More Than A Lawyer with Holly Cope

Why do some people stay in toxic workplaces?Because sometimes, it feels familiar.If you grew up in an unsupportive or estranged family, you might have learned early on that approval and safety come at a cost. Maybe you had to compete for attention. Maybe speaking up led to punishment. Maybe you learned that keeping the peace was more important than being heard.Fast forward to your career.You enter a workplace where toxic dynamics thrive, where leaders play favourites, pit employees against each other, or make you feel like you have to prove your worth every day. And instead of seeing the red flags, you normalise them. You tolerate the dysfunction. Maybe, without realizing it, you even contribute to it.Because once upon a time, that was survival.Today I'm sitting down with Becca Bland, a journalist, researcher, and leading advocate for family estrangement awareness. She founded Stand Alone, the UK’s only non-profit for estranged individuals, and has driven groundbreaking research and policy change. Her work has been featured in The Guardian, BBC, The New York Times, and more. Today, we’re discussing how your background can shape your legal career especially when it comes to recognising (or overlooking) toxic workplaces. Why do some people stay in unhealthy work environments? And how does past experience make dysfunction feel…normal? Let’s break it down.  Find Becca here:https://www.beccabland.com/my-story --25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms. Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we in an AI revolution in law?Depends who you ask.Yes, law is complex.Yes, AI has limitations.Some lawyers say:“AI can’t do what I do, it took me years to get here.”“We’re not feeling the impact yet, and we won’t for a while.”Maybe. But history tells us one thing: Revolutions don’t announce themselves.By the time everyone agrees we’re in one, it’s already happened.Today myself, Holly Cope and Helen Pamely, sit down with Senior Partner at SMB, Simon Goldberg. We debate this topic, is AI taking over the legal industry?--25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms. Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently ---Introducing: The LinkedIn Starter Pack for LawyersThe ULTIMATE starter pack for LinkedIn for lawyers: 11 interactive tools designed to elevate your personal brand and turn connections into clients.From optimising your profile, to mastering content creation, with 30 scroll-stopping frameworks and magnetic hook formulas. Learn how to network like a pro, position yourself as the go-to expert in your niche, and never run out of content ideas with our ideation guide and strategy worksheet.https://helenpamely.com/the-linkedin-starter-pack-for-lawyers/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a study by the Law Gazette, 28% of lawyers said that their work required them to be available to clients 24/7, while 65% checked emails outside of work hours to stay on top of their tasks.The legal industry runs on high stakes and high accountability.Deadlines don’t wait.Mistakes aren’t an option.So, sleep? It’s often the first thing to go.Today, I'm sitting down with adult sleep expert, Maryanne Taylor. She's been featured on Sky News, Channel 4, and Channel 5.Maryanne reveals how small shifts can transform the way lawyers sleep boosting energy, focus, and performance. She busts common sleep myths and shares game-changing tips to help lawyers get better rest.Find Maryanne here:https://thesleepworks.co.uk/about/ ---25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms. Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A firm's culture isn't what it says, it's what it tolerates.In this episode, I'm spotlighting some of the key leaders in law. We talk about the topic of culture in the legal industry.This episode features the following people:Simon GoldbergLet me introduce you to Simon Goldberg, senior partner of SMB (Simons Muirhead Burton), one of the law firms representing the individuals and families affected by the post office scandal.Is there tension between making money and being ethical in law and does this lead to a culture of toxicity?Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/65SA64NOBWRIyYfwz4SGbM William PeakeLet me introduce you to William Peake, the global managing partner of international law firm Harneys.We touch on how leadership can help improve the legal industry by creating a more supportive and growth-focused environment for everyone involved.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5emMZHn8FNseul1eKbFfndGary MillerNext we have, Gary Miller, partner at Mishcon de Reya, Head of China Desk & Chair of International Fraud Group. Gary is a global asset recovery expert with 47 years of experience in uncovering and securing assets, leading cross-border teams, and driving high-stakes settlements.Many people stay in toxic work environments, believing that leaving equals failure. But in this conversation, Gary explains you're not giving up you're freeing yourself to be open to more aligned opportunities.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/18TEmZyMvcJuNwJqxY7W7x Ian BagshawHere we have, Ian Bagshaw. Ian, an unstoppable force in the legal world, his career includes being the Co-Head of Private Equity at Linklaters and global co-head of private equity at White & Case. After retiring from law, he's back as the London Office Managing Partner of Perkins Coie.A strong culture starts with the right people, and by supporting their growth, a more positive and productive environment can be built. Talent must be nurtured.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2tZfOpWuEZjm85zJ9vTQnG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The criminal trial system isn’t what you think.It’s about strategy. Performance. Persuasion.Courtrooms are like a stage. The best argument wins. The most compelling story can sway the jury. If you want to know how the system really works, the drama, the high-stakes decisions, and the brutal reality of justice, this episode is a must-listen.Today I'm sitting down with AX Foster, actor turned lawyer. He started out aiming to be an entertainment lawyer, but once he discovered criminal law, he was hooked.AX Foster spent 20 years as a prosecutor in Maryland before setting up his own law firm defending criminal cases.AX Foster is the author of Gavel to Gavel and his latest book Double Blind has been ranked #1 in the legal thriller category on Amazon. https://www.axfoster.com/about-ax-foster -----If you’ve ever wondered how to build a legal career that fits your lifestyle and values, I’ve created something for you."25 Ways to Do Law Differently (And Get Paid for It!)" is a free guide filled with simple, yet impactful ideas for lawyers who want more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment in their work.https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnout isn’t a personal failure. It’s a cultural failure.And the worst part? By the time you feel it, it’s already too late.Because burnout doesn’t hit like a breakdown. It creeps in quietly:You stop feeling proud of your work.Small tasks feel overwhelming.You start to wonder if you even care anymore.The problem isn’t that lawyers can’t handle pressure.So, what’s the way out? It starts with rethinking success.Because a lawyer who is well-rested, engaged, and valued will always outperform one running on empty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world where AI can process data faster and more accurately than any lawyer, the true strength moving forward is in the people behind the law.The future of law is about human connection. AI can’t replicate empathy, trust, or understanding of what makes us human. In this new era, your uniqueness is your competitive advantage.Today we're sitting down with Rich Fox Fractional GC and Senior in house Legal Consultant we talk about where the future of law is heading and how to future-proof yourself. Find Rich here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-colin-fox-b8003249/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm talking with the founders of the largest legal innovation conference in Northern Europe, FutureLaw:Valentin Feklistov and Alex Bitskov.This is a place where legal, tech, and business meet on equal ground.Where discussions aren’t just theoretical but global, practical, and forward-thinking.The first FutureLaw conference began in 2023, bringing together leaders from the Nordics, the Baltics, and beyond.By 2024 it had become truly international.Over 40 nations.World-class speakers from Asia to America.And 2025 is set to be better.Because the future of law isn’t built in isolation.It’s built through collaboration.For legal professionals, this isn’t just another event, it’s an opportunity.To learn from the best minds in legal tech, business, and practice.To see how technology is reshaping law firms, access to justice, and client service.To future-proof your career in a profession that’s evolving faster than ever.The legal industry is changing. You can watch from the sidelines.Or you can step into the room where the future of law is being shaped.FutureLaw is happening in Tallin, Estonia, 29th - 30th May 2025.Find out more here:  https://futurelaw.ee/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stress in law isn’t just part of the job, it’s built into the culture.Deadlines. Client demands. Billable targets. It’s easy to believe that stress is something external, something that happens to you. But stress isn’t just about the job. It’s a biological response.This episode is part of a new mini-series on wellbeing in law, while the demands of the industry aren’t changing overnight lawyers have to rethink how they can navigate them.And no, this isn’t another “just meditate and take breaks” kind of conversation. We know stress in law isn’t that simple. The reality is, most advice doesn’t cut it when you’re dealing with constant pressure, high stakes, and a workload that never stops.But there are ways to take back control ways that actually work in the legal world. If you’ve ever thought, I know I need to manage stress, but nothing seems to help this is for you.Today I'm sitting down with Grace Williams to get expert advice on how to manage stress in law, she's an ex White and Case solicitor turned health and nutrition coach. Find Grace on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-williams-coach/This episode is part of a three-part wellbeing series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For a long time, success in law has been narrowly defined, making partner, climbing the corporate ladder, and sacrificing personal life for billable hours.But what happens when women in law decide to rewrite that definition for themselves?In this episode, I am spotlighting the stories of women who walked away from the traditional legal path, not because they couldn’t hack it, but because they chose something different.Something bigger. Something that aligned with their version of success.Helen PamelyLet me introduce you to Helen Pamely, she walked away from prestige, a safe salary, and a partner title at a London firm to one day decide this wasn’t the version of success she wanted anymore, so she quit.Listen to the full story here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3uere1F95HoxOIYTWTNhZ2?si=8b8954a520724000Natalie ThomasNext we have Natalie Thomas, she went from studying at Oxford University to working in Tesco in South-West Wales to then being part of the founding team, helping launch the London office of top US law firm Perkins Coie.Listen to the full story here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jMn0EHD9fZFHZIpvPou8Z Dana ShakerNext, I want to introduce you to Dana Shaker. She went from being a traditional lawyer to a remote digital nomad lawyer working on the road.Listen to the full story here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6T861HNH9oS4pU6hgUY7rm?si=6a457f0e11204f1aRenee PardoRenee Pardo is a former trial lawyer. She changed her career path after 30 years in law and years before qualifying for her pension. She is now a certified executive life coach who primarily coaches women lawyers.Listen to the full story here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iatTpq4ugGkcQkQBjhbpi?si=3ab947230c054379Tara SeosankarTara Seosankar shares her journey of becoming a freelance employment lawyer in Canada and the reasons behind her decision to leave a traditional law firm.Listen to the full story here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6sv3OQ57H1TiUGYbEaQ6vY?si=c5bf76f5c831482e Hannah StrawbridgeHannah Strawbridge, founder of Han Law started out as a lawyer at a top UK firm and then became a freelancer before building a successful employment law business. After becoming disillusioned by the traditional law firm mentality, and witnessing too many colleagues either leave the profession or ‘burn out’, Hannah decided to start her own firm. Listen to the full story here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BezlMkOmt2xinNudymyTr  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.