I hold the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coach Federation and the Certified Professional Co-active Coach designation from the Coaches Training Institute. I also hold a Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a J.D. degree from The University of Akron School of Law and B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. Before coaching, I was a journalist and then practiced law for nearly 28 years.
I work almost exclusively with lawyers. I’ve coached lawyers at all levels in firms as well as solo practitioners and government attorneys. A typical firm client is in the first 10 years of practice and contemplating the costs and rewards of partnership. I occasionally work with a non-lawyer executive client in a high-stress position.
Engagements typically span 3 to 6 months, with two 45-minute telephone sessions per month. We launch the process with a more extensive discovery session based on a client-completed discovery questionnaire and VIA Inventory of Strengths. Ohio clients generally opt for an in-person meeting for the initial session.
I ask clients to come to the session with a topic in mind, which helps focus both their priorities and the session. I also ask them to be accountable for commitments made during the previous session and invite them check in with me if they’re encountering difficulties with that – or want to celebrate success!
I don’t engage with people other than the client to gather background information on my client. I encourage clients, however, to seek out candid appraisals of performance and presence from those they trust and to reflect on feedback from current and previous positions.
Case Study No. 1: The client, a junior associate, was involved in a dispute over origination credit at a firm where the policy was not well-defined. After reviewing the possible perspectives of various stakeholders, I worked with him to seek out appropriate information, advice and sponsorship. He discovered that the story he was telling himself differed a bit from the reality. After we role-played a conversation with decision-makers, he calmly offered input into the compensation structure, negotiated a fair short-term solution and shifted into a long-term perspective re. future compensation.
Case Study No. 2: The client, a senior associate in a large law firm, was experiencing conflict between her values as a parent to small children and firm demands. We looked for times when values alignment felt better as a clue to small changes that could get her closer to that space. She implemented those changes that were in her control and agreed to keep a gratitude journal to boost mood and creativity. She focused on maintaining good firm and client relationships, which ultimately served her as she transitioned into another, more flexible position.
Strong motivation to take personal and professional life to the next level by working and living consistent with personal strengths and values.
Monthly engagements start at $400, and packages are available. I offer a complimentary session to try out coaching and see if we are a good fit.