more efficient to write various tips and interesting foodie facts once instead of replying to individual requests and thus Surviving Dinner was created.

Terry DeMeo

I’m a former trial lawyer of twenty years who decided to stop stressing out about my cases and to figure out how to live a happier, more fulfilled life. For the last ten years, I’ve worked as an executive, relationship, and life coach with lawyers and other professionals who want to live more wisely, happily, and to their fullest potential. My clients entrust me with their deepest secrets and most challenging problems. Together, we develop an individualized strategy using cutting-edge discoveries in neuroscience and the social sciences, as well as time-tested mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques. I’m both a Master Certified Coach as well as a Master Certified Relationship Coach. I’m based in Miami and work by telephone and Skype with clients worldwide. You can find out more at www.terrydemeo.com or drop me an email at terry@terrydemeo.com.

Danielle Rondeau

Danielle is a visionary author, speaker, lawyer, coach and poet. After hitting a breaking point as a stressed out lawyer, Danielle embarked on a journey of self-discovery, recovering from an eating disorder, training as a life coach, and rekindling her passion for writing. She has published a memoir called I Am Enough: One Lawyer’s Epic Journey To Fill The Void and a book of poems, and speaks with passion and vulnerability on a wide range of topics including, overcoming addictions, reducing stress, cultivating self-acceptance and inner peace, living your soul’s story, and creating a more beautiful world. She can be reached at danielle@daniellerondeau.com or http://www.daniellerondeau.com.

Site Admin

Ashleigh Frankel

Along with Lisa Eisen, I co-founded Click & Co. {Corporate} to partner with people, both within and outside organizations, to create cultures where they can be healthier, happier, and more engaged. I have long embraced the philosophy that it is only when you nourish your whole person that you can fuel your greatest potential. With that core value and a healthy dose of curiosity, I have enjoyed success as a lawyer, an entrepreneur, a business & leadership consultant and coach. I am an Adler trained coach and am certified as a Positive Psychology Coach. You can reach me at ashleigh@clickcorporate.ca or visit our website at www.clickcorporate.ca

Rachel Ricketts

Sandra Bekhor

In September 2005, I launched Bekhor Management, a consulting firm focused on marketing and management for small to mid-sized, professional practices. The inspiration was a practice development program for a law office, the results of which illustrated the value of bringing a strategic, business mindset to professional practice.
The vision took flight. Today, Bekhor Management has clients that date back to when the firm was first founded. Regardless, of the immediate priority – generate new clients, attract quality files, retain talent, build bench strength or establish accountability – ultimately, our work focuses on growth, sustainability and profit, built on a foundation of authenticity and strength.
In addition to client work, I regularly contribute to the Canadian Bar Association’s PracticeLink, SlawTips and other publications. I also frequently speak at professional conferences. To discuss your practice goals, book an initial consultation by email at sandrabekhor@bekhor.ca or by phone at 416-969-9600. Learn more at www.bekhor.ca.

Lora McInturf

Lora is a former business and finance lawyer having worked in BigLaw firms on two continents. Today, as the executive coach behind The Inner Advocate®, she now works with lawyers and other successful professionals around the world on many of these same challenges. At the heart of Lora’s coaching approach is “To change the results in your outer world, you must first put focus on your inner world.” By courageously working on yourself and your challenges, you can discover and walk your own unique life path that feels more authentic, free, and fulfilled, both professionally and personally.

Janiene Chand

Janiene has over 12 years of experience in the legal field. During this time, she worked as a legal assistant, a paralegal, and a lawyer. She was called to the bar in 2018, and as a junior lawyer, encountered many challenging experiences. This led Janiene to become a certified professional life coach. She decided to utilize her own experiences to support and provide guidance to other new lawyers. As a lawyer and coach, Janiene believes in “living a life anchored with alignment and empowerment.”