Engagements for Professionals Working in Demanding Legal Environments

I work with law firm professional employees because I understand the realities of legal work—not in theory, but through lived experience and professional training.

With more than three decades in the legal field, I’ve seen how capable, committed people can struggle—not because they lack skill or dedication, but because they have unresolved stress or pressure. 

I started my career in the legal industry in 1987 in Los Angeles as a temp receptionist, quickly moving into a legal assistant position.  

I moved to Portland, Oregon in 1995 and was promoted in a large law firm to support and train incoming legal assistants who had little to no experience. I was able to share my knowledge of legal procedure and deadlines, but also how to remain calm under pressure and work with people who were also stressed. I became an office administrator in a small law firm and managed employees and the day-to-day procedures to keep the law firm running.

Details about coaching engagements are outlined on the Coaching page.

I believe most law firm professional employees are doing the best they can within systems that ask a great deal of them. Coaching is not about fixing people—it’s about helping them discover their inner strengths so they can thrive in demanding environments.

I hear you, not only because I have been there, but also because you deserve to be heard and appreciated. 

 When my children started high school, I went back to school online and obtained my Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. I had a previous BA in Psychology, but now with my experience in the real world of work, I wanted to learn more about the psychology of people in their work environments and the blueprint of the organizations that thrived. I looked at extensive research regarding the dynamics of an organization and how culture might affect the employees who work there. I focused my attention on research conducted with law firms.  

But how could I really help the people who worked in these difficult work environments? I had the academic knowledge, but wanted to assist on a more personal level. I knew what it was like to work in these difficult environments: the deadlines, pressures, and resulting stress. I felt like I had survived and thrived in this environment for many years and wanted to share my knowledge. I  trained as a professional coach through an ICF-accredited program and now hold certification as an Associate Certified Coach. 

If you find you are struggling in a high-pressure work environment, let me help you. I know what you are going through and can share evidence-based techniques to not only help in the moment but also build long-term resilience.