This Legal Life: Lessons Learned from a Life in Legal

In this episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga speaks with Charlotte Smith, a UK lawyer turned legal tech founder and executive coach, about the courage it takes to start over. After moving from London to California, Charlotte faced an identity crisis that forced her to redefine success and rediscover her purpose. Through resilience, coaching, and curiosity, she rebuilt her confidence — proving that growth often begins with unlearning.About our Guest:Charlotte Smith is an Executive Coach and Management Consultant who blends deep legal expertise with a passion for guiding teams, leaders, and organizations to reach their full potential.She began her career in the UK, becoming a partner at a top-tier firm by age 30, recognized for her forward-thinking approach—including launching a subscription-based employment law service for the travel and hospitality sector.In 2014, she moved to Silicon Valley, pivoting from lawyer to entrepreneur and coach, combining her legal background with a commitment to innovation and human development.Charlotte is also the author of How to Attract, Engage, and Retain Top Legal Talent (Globe Law and Business), a resource for teams that embrace change, leverage technology, and optimize human performance. Her consulting engagements have included a wide range of law firm organizations and in-house legal teams.By integrating energy management, human performance, and mindset strategies, Charlotte empowers General Counsels, law firms, and in-house teams to tackle leadership dysfunction, align teams, and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape. Balancing technology, AI, and emotional intelligence, she ensures leaders drive meaningful results without sacrificing well-being.If you’re ready to transform how you lead, Charlotte is here to help.Access the updated BETA assessment launching in January: https://d8q79.share.hsforms.com/2B1LXFYArQl-q4_K8pGFVBA

In this episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga speaks with Liz Smith, former legal headhunter and now Head of Talent at Bamboo, about her powerful career transformation and how she’s challenging the traditional model of legal recruitment. After 20 years in the industry, Liz followed her inner voice and made a bold pivot—moving from transactional placements to helping lawyers reimagine their careers with purpose, flexibility, and entrepreneurial thinking.Together, they explore how burnout, authenticity, and the search for meaning drove Liz to build a more human-centered approach to talent. From 4 a.m. reflections to guiding lawyers toward autonomy and alignment, this episode is a must-listen for anyone rethinking what success in law can really look like.About our Guest:Liz Smith is dedicated to attracting top legal talent and building meaningful connections across the legal community. Through strategic networking, headhunting, and coaching, she plays a vital role in connecting creative lawyers with opportunities that align with their ambitions. Known for her authenticity and trust-building approach, Lizzie is a passionate ambassador for her firm and an active voice within the industry. Her work gives her the autonomy to thrive—combining her natural strengths in relationship-building with her genuine enjoyment of meeting and working alongside inspiring legal professionals. Connect with Liz on LinkedIn

In this episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga sits down with Sarah Cottrell — former BigLaw lawyer turned career coach and founder of The Former Lawyer Podcast.Together, they explore the courage it takes to step away from prestige, perfectionism, and external validation to rediscover what truly matters. Sarah shares her journey through burnout, anxiety, and uncertainty — and why true clarity doesn’t come from overthinking, but from taking action.About Our GuestSarah Cottrell is a career coach who helps unhappy lawyers ditch their soul-sucking jobs. She practiced law for ten years and specializes in helping lawyers identify alternative careers.Sarah hosts The Former Lawyer Podcast, where she interviews lawyers who have left law for other fields and provides advice and strategies for those who want to do the same. She is an ICF-Certified Coach, a Certified Career Management Coach, and an Academies-Certified Strengths Coach.🔗 Website: formerlawyer.com

In this deeply reflective episode, Ben Chiriboga sits down with Tony Albrecht, former insurance defense lawyer turned Co-Founder and Creative Director of CONTENDER, to explore how recovery, reinvention, and creativity can redefine success in law. From hitting rock bottom in Guam to helping mission-driven lawyers find their authentic voices on LinkedIn, Tony shares how embracing fear, storytelling, and self-awareness can turn even the hardest chapters into powerful new beginnings.About Our Guest:Tony Albrecht is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of CONTENDER. His path has been largely defined by recovery from two things: alcoholism and lawyering. He had his last drink in 2010, a year after graduating from law school.In 2021, Tony walked away from the practice of law on the verge of making partner with an insurance defense firm in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. After leaving the practice, he gained traction as a creator on LinkedIn in 2022 and saw an opportunity to help others share their messages in ways that resonate.Today, Tony is building CONTENDER, a personal branding and LinkedIn ghostwriting agency that creates magnetic online presences for mission-driven lawyers and leaders.He now lives in Muskoka with his wife and their two kids. When he’s not hanging out online, Tony enjoys long runs and drinking too much coffee.

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Patrick Patino—attorney, coach, and host of The Newfangled Lawyer Podcast—to discuss what it means to practice law on your own terms.From a poet-turned-lawyer to a founder challenging conventional firm models, Patrick shares how authenticity, creativity, and presence shaped his journey. He reflects on failure, reinvention, and why lawyers should trust intuition over outdated playbooks.This candid conversation is a roadmap for legal professionals ready to embrace change and build careers aligned with who they truly are. About Our Guest:Patrick brings a sensible, mindful, and creative approach to the practice of law. He is the host of The Newfangled Lawyer Podcast.When not practicing law, he enjoys making pottery, reading chef memoirs, and going on outdoor adventures with his family. Connect with PatrickLinkedInThe Newfangled Lawyer PodcastALH Law Profile

In this episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga sits down with Chad Main, founder of Percipient and host of the Technically Legal podcast, to unpack his journey from commercial litigator to legal tech entrepreneur. Chad shares lessons from building Percipient as an alternative legal service provider, including the persistence and risk-taking required to launch and grow a business in the legal space. The conversation explores how technology and AI-assisted workflows are reshaping legal practice, the role of “human in the loop” in delivering efficient services, and why embracing change is critical for the future of law. With candid reflections on entrepreneurship, technology, and the evolving role of lawyers, this episode offers practical insights for professionals looking to adapt, innovate, and create lasting impact in the industry.About our Guest:Chad is an attorney and the founder of Percipient, an alternative legal service provider. Prior to founding Percipient, Chad worked as a litigator in Los Angeles and Chicago. Chad launched Percipient on the belief that when technology is leveraged correctly, it makes attorneys even more effective. He also hosts the Technically Legal Podcast.

Voice is more than sound — it's a leadership tool. In this episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga sits down with David Pope to explore his journey from BBC studios to coaching law firm partners across Asia and the Middle East. With decades of audio expertise and 30,000 hours in the studio, David now helps lawyers master their vocal presence, command gravitas, and build confidence from the inside out.A must-listen for legal professionals ready to own the room — one word at a time.About Our Guest: Dividing his time between Hong Kong, Dubai and London, BBC trained Executive Voice Coach David Pope has spent the last 30 years with one aim in mind, to help GOOD speakers become GREAT speakers.Working with 1000’s of legal professionals globally in Magic Circle, US and local firms, across a huge range of practice groups, he knows that there are 3 things that will always make you stand out as an exceptional communicator:Voice – having a voice that is engaging, inspiring, captivating.Presence – being able to command the attention of a single listener or an entire room.Delivery – being able to deliver a message that moves people to take action, that inspires and educates.His highly successful Voice Intensive Program revolves around extensive recording and analysis of the voice, so that every legal professional he works with 1-1 gets to understand their vocal strengths and areas for improvement.He has coached legal professionals in global law firms in Tokyo, Sydney, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Riyadh and London.He works with senior associates, preparing them for partner selection programs, partners being called on to speak more at conferences, and managing partners readying them for global speaking events.He has developed CPD accredited voice, presence and storytelling workshops that he delivers in-person or online to global audiences. So, wherever he is in the world, he can ensure his sessions deliver valuable content that can engage and educate.He has also developed online video courses: Unlocking The Power of Your Voice, Projecting Leadership With Gravitas, and Storytelling For Business, that can complement law firm’s training requirements for self-study.His full suite of offerings can be found on his website at: allvoicetalent.comConnect with him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/popedavid/ Email him at: info@allvoicetalent.com

In this episode of This Legal Life, Guy Alvarez—Founder of Alvarez AI Advisors and former Good2bSocial CEO—joins Ben Chiriboga for a candid conversation about bold reinvention and the evolving role of technology in legal practice.From building one of the first law firm websites in the ’90s, to pioneering digital legal marketing, to now guiding firms through AI-powered growth, Guy reflects on the moments that shaped his career—and the mindset shifts that made reinvention possible.For legal professionals navigating this “time between worlds,” Guy offers hard-won lessons on timing, courage, and building with both tech and heart.About our Guest: Guy Alvarez, a former practicing attorney, combines legal training with a genuine passion for how technology transforms the practice of law. After discovering the power of digital tools early in his career, he built executive experience at KPMG as Global Director of Digital Marketing where he managed a complex network of websites across global markets. At the Practising Law Institute, he led the development of their online center, fundamentally changing how the organization delivered legal education.In 2012, Alvarez founded Good2bSocial, working directly with law firms of all sizes to improve their digital marketing and client relationships. His hands-on approach and practical understanding of attorneys' needs helped the company grow until its successful acquisition by Best Lawyers in 2023. Rather than stepping back, Alvarez recognized that AI represented the next significant shift in legal practice—one moving faster and with deeper implications than previous technological changes.Driven by curiosity and a desire to help firms navigate this transition, Alvarez completed MIT Sloan and CSAIL's Artificial Intelligence program in early 2025. Today, he works alongside law firms implementing AI solutions that enhance their operations while preserving what matters most: the judgment, empathy, and wisdom that define great legal service. His work bridges the gap between technological possibility and practical application, helping attorneys embrace powerful new capabilities while staying true to their professional values and client relationships.

What if legal innovation starts within? In this episode of This Legal Life, Hannele Korhonen joins Ben Chiriboga to share her extraordinary journey from in-house counsel to legal entrepreneur, coach, and PhD researcher in intuition. Through design thinking, radical self-inquiry, and soul-level leadership, Hannele offers a new vision for what legal careers—and legal change—can look like when we stop pushing and start listening.This episode is for lawyers ready to lead from the inside out.Meet our Guest:Hannele Korhonen is a Business Design & Innovation Coach and PhD researcher exploring how intuition can spark radical innovation in law and design. She’s the founder of Lawyers Design School, a global learning-first legal design platform that helps legal professionals reimagine their work through legal design thinking.A former corporate lawyer, she has founded her own law firm and co-founded a legal tech startup. Today, she coaches purpose-driven entrepreneurs and legal creatives to design scalable, soul-aligned businesses using design thinking, the same method trusted by the world’s most innovative companies. Her work weaves together practical tools, research, empathy, creativity, and intuition to help clients build human-centered services that feel as good as they work.Whether through her signature program The Freedom Incubator, custom workshops, or 1:1 coaching, Hannele’s mission is to support a future where business is soulful, law is human, and the people doing the work feel free.Links:Connect with Hannele on LinkedinLearn more about The Freedom IncubatorLawyers Design School

In this episode of This Legal Life, Gavin Sharpe—former lawyer, legal recruiter, and now executive coach in Monaco—joins host Ben Chiriboga to share how a personal identity reckoning led him to leave behind external success and embrace his “original child.” From scaling a global business to launching a purpose-driven coaching practice, Gavin discusses the deep work required to lead without the mask.From creating space for leaders to grow to helping lawyers reconnect with who they really are, Gavin shares a deeply personal story of identity, reinvention, and what the legal profession must unlearn in order to truly thrive.Meet Our Guest:Gavin Sharpe is a seasoned advisor with nearly 30 years of experience working with global law firms, corporations, and senior leaders. Gavin combines his deep expertise in coaching, business, and psychology to help high-performing law firms (and other professional services organisations) drive meaningful, sustainable change. Gavin began his career as a lawyer with Allen & Overy before founding SSQ, a leading international legal search firm. He played a pivotal role in launching the London offices of several U.S. law firms and led some of the most prominent partner and team moves of the decade. After selling his shares in 2010, Gavin retrained as an executive, team, and group coach, as well as a psychotherapist. In 2016, he founded Riviera Wellbeing, a practice dedicated to executive coaching, organizational development, and wellbeing. Gavin is a sought-after speaker, having appeared at global events including TEDxMonteCarloSalon, and he has reached international audiences through his radio show, The Wellbeing Window on 106.5FM Riviera Radio. Based in Monaco, Gavin works with elite performers—including Formula One drivers, billionaires, and C-suite executives—guiding them to unlock their full potential and live their best lives. He lives in Monaco with his husband and their three dogs. Connect with Gavin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinsharpe/www.rivierawellbeing.com

How do you grow when the traditional path no longer fits?In this episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga sits down with Susan Seah to chart her journey through big law, in-house life, entrepreneurship, and now a leadership role at Latitude Legal. Susan opens up about starting The Koa Club to empower women, redefining her identity beyond “lawyer,” and why being fearless often starts with asking new questions.If you’ve ever felt the urge to step outside your comfort zone, this episode offers the insight—and the encouragement—you need.Meet Our Guest: Susan Seah is a Partner at Latitude Legal, where she connects law firms and corporate legal departments with exceptional legal talent tailored to their evolving needs. With a strong background as both a practicing attorney and legal executive, Susan brings deep insight into the business of law and talent strategy.She is also the founder of The Koa Club, a professional community dedicated to empowering women to lead bold and authentic lives through skill-building, knowledge-sharing, and connection.In addition to her legal and leadership roles, Susan is the author of the award-winning Poetry for Pups, a heartfelt collection of poetry celebrating the joy and companionship of dogs.She is passionate about supporting professionals and creating spaces that inspire growth, creativity, and community.

In this powerful episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga sits down with Heidi Brown—law professor, former litigator, and author of The Introverted Lawyer—for an unflinching look at reinvention, authenticity, and navigating fear in the legal profession. From surviving 9/11 to walking away from tenure, Heidi shares her journey of writing through shame, embracing introversion, and rejecting traditional legal molds. With the release of her most personal work yet, The Map I Draw, Heidi offers a blueprint for building a meaningful career rooted in knowing yourself—and choosing yourself.Meet Heidi:Professor Heidi K. Brown is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Associate Dean for Upper Level Writing at New York Law School, and a former litigator in the construction industry.Heidi is the author of three books about well-being for law students and lawyers, including The Introverted Lawyer, Untangling Fear in Lawyering, and The Flourishing Lawyer: A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Performance and Well-Being. In 2021, she earned a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.She is the 2023 Recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Well-Being in Legal Education from the Association of American Law Schools’ (AALS) Section on Balance and Well-Being in Legal Education.With 30 years of experience in legal practice and academia, Heidi champions the importance of openly discussing stressors, anxieties, and fears in lawyering—and helping quiet and anxious law students and lawyers tap into their individual strengths to become profoundly effective advocates, in their authentic voices.Her debut travel memoir, The Map I Draw: A Memoir of Travel as a Passport to Self, launched in June 2025.🔗Connect with HeidiAmazon (New Book): The Map I Draw: A Memoir of Travel as a Passport to SelfWebsites: www.heidikristinbrown.com | www.theflourishinglawyer.orgInstagram: @introvertedlawyer | @heidiographiaLinkedIn: Heidi BrownNYLS Profile: Heidi K. Brown - New York Law SchoolSubstack: Heidiography

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Stephen Revell—Founder, Senior Partner at Making Change Happen—to explore what it really takes to future-proof a law firm and lead with purpose. A Freshfields veteran with 43 years at the firm, Stephen shares his evolution from international dealmaker to trusted advisor helping law firms around the world navigate leadership transitions, strategy, and client relationships. He opens up about the power of going first, the importance of mentoring the next generation, and why law firms must be built for longevity—not just short-term success.Meet Our Guest: Following his retirement as a partner at Freshfields, Stephen has established a consulting firm – Making Change Happen – through which he provides management advice to law firms and other professional service providers throughout the world. He advises on a wide range of topics relevant to the management of law firms, ranging from governance and remuneration to right-sizing business services and implementing new pricing strategies. He works for law firms all over the world and of many different sizes and shapes. As part of his work for law firms, he often speaks directly to partners either in one-on-one mentoring sessions or at partner retreats.Stephen practiced at Freshfields for over 41 years on 3 different continents and was a partner for 33 years. He was actively involved in creating Freshfields’ Stronger Together initiative, its network of relationship firms around the world that allows it to deliver Freshfields’ service to clients in any market. He has extensive experience representing corporate and institutional clients in all types of corporate transactions – from M&A and joint ventures to IPOs, equity offerings, and debt offerings of all kinds – many with a cross-border element and involving emerging markets. He has worked in over 50 countries.As part of his portfolio of activities, he is a member of the advisory boards of several law firms and is an independent non-executive director on the board of several companies including Crown Resorts Limited, a leading player in the Australian entertainment industry.He is co-author of a variety of books and a regular speaker on law firm management topics. Most recently he edited a second edition of Business Development – an IBA/Globe book that is the ‘bible’ on the subject.Stephen has been very active in the IBA for many years and is involved in a wide array of projects, activities, and committees. He is the immediate former Co-Chair of the Law Firm Management Committee, the SPPI/PPID Representative on the LPD Council, and a member of the Group Members Membership Committee.

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Scott Oliver—Partner at Lewis Kappes, educator, and SBA Closing Attorney—to explore what it means to build a legal career with intentionality and direction. From publishing content as a first-year associate to leading a national lending practice, Scott shares how focusing deeply on a niche, nurturing authentic relationships through LinkedIn, and playing the long game helped him grow from junior lawyer to practice leader.Together, they discuss business development as a young associate, the underrated power of networks, scaling with purpose, and why betting on yourself (and your niche) can be your greatest asset in an evolving legal world.Meet our Guest:Scott Oliver is a Partner at Lewis Kappes, a law firm based in Indianapolis with a national practice representing banks and non-bank lenders in SBA-financed transactions. Over the course of his career, Scott has closed thousands of deals, with a focus on business and real estate acquisitions.In addition to his legal practice, Scott serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law, a frequent public speaker, and a recognized content creator for students, attorneys, and entrepreneurs. He attributes his growth in practice and business development to strategic focus, thought leadership, and building genuine professional relationships.A forward-thinking practitioner, Scott is passionate about innovation, legal tech, and staying ahead of industry trends by always asking, “Where is the puck going?” It’s a mindset that shapes how he helps clients and colleagues stay on the cutting edge of what’s next.

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Henry Nelson-Case—lawyer, content creator, and mental health advocate—to explore how the legal profession is evolving in the age of social media.From filming green screen videos as a teen to earning 8 million likes on TikTok, Henry shares how content creation became a vehicle for career transformation, connection, and culture change. They dive into the rise of Legal TikTok, the value of showing up on LinkedIn, and why Gen Z lawyers are reshaping the meaning of professional identity in law.This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about what’s next for lawyers—and how creativity, vulnerability, and community might just be the future of legal life.About Our Guest:Alongside being a lawyer, Henry is a super sharp, witty creator who blends legal insights with comedy, tackling everything from toxic office culture to millennial vs. Gen Z struggles.Henry creates relatable and impactful content on social media that aims to positively impact the lives of all those who have been affected by negative corporate workplace behaviours. In doing so, Henry strives to promote the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and challenge such toxic corporate behaviours.Henry has also delivered a TEDx talk on how toxic masculinity negatively impacts men's mental health, alongside speaking on BBC World News on Millennial and Gen Z behaviours.He has also spoken at Oxford and Cambridge universities and has also led discussions at a whole host of UK conferences.Learn more: www.henrynelsoncase.co.uk

In this episode of This Legal Life, Ben Chiriboga sits down with Steve Seckler—coach, host of the Counsel to Counsel podcast, and author of Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur.They explore Steve’s evolving journey through law, content creation, and coaching—unpacking how clarity, curiosity, and courage have shaped his path.From using AI to streamline content to podcasting as a relationship engine, Steve shares why now is the time for lawyers to stop playing it safe—and start designing careers that truly fit.Packed with wisdom on reinvention, writing, and risk-taking, this conversation is a must for anyone ready to rewrite their legal life with intention.Meet our Guest:Stephen E. Seckler, Esq., is President of Seckler Attorney Coaching. He is an award-winning coach dedicated to helping lawyers who want to achieve greater career satisfaction and success. Over the past 25+ years, he has guided hundreds of attorneys nationwide in their professional journeys. He coaches lawyers at all career stages to find comfortable ways to build a practice or launch a firm. He has dedicated his own legal career to helping attorneys to advance their careers.Some of his clients are pursuing partnership or trying to find a better career fit, both in and out of the law. Some seek support in transitioning to in-house roles. His program, The Next Stage, is designed for senior lawyers who want to explore what comes next. Steve also collaborates with managing partners and general counsel who want to improve their leadership skills.With substantial experience in continuing legal education and recruiting, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge to coaching. He joined the Board of the Career Center of the American Bar Association in 2023. He has been hosting the Counsel to Counsel Podcast since 2018. His blog was twice named to the ABA Journal’s Blawg 100.He is a frequent contributor to several ABA Publications including the GPSolo eReport and Law Practice Today. He speaks frequently for bar associations and has appeared on many legal podcasts including Be That Lawyer and The Legal Toolkit. His book Think Like a Lawyer Act Like an Entrepreneur was published by the ABA in 2025. Steve is a member of the Mindfulness in Law Society, previously served on the Boston Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Work/Life Balance, and an active member of the ProVisors business network.Since 2021, he has been named a top coach in the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Reader Rankings Awards (#1 or #2 in the categories of Lawyer Outplacement, Business Development Coach, and Executive Coaching.)Outside of work, he enjoys behavioral economics, parody, squash (an indoor racquet sport), and sings with an all men’s choir. He is a proud father to three adult children including one who completes law school in 2025.He can be reached at steve@seckler.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenseckler/

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga talks with Katie Vickery, Partner and Head of Regulatory at Osborne Clarke, to explore what it takes to build a lasting and fulfilling legal career. From the early jolt of the Enron collapse to becoming a leader in product regulation and sustainability law, Katie shares how reinvention, mentorship, and curiosity shaped her 24+ year journey in the profession.Listeners will learn how to spot emerging client needs, why building and handing off practices is an act of leadership, and how personal and professional alignment creates long-term career satisfaction. Katie’s story is a blueprint for anyone looking to lead with purpose—and leave a legacy worth sharing.Meet Our Guest: Katie Vickery, a UK partner at the international legal practice Osborne Clarke, provides clients with solutions to legal regulatory problems across the world. She works with many household names providing advice on how to manage regulatory compliance, risk and enforcement, particularly in the fields of product safety, circular economy, sustainability and consumer law.She leads a specialist team of product and sustainability lawyers and co-heads Osborne Clarke’s International ESG & Sustainability service line.Both an advisory lawyer and a litigator, Katie provides pragmatic and risk-based advice on regulatory interpretation and liaising with regulators. She helps businesses facing "bet the farm" regulatory investigations—managing global product recalls, major safety and environmental incidents, and imposing regulatory burdens and restrictions.Katie has built and adapted several practices throughout her career, adapting to market changes and opportunities. She is recognised as a leader in business development and in developing people to achieve their own practice ambitions.Links: What Today’s Rainmakers Do DifferentlyGlobal Compliance | Osborne Clarke

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Mbula Nzuki, an inspiring lawyer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of a fintech company, to discuss her remarkable journey from a traditional legal career to leading a tech-driven law firm and fintech venture. Mbula shares insights on overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for financial inclusion, and how embracing flexibility has driven her success. Discover how Mbula’s multidisciplinary approach and adaptability are reshaping the perception of legal practice in Kenya and beyond.Meet Our Guest:Mbula Nzuki is a multi-faceted Legal Practitioner, Ecosystem Builder, Sustainability Champion, Deal Maker, Innovator, Serial Entrepreneur, Global Host, and Moderator curating a vibrant international career at the intersection of Law, Technology, Sustainability, and Finance.She is the Founder and Principal Attorney at MN Legal, a boutique law firm serving the legal and strategic needs of startups, high-growth and emerging companies, multinationals, international NGOs, and government agencies across diverse sectors—including finance and investment, logistics, software and tech, infrastructure, clean energy, AI, and more.Mbula holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Public International Law, is an active Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb) – London, Co-Founder of The Cyber Society (Geneva), and President of the Environmental & Energy Law Commission at AIJA – International Association of Young Lawyers.Outside the legal field, she is a serial entrepreneur with interests in artificial intelligence for legal innovation, fintech, construction, real estate, and jewelry. A spirited conversationalist with great analytical skills, she is often invited to host high-powered events, moderate global panel discussions, and lead fireside chats with ease and impact.Mbula is passionate about preserving the nobility of the legal profession while redefining success through a multi-disciplinary, purpose-driven approach. She embraces the philosophy of “business as a force for good.”Her mantra: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”Connect with Mbula on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mbulanzuki

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Drew Amoroso — lawyer, entrepreneur, and founder of DueCourse — to talk about creating a better workday for lawyers. Drew shares his journey from Big Law associate to coaching thousands of lawyers through mindset, routines, and professional identity shifts. Along the way, he unpacks what’s broken about traditional legal culture, how coaching at scale is changing the game, and why intentionality might be the most important legal skill of the future. From launching a solo fitness law firm to building the industry’s first AI coach, Drew’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven innovation.Meet Our Guest:Drew Amoroso is a former lawyer and the Founder and CEO of DueCourse. Prior to DueCourse, Drew was a senior litigation associate at Reed Smith LLP and the Founder of Move Legal, a law firm focused on counseling clients in the fitness and health and wellness industries.Drew is a visiting lecturer at UC Davis School of Law, the University of San Francisco School of Law, and Golden Gate University School of Law, where he teaches a Practice Ready Seminar designed to prepare law students to make the transition from students to practice-ready lawyers. He’s also the president of StandUpKids, a non-profit whose mission is to give every public school child access to a standing desk in the next 10 years.Links: www.duecourse.coach https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewamoroso/

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga chats with Paul Sams, Managing Partner of Dutton Gregory Solicitors, about his unconventional path from biller to builder — and how leadership in law firms is evolving. Paul brings his trademark wit and authenticity to a wide-ranging conversation on firm culture, intergenerational leadership, communication, AI, and yes — even his famous Lego LinkedIn avatar. With refreshing candor, Paul shares the personal growth, mindset shifts, and management lessons that come with guiding a modern legal organization through change, complexity, and opportunity.Meet Paul Sams: Paul decided he wanted to be a solicitor at seven years old. Since then, he has become an award-winning, nationally recognised expert in the field of residential property, having been asked to lecture other lawyers across the country.Paul has also been invited to speak on more than one occasion for Housing Associations and the RICS. Paul also deals with residential development work from site acquisition through to plot sales.Paul was elected Managing Partner by his fellow Partners and stepped up to the role in April 2024. He proactively manages the firm alongside his fellow Partners and Senior Managers, always with a view to making sure both everyone within the firm and those who the firm interacts with have the most positive experience that they can. Paul strives to improve his abilities to aid his clients each day that he is alive. Known for disruption, Paul is not afraid to try something new.