We are taking a pause until mid-late January 2026 for some upgrades. We are adding a YouTube feed to our mix for listeners who prefer video and we are lining up some great guests to talk to you about your legal career.

We are grateful to our listeners and guests who have made Counsel to Counsel a labor of love.

Until then, best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

In this episode, Steve speaks with Saja Raoof, an immigration lawyer based in the Bay Area, about how introverted lawyers can build thriving practices without pretending to be extroverts.

A self-proclaimed introvert and creative marketer, Saja shares how she transformed networking anxiety into authentic relationship-building through her "Wallflower Power" approach and how coaching and ProVisors played key roles in her success.

Topics Discussed

• How hiring a coach in 2018 helped shifted her mindset from isolation to confident business owner.

• The role of ProVisors and the pandemic's move to Zoom in helping her find her voice and visibility.

• Her creative use of video testimonials to highlight other professionals and build genuine connections.

• Practical strategies for introverted lawyers: energy management, structured networking, and measuring success by impact rather than comfort.

• Why vulnerability, generosity, and storytelling have become her most effective marketing tools.

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, Stephen Seckler speaks with Steve Herman, a civil litigator and documentary filmmaker from Vancouver, Canada. After more than 35 years in practice, Steve turned the camera on himself to explore one of the biggest transitions lawyers face—retirement.

His film, Retirement on Trial, which he produced with his filmmaker wife, Evelyn Neaman, uses humor and introspection to examine what it means to step away from a career that has long defined one's identity. In this episode, Steve Seckler speaks with Steve about his journey in making the film

Through interviews with 14 lawyers and judges across North America, Steve explores the challenges of letting go of professional identity, navigating relationships in retirement, and planning psychologically—not just financially—for the next chapter. The film, structured as a farcical courtroom trial of the very concept of retirement, highlights how cultural attitudes toward aging shape our views about purpose and relevance.

The conversation offers practical and emotional insights for lawyers thinking about their "next stage." As Steve puts it, retirement isn't the end—it's a transition into a new stage of growth and fulfillment.

To learn more about the film and view it, visit www.retirementontrial.com. To learn more about Steve Seckler's program for lawyers contemplating a retirement like transition, visit www.seckler.com .

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, I reflect on some of the themes of the Jewish New Year and the importance of self reflection (and the fact that you get to do it twice a year if you happen to be Jewish!)

Publishing a book may feel like an overwhelming project, but for lawyers it can be one of the most effective ways to build credibility, attract new clients, and open doors to new opportunities.

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, host Stephen Seckler speaks with Melanie Herschorn, publisher and book marketing strategist, about how attorneys can transform their expertise into a powerful marketing asset. Melanie draws on her diverse career in journalism, PR, entrepreneurship, and publishing to explain:

• Why publishing a book can significantly enhance your visibility and authority as a lawyer

• Common myths that hold professionals back from writing a book — and how to overcome them

• How long it realistically takes to produce a client-facing book and why length isn't the most important factor

• The difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid models

• How to continue marketing your book long after the launch, and whether there's a "statute of limitations" on calling it "new"

• Creative ways to repurpose book content into social media, podcasts, speaking engagements, and client gifts

• The role of AI in publishing — where it can help, and where it creates risks

Melanie also shares her process for guiding attorneys from concept to published book, and how her clients have seen tangible business growth as a result.

If you've been curious about publishing but aren't sure where to begin, this episode will give you the roadmap and inspiration to take the first step

Many lawyers are clear about what they don't want in their career. But they struggle to define what they do want. In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, Steve Seckler speaks with Philippe Danielides, former Biglaw associate, communications consultant, coach, and author of The Lawyer's Guide to Freedom: A Six-Step Plan to Discover What You Actually Want.

Philippe shares insights from his own career journey—spanning Biglaw, corporate communications, solo coaching, authorship, and now his current role with the Career Design team at Latham & Watkins. He explains why career clarity is often so elusive, how lawyers can expand their range of possibilities, and why "freedom" doesn't necessarily mean leaving the law.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Philippe's career journey from Biglaw to communications to coaching—and back into Biglaw in a new role

• Why lawyers often know what they don't want, but struggle to define what they do want

• Common myths and misconceptions about career clarity

• Key elements of Philippe's six-step process from The Lawyer's Guide to Freedom

• How coaching helps lawyers get unstuck and uncover new possibilities

• What "freedom" means within the context of a legal career

• Insights from Philippe's work with Latham's Career Design team

• Practical advice for lawyers who feel stuck or afraid to ask themselves what they really want

Philippe Danielides is a coach, writer, and former corporate communications consultant. In 2017, he launched the Blue Pen Project to guide lawyers through career transitions. His 2022 book, The Lawyer's Guide to Freedom, offers a structured roadmap for clarifying professional goals. Today, Philippe coaches lawyers and alumni at Latham & Watkins, helping them navigate questions of career direction and fulfillment.

In this episode of Counsel to Counsel, Steve Seckler speaks with attorney, entrepreneur, and legal business strategist Daya Naef, founder of The Success Partner, about how law firms can navigate the generational handoff in leadership. As founding partners prepare to step back, younger attorneys are stepping up—bringing fresh perspectives on technology, especially AI, and new expectations for work-life balance, flexibility, and firm culture.

Steve and Daya explore

• The tensions and opportunities between senior and next-generation lawyers
• Succession planning strategies that work (and those that don't)
• Practical ways to start small with AI adoption in law firms
• How to foster collaboration across generations without alienating either side
• What younger attorneys value most in today's legal workplace
• The evolving role of the billable hour and alternative billing models

Daya also shares her vision for the law firm of 2030—one that is AI-enabled, flexible, and driven by a clear strategy for sustainability.

Listen now to learn how your firm can adapt, retain top talent, and thrive in a changing legal landscape.

Artificial intelligence is dramatically changing how legal services are marketed—and how clients find lawyers. In this episode, Steve Seckler speaks with Annie Stern, a seasoned digital marketing strategist, about what lawyers need to know to stay relevant in the AI era.

Key Takeaways:

• AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping how clients discover and vet lawyers, including those who rely heavily on referrals.

• A strong digital footprint—updated bios, accurate directories, and mentions on reputable sites—is now critical for visibility.

• Traditional SEO isn't dead but must be complemented by AI-readiness strategies.

• Annie shares the top three things every solo or small firm lawyer should do today to ensure they're discoverable by AI.

Resources & Contact:

Learn more about Annie Stern's work at RizeUp Media or email her at annie@rizeupmedia.com.