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Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar
Law school teaches you the law. This podcast teaches you how to succeed inside a law firm.
Lawyer Launcher – Behind the Bar is for law students and newly called lawyers who want to thrive and build confidence when they start practice. Hosted by Susan Van Dyke, a trusted advisor to law firms and a guide for new lawyers navigating their first year, this show offers an insider perspective from the other side of the hiring table.
With over 30 years of experience working with law firms and their leadership teams, Susan knows exactly what firms expect from new hires—and what they rarely explain. This podcast fills that gap, with practical advice, candid conversations, and tools to help you build confidence, credibility, and competence from day one.
New episodes drop every two weeks. Because landing the job is just the beginning.
Lawyer Launcher - Behind the Bar
How to build trust and set yourself apart with Linda Lucas
In this episode, I’m joined by Linda Lucas—a longtime law firm and professional services executive and now a sought-after leadership coach and trainer. With 25+ years of strategic, operational, and financial leadership experience, Linda shares practical insights every law student, summer/articling student, and new lawyer needs to hear.
Her core message: leadership starts on day one, not when you get a title.
What you’ll learn (and why it matters early in your career):
• How to be a leader at any level
Small daily habits build your long-term reputation and influence.
• Why “thinking like an owner” sets you apart
Students who take responsibility for their work get noticed—fast.
• The behaviours that build trust
Integrity, accountability, follow-through, honesty, courage, and truly listening. These skills make colleagues want you on their team.
• EQ as the #1 skill in legal workplaces
It’s learnable, and it’s what differentiates good junior lawyers from exceptional ones.
• What to ask yourself before starting your career
Identify your values, imagine your future, and choose firms aligned with both.
• How to stand out in applications and early roles
Be authentic, stay curious, and apply what you learn.
• How to avoid common pitfalls in law firms
Understand firm culture, get clarity on expectations, record all your time, and protect your well-being.
• Why mentors and coaches matter—even early on
The most successful professionals invest in their growth.
Listen now and start building the leadership habits your future self will thank you for.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Lawyer Launcher for more episodes that help you thrive in the legal profession.
Episode notes:
Lead Vantage: www.leadvantage.ca
Linda Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaslinda/