Washington Lawyer - January/February 2022 - 25

FEATURE
It's worth exploring why lawyers turn to career coaches and what transformative
effects the right coach can have on an attorney's life and
career. Some lawyers are happy in their practice settings but feel they've
hit a dead end and don't know how to move up or move on. Some want
to grow their practices or strengthen their executive presence. Others
want to transition from law firms or government to in-house positions,
or vice versa, and still others contemplate using their legal experience in
business or academia, or leaving the law entirely.
INVESTING IN YOURSELF
Understanding what a professional coach can and can't do to help your
career, and finding a coach who you trust and are comfortable with, are
well worth the time and effort. Professional coaching services vary
greatly, and some are focused on specific groups, like women, or on
targeted objectives such as business development or career transitions.
Coaches often provide services to law firm, corporate, and individual
clients, so it's important to interview them and assess their capabilities,
qualifications, and experience to ensure the best fit.
Because working with a coach is a personal investment in your career,
be prepared to spend both time and money to get the results you want.
Some coaches offer flat fees while others charge by the hour. Coaching
sessions typically start with an intensive engagement of an hour or more
so the coach and client get to know each other and establish their work -
ing preferences and rhythms. The initial engagement often lasts for
several months, particularly when a client has a specific, short-term goal.
But some lawyers have found coaches so beneficial that the relationship
continues at intervals for years.
The results, both personal and financial, are often life-changing and far
exceed expectations. One lawyer, Maria T. Van Rijn, who traded a
boutique IP practice for her current law firm executive management role,
says career coaching was " the most important investment I ever made in
myself. " Then there's a senior partner with a leading energy firm who
calls his work with his coach on business and practice development
techniques during the pandemic a " really good business investment. "
Other attorneys motivated to transform their careers also realized significant
gains. Mollie Nycum-Duvnjak, now vice president of contracts and
commercial management at Biarri Networks, schedules regular sessions
with her coach, as do other members of her company's leadership team,
to take her interpersonal leadership and management skills " to the next
level. "
Jelahn Stewart, vice president of global ethics at Walmart, credits her
easy transition from government to the private sector, along with her
subsequent promotions, to the benefits of working with her coach.
Shantia Coley, associate general counsel at a financial services firm,
says she worked with a coach to " invest in her success " and achieved
her goal of moving " to the next level " into an executive legal position.
WHY LAWYERS MAKE GOOD COACHES
Professional coaches for lawyers are often personally familiar with career
transitions; some have segued from law practice to career development
after years of hands-on experience. Intimately familiar with the culture,
expectations, and pressures attorneys encounter, lawyer coaches bring
their firsthand knowledge of legal practice environments and impacts
on personal lives to their coaching relationships. They also can leverage
resources like extensive professional contacts within the legal and
business communities for their clients.
A good coach needs to not only help clients assess their professional
situation and prospects, but also contribute to devising actionable strategies
that move careers forward, according to Lisa Horowitz and Shauna
Bryce, experienced professional coaches with national clientele. As attorneys,
both discovered that they excelled in and realized greater satisfaction
from engaging with colleagues on career strategies than from
practicing law. Over time, they took on side roles for their firms in hiring
and talent development, and earned notable reputations as go-to
advisors.
Horowitz, founder and chief strategist at Attorney Talent Strategy Group
(ATSG), had practiced for nearly 20 years in global law firms, working her
way up to partner. Although she reached a career milestone, she realized
that law's adversarial side was not providing long-term personal or professional
fulfillment. She earned a master's degree in organizational
LISA HOROWITZ
Founder, Attorney Talent Strategy Group
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
* WASHINGTON LAWYER 25
Patrice Gilbert Photography
Washington Lawyer - January/February 2022

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