Gaining the Competitive Edge

Individual and Group Business Development Coaching

Individual coaching is available to lawyers at all levels of experience who are committed to building self-sustaining, thriving law practices. The core one-on-one coaching program culminates in the creation of a detailed career plan tailored to market, practice area, sector and firm culture.

I offer customized blended group and individual coaching for groups of lawyers close in age or years of experience (such as senior associates and newly elected partners) within a single law firm or drawn from several firms. I also work with clients on specific projects and one-off career audits.

Specialized Training

In addition to highly customized business development coaching, I offer specialized tutorials and other curricula, including business fluency and trusted advisor training (see below) and the following custom programs:

          • Listening to the Web: Social Media Training and the Confidence of Knowledge. Individual and group hands-on social media training, for lawyers interested in learning how to use social media and other essential internet tools to gather and deploy knowledge and news of value to clients and colleagues, build client relationships, enhance traditional in-person self promotion and develop business. Learn more
          • Blended Group and Individual Coaching for Women Lawyers. Customized group and individual coaching for women lawyers. We meet as a group (in person or by Skype, for longer distance coaching) every two or three weeks, following a flexible curriculum focused on business development and the path to revenue generation (and, if applicable, equity partnership). Between meetings I also meet individually by phone with each group member to develop her business plan and address concerns particular to her.
          • Meeting the Differentiation Challenge: Industry Immersion for Law Students and Associates. The multi-specialty industry group has only recently—belatedly, in fact– been validated as a powerful, sometimes essential, way for lawyers and law firms to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. I consult to law students and young lawyers considering a sector focus, as well as those who have already identified an industry where their interests and skills converge, and on which a compelling “brand” and reputation can be founded.
          • Diversity Consulting. Drawing on my experience as one of the chief architects of my firm’s diversity program and as Chair of the EAPD’s highly regarded Women’s Initiative, I consult to law firms on creating or rejuvenating diversity initiatives. Learn more.

Business and Finance Skills Training and Trusted Advisor Coaching

I consult to law firm professional development, business development and marketing directors interested in offering business and finance skills training, including hands-on application via case studies and guided written exercises derived from corporate and litigation practice.

In partnership with Matt Rubins, a successful venture capitalist, angel investor and education entrepreneur, I developed a one-of-a-kind business education program based on the belief that the best way to become a true “trusted advisor” is to understand the client’s business.

The program is centered on a single complex case study that guides participating lawyers through the life of an acquisition and its debt financing (from term sheet to earnout dispute), requiring them to apply the finance, business strategies and valuation concepts they learn from Matt to the interpretation, negotiation and amendment of legal documents.

This approach assures that participating lawyers will fully comprehend the critical role of business fluency in delivering superior legal work and building profitable client relationships.

“I asked Betsy for strategic advice as I was turning the corner from senior associate to young partner. Having been a practicing lawyer herself for many years, Betsy’s advice is not fluff. Our conversations, and the planning work that resulted, have led to real improvements in my business development strategies and real clarification of my goals. Highly recommended.”

Ted Folkman, Partner, Murphy & King

2018-04-16T15:11:54+00:00

Ted Folkman, Partner, Murphy & King

“I asked Betsy for strategic advice as I was turning the corner from senior associate to young partner. Having been a practicing lawyer herself for many years, Betsy’s advice is not fluff. Our conversations, and the planning work that resulted, have led to real improvements in my business development strategies and real clarification of my goals. Highly recommended.”

"Betsy is the only consultant in the legal industry who can coach for business development with credibility. Because she did it. She helped build an AmLaw 100 firm as an equity partner, focusing on debt and equity financing in the media/communication industries. She is that unique combination–one who can do and teach. Betsy understands the particular economics of the law firm business model and the elements of success: power and profitability."

Rina Mayman, AVP Legal Counsel, MFS Investment Management; Former Director of Professional Development, Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP

2018-04-16T14:47:37+00:00

Rina Mayman, AVP Legal Counsel, MFS Investment Management; Former Director of Professional Development, Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP

"Betsy is the only consultant in the legal industry who can coach for business development with credibility. Because she did it. She helped build an AmLaw 100 firm as an equity partner, focusing on debt and equity financing in the media/communication industries. She is that unique combination–one who can do and teach. Betsy understands the particular economics of the law firm business model and the elements of success: power and profitability."

“I engaged Betsy when I returned to a law firm after 15 years practicing in house. I could not have been more pleased. Betsy devised a well-organized plan for me that included tips on networking, assistance with initiating a presence on social media and guidance on publishing thought leadership pieces in my area of expertise. Betsy made herself available at any time by phone and email and she was invaluable in helping me prepare for key client pitches. And, perhaps most importantly, as a former law partner who built a successful practice herself, Betsy understood that building a practice cannot be done in a day. She was incredibly supportive through the mental ups and downs of my efforts. I can highly recommend Betsy and her services.”

Recent Lateral Partner, Boston

2018-04-16T14:44:19+00:00

Recent Lateral Partner, Boston

“I engaged Betsy when I returned to a law firm after 15 years practicing in house. I could not have been more pleased. Betsy devised a well-organized plan for me that included tips on networking, assistance with initiating a presence on social media and guidance on publishing thought leadership pieces in my area of expertise. Betsy made herself available at any time by phone and email and she was invaluable in helping me prepare for key client pitches. And, perhaps most importantly, as a former law partner who built a successful practice herself, Betsy understood that building a practice cannot be done in a day. She was incredibly supportive through the mental ups and downs of my efforts. I can highly recommend Betsy and her services.”

“Betsy worked with each of the summer associates at Edwards Wildman to build a personal career plan to help us navigate our months at the firm, the coming year at school, and our first year of employment after law school. Through her wise, strategic, and practical guidance, Betsy has provided me with a wholly new perspective on networking and a distinct view on how to approach a multitude of professional situations. Her patience and authenticity are inspiring and have driven me to take a more active role in charting my professional course, expanding my network and ensuring that I stay an informed, engaged, and invaluable member of society and any employment team in which I take part.”

Walter Rodriguez, Associate, Locke Lord, LLP (formerly, Edwards Wildman & Palmer), Boston College Law School ’15

2018-04-16T15:20:10+00:00

Walter Rodriguez, Associate, Locke Lord, LLP (formerly, Edwards Wildman & Palmer), Boston College Law School ’15

“Betsy worked with each of the summer associates at Edwards Wildman to build a personal career plan to help us navigate our months at the firm, the coming year at school, and our first year of employment after law school. Through her wise, strategic, and practical guidance, Betsy has provided me with a wholly new perspective on networking and a distinct view on how to approach a multitude of professional situations. Her patience and authenticity are inspiring and have driven me to take a more active role in charting my professional course, expanding my network and ensuring that I stay an informed, engaged, and invaluable member of society and any employment team in which I take part.”

"Betsy is a 'must have’ advisor for anyone who requires an understanding of the practice of law, its evolution and future trends, and how to be effective within it. She possesses a rare combination of creativity, unrelenting inquisitiveness, analytical thinking and passion for client success."

April Gallagher, Global Head Strategic Marketing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

2018-04-16T14:40:39+00:00

April Gallagher, Global Head Strategic Marketing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

"Betsy is a 'must have’ advisor for anyone who requires an understanding of the practice of law, its evolution and future trends, and how to be effective within it. She possesses a rare combination of creativity, unrelenting inquisitiveness, analytical thinking and passion for client success."

“As a young corporate partner, Betsy built a practice that was at the top level of her peer group in Boston and may well have been the biggest practice of any woman lawyer in the city at the time. I am proud to have been her partner and to have witnessed firsthand her ability to take top quality legal skills to a whole new level through a combination of interpersonal qualities, a completely client-centric approach and an uncommon sense of industry focus.”

 Steve Meredith, Partner, Choate, Hall & Stewart

2018-04-16T14:53:59+00:00

 Steve Meredith, Partner, Choate, Hall & Stewart

“As a young corporate partner, Betsy built a practice that was at the top level of her peer group in Boston and may well have been the biggest practice of any woman lawyer in the city at the time. I am proud to have been her partner and to have witnessed firsthand her ability to take top quality legal skills to a whole new level through a combination of interpersonal qualities, a completely client-centric approach and an uncommon sense of industry focus.”