I hear you. I see you. I get you.

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1. I practiced law for 12 years before becoming a coach.

Most of that time, I was a litigator in Big Law. I also worked in boutiques and as a contractor. Things I loved about practicing law: being around big brains; helping my clients win; the thrill of going to court; meeting tight timelines; finding "the" case; joking around with my colleagues; research, writing and meticulous drafting. Things I did not like about practicing law: receiving angry letters; worrying about deadlines, limitations and clients who don't respond to emails; reading cases that go on for 400 pages where only one sentence is relevant; giving clients disappointing news; missing my grandmother's 95th birthday party because I was in trial.  

2. I'm obsessed with time management.

Even though I no longer bill in 6 minute increments, I track my time daily (even on weekends). I love the art of maximizing time, productivity and fun: creating plans, infrastructures, schedules, lists, systems and habits that support the achievement of goals. Goals can include professional ones like giving presentations and meeting deadlines, and also personal ones, like spending time on exercise, or with family and friends. Here's a recent podcast episode where I talk about time: "Time Guilt: How to Rest in a Culture of 'Busy'". (See notes on the webpage with other episodes about time management.)

3. I'm obsessed with the brain.

Yes, I'm a bit obsessive about the things I care about. Your brain is your most valuable asset and it's on you to take care of it. There's a whole lot we can do to take care of it including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, including Omega-3's, and sleep. It also helps to understand it: the basics of neuroplasticity and our ability to rewire the way we think, feel and act; our executive function and how we can leverage it to make - and implement - good decisions; our emotions and how to process, regulate and learn from them.

4. My family comes first.

As a coach, I regularly check in on my priorities. After my own health - remember: put on your oxygen mask first - my family is first. These days, that looks like me being the best mom I can be. I have a wonderful husband and two school-aged kids. I look after them, imperfectly. They are not enrolled in a thousand activities because I can't stomach the chauffeuring, nor are they interested in that. What I offer as a mother is unlimited love, support and nutritious food. I also drive them crazy sometimes when they catch me "coaching" them. If you're a lawyer parent, chances are your family comes first too. Your challenge is likely balancing - or juggling - the commitments you have to your family and to your work. I can relate to all of that: the first tearful daycare drop off, scrambling around for last-minute childcare when your nanny calls in sick, working and "parenting" (aka excessive screentime) under one  roof during the darkest days of the pandemic; guilty feelings about falling short on all fronts; creatively recalibrating everything in your life to support your kids, your work and your sanity. Whatever stage you're at, I will listen, validate you as a parent, professional and good human and help you find a "balance" that works for you, your family and your practice. Here's a podcast episode where I talk about "balance": "The Truth About Balancing Kids and Work".

5. When I coach lawyers, I sometimes wear a consulting or mentoring hat.

Strictly speaking, coaching is an inquisitive, non-directive process. It's the best way I know of to help people reach into their own minds and find answers they didn't know were waiting to be expressed. That said, sometimes you want ideas. What has worked for other lawyers? What time management strategies do you suggest? What are some ways lawyers can use a law degree outside of practicing law? In the work I do with you, I bring my whole self to the table and share whatever experiences and resources I think will add value. Then it's over to you to figure out what to do with them.

6. My greatest gift is being able to see what's coming.

I used to play soccer at a relatively elite level. I didn't have the playing skills that some of my teammates did. But, one thing I had - according to one of my coaches - was the ability to see where the ball was going. I believe this is my greatest gift. It helps me as a coach because I can see what's possible for you before you can see it. I can envision things that don't yet exist and then help you build them. This is particularly important if you're feeling stuck, trapped or overwhelmed. I can help you find your direction and a way forward.

7. I'm driven to connect.

One of my strongest drivers is connection. I love connecting people with people, people with ideas and ideas with ideas. It's another gift and one that I used to take for granted until recently. When you present a patchwork of seemingly random experiences and ideas, I'll see the common thread. I will have resources to help you. I can help you find the right people to connect with to help you realize your goals.

8. I live my message.

I work with coaches myself to realize my professional and personal goals. It's an investment of money, time and energy that I make to develop myself and create a coaching practice that satisfies my professional ambitions and aligns with my personal goals. Coaching helps me bring my goals to life and stay accountable, even when it's easier to play small. Coaching helps me step into the discomfort of doing hard things, on purpose, and use that discomfort as data and training to become the person who attains the goals I set for myself.  I regularly unpack and examine the contents of my mind: I love seeing my blind spots, where I need to challenge myself, where I'm hiding and which drivers propel me forward and which stifle my motivation. I have big goals for my coaching practice and I'm wholly committed to bringing them to life. (I refer to item #6.) Would you like to come along for the ride?

In terms of my qualifications, I am an ICF accredited certified coach. I did my coach training at Royal Roads University. I started my coaching practice in 2018. I work with lawyers at all levels, some of whom retain me independently and some of whom are sponsored by their law firms. I hold law degrees from McGill University and a BA from the University of British Columbia.

If you want to learn more about how you can work with me, please send me an email at pprice@uplevellawyercoaching.com or complete the form below.   We can set up a free, confidential consult call.

Now that you've learned all about me, I'd love to learn about you!

Paula