More Than A Lawyer with Holly Cope

Most lawyers can give advice on six-figure deals.But many can’t say, with confidence, how much they actually earn.Silence around money isn’t just awkward — it’s expensive.And for many lawyers, it’s keeping them financially stuck.Today’s episode digs into a quiet cultural norm in the legal profession that shapes careers, mental health, and long-term financial stability: salary secrecy.I’m joined by Jono Randell-Nash, ex-lawyer turned independent financial advisor for lawyers,and Carla Hoppe, former corporate solicitor, ex-Director of International Tax & Transaction Services at EY, and founder of Wealthbright, an award-winning financial education partner helping law firms build financially confident lawyers.We explore the culture of not asking, not questioning, and not talking about money in law firms — and the emotional, practical, and financial damage this silence creates.You’ll hear insights on:Why salary secrecy persists in UK legal cultureHow lack of information fuels anxiety, especially for new lawyersThe link between protected characteristics and poorer financial healthWhy financial capability depends more on education than intelligence or backgroundHow gender, mental health, and socioeconomic status shape financial outcomesThe dangers of default pensions and why the “six-figure tick box” can cost you £100,000+Why understanding risk profiles, insurance, and emergency funds should come before “the sexy stuff” like investingHow comparison culture distorts what “wealth” actually meansWhy the obsession with six-figure salaries blinds people to what actually builds long-term financial wellbeingThis conversation sheds light on a problem many lawyers suffer quietly — and provides a starting point for taking control of your financial future with clarity, confidence, and honesty.Find Carla here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlahoppe/Find Jono here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jono-randell-nash/More about Wealthbrite: https://www.wealthbrite.co.uk/

Most lawyers wait for the “right time” to take a leap.But what if that moment never comes?The legal world is changing faster than ever and those who redefine success, rather than chase security, are the ones shaping its future.From fear of failure to the rise of AI, this episode dives into what it really means to evolve as a modern lawyer.Ari Mike Varjabedian, founder of E-Legal Councel, a tech-driven law firm built for the remote era and one of the first to live the digital nomad lawyer life.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/301lnVs7EghV58qOuCBTqc?si=16a7a978f03c4bf0Christine Bradshaw, Partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, who breaks down the psychology behind lawyers’ risk aversion and perfectionism and how reframing success can unlock innovation.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6A9r37Az2n0kHYwueLAP99?si=565ad0bc5adc4856Dharshi Hardina, Fractional General Counsel and Executive Coach, who explores how AI can make lawyers more human, creative, and emotionally intelligent.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7j5v6cuOK7xLmZ4aWNV1Up?si=4c6ccc53b7814b70Rob Hanna, host of the Legally Speaking Podcast, shares his bold take on the AI boom, why most legal tech startups will fail, and what separates genuine innovation from noise.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/156g26MKryjnuGowB3BNbK?si=5b65ffcc3323467aWe talk about risk, reinvention, and redefining success in a profession built on caution.From Ari’s leap from traditional law to remote freedom, to Christine’s reflections on perfectionism and imposter syndrome, to Dhrashi and Rob’s insights on the AI-human connection — this conversation is a blueprint for lawyers who want more than the safe path.You’ll hear how courage, mindset, and adaptability are becoming the new legal superpowers — and why the future of law belongs to those willing to jump before they’re ready.TRY Aircounsel here:https://lawyers.aircounsel.com/morethanalawyerDisclaimer: This is an affiliate link that will track podcast sign-ups.---FREE access to my How to Become Law Firms' Go-To Legal Tech Solution here:Covered In This 28-Page Blueprint:Where legal tech companies go wrong: Why thought leadership is non-negotiableHow to build a LinkedIn presence that converts visibility into authorityThe ultimate LinkedIn strategy for law firm lead generationYour podcast strategy to become a recognised voice in legal techand much more…Gain free access to your ultimate blueprint, learn how to become an authority:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/becomealegaltechleader

Most law firms say they’re “exploring AI.”At Linklaters, they’re living it.Resistance is real, but so is the momentum.Because the lawyers who embrace change won’t just survive the AI era, they’ll define it.In this episode, I’m joined by Sonia Cisse, Partner and Head of AI & Technology at Paris office, Linklaters, one of the world’s leading international law firms.Sonia is helping shape how one of the biggest names in law integrates artificial intelligence, from internal adoption to culture, governance, and innovation.We talk about how AI is transforming the culture of law and what it takes to lead that change inside a global firm.Sonia shares candid insights on:Why lawyers resist and what finally gets them excited about AI.How Linklaters builds AI literacy across thousands of lawyers worldwide.Balancing innovation with confidentiality and client trust.Why the future of junior lawyers isn’t disappearing, it’s evolving.And how tomorrow’s lawyers will blend legal expertise with AI fluency.This conversation goes beyond hype.It’s a look inside how one of the world’s top law firms is actually implementing generative AI, responsibly, strategically, and with a sense of curiosity that’s changing what it means to be a lawyer.

What you wear isn’t just fashion, it’s strategy.In law, perception shapes power.And for women lawyers, style can be the silent language of authority.So what if your wardrobe could build confidence, and your brand?Today, we're speaking to Estelle Winsett, a former lawyer turned personal stylist for women attorneys. After seven years in practice, she pivoted from legal briefs to wardrobe briefs helping women in law dress with purpose, power, and presence. Today, she runs a full-time styling business dedicated to helping women lawyers show up with confidence in every room they enter.We talk about the psychology of style, how colour, fit, and small details influence authority and confidence. Estelle shares practical examples, from courtroom strategy to conference presence, and explains how dressing with intention can change not just how others see you, but how you see yourself.You’ll hear about:How different colours evoke trust, power, and approachability (and why white was a genius choice in the Johnny Depp trial).The hidden link between clothing fit, body language, and credibility.Why consistency in your personal style strengthens your professional brand, both in person and on LinkedIn.How Estelle’s journey from lawyer to stylist taught her that confidence can start with what’s hanging in your closet.This episode is for anyone who wants to show up, stand out, and own the room, without saying a word.--25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms.Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently

I spent two days on the ground at Legal Tech Talk London, speaking to the people shaping the future of law, from AI innovators to legal ops leaders.And what I heard? Surprising. Honest. Game-changing.In this episode, I'm talking with:Richard Macklin, ex-Global Vice Chair for Dentons and now, world-class coach for leaders at the Alexander Partnership and on the training committee for the City of London Law Society.Lorraine Lee, fractional Chief Privacy Officer, General Counsel and Executive Coach.Mahwash Ali, Procurement expert for law firms.She helps law firms stop overpaying suppliers and start saving on supplier spend.Thomas Bueler-Faudree, founder of August, the first AI legal assistant that can research, draft and revise autonomously.Robert Hanna, host of The Legally Speaking Podcast.Dharshi Harindra, Fractional General Counsel, Executive Coach to Legal Leaders, and host of Unbiased Podcast.Jono Randell-Nash, ex-lawyer turned independent financial advisor specializing in the legal profession.Charlene Gisele, former BigLaw litigator turned high-performance coach for lawyers, law firms and executives.Caleb Harris, Founder, CEO at &AI • AI for Patent LitigationMerlin Beyts, Content Director at Legal Tech Talk London.---Aircounsel has been kind enough to sponsor this episode.And I’m excited to spread the word. It’s the most sophisticated contract drafting software I’ve used.To get your free 7-day trial, go to the description of this episode.Give it a go and let me know how it changes your workflow.TRY Aircounsel here:https://lawyers.aircounsel.com/morethanalawyerDisclaimer: This is an affiliate link that will track podcast sign-ups.

I spent two days on the ground at Legal Tech Talk London, speaking to the people shaping the future of law, from AI innovators to legal ops leaders.And what I heard? Surprising. Honest. Game-changing.Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the big insights, bold ideas, and behind-the-scenes realities that every legal professional needs to hear. In this episode, I'm talking with Merlin Beyts, Content Director at Legal Tech Talk London.---FREE access to my How to Become Law Firms' Go-To Legal Tech Solution here:Covered In This 28-Page Blueprint:Where legal tech companies go wrong: Why thought leadership is non-negotiableHow to build a LinkedIn presence that converts visibility into authorityThe ultimate LinkedIn strategy for law firm lead generationYour podcast strategy to become a recognised voice in legal techand much more…Gain free access to your ultimate blueprint, learn how to become an authority:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/becomealegaltechleader

The Legal Industry Is Changing Faster Than EverMost law firms think the “AI revolution” is coming someday.But it’s already here and it’s reshaping everything from hiring to billing models.The question now isn’t if lawyers will adapt.It’s how fast and who will get left behind.In this episode, I dive into the massive transformations happening in law right now from junior lawyers quitting in record numbers to legal departments being replaced by automation.You’ll hear how:AI is reshaping the roles of paralegals and junior lawyers, forcing firms to rethink training, culture, and career progression.Major players like Microsoft and Freshfields are restructuring their legal teams and what that signals for the entire industry.The first AI-driven law firm is already regulated and changing the economics of legal work.And why the future of law belongs to those who learn to combine tech fluency with human trust, creativity, and business acumen.I also share why I founded the Global AI Skills Summit for Lawyers a global community and free training initiative helping lawyers future-proof their careers.If you’re a lawyer wondering where your role fits in this new AI-powered world this episode will help you see what’s coming, what’s at stake, and how to stay ahead.---Pre register for the AI Skills Summit for Lawyers here:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/aiskillssummitpreregistration---I've wasted hours drafting contracts in my business.I knew there had to be a better way.And then I found this.Aircounsel.An AI contract drafter built by lawyers, for lawyers.Aircounsel has been kind enough to sponsor this episode.And I’m excited to spread the word. It’s the most sophisticated contract drafting software I’ve used.To get your free 7-day trial, go to the description of this episode.Give it a go and let me know how it changes your workflow.TRY Aircounsel here:https://lawyers.aircounsel.com/morethanalawyerDisclaimer: This is an affiliate link that will track podcast sign-ups.

I spent two days on the ground at Legal Tech Talk London, speaking to the people shaping the future of law, from AI innovators to legal ops leaders.And what I heard? Surprising. Honest. Game-changing.Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the big insights, bold ideas, and behind-the-scenes realities that every legal professional needs to hear.In this episode, I'm talking with Caleb Harris,Founder, CEO at &AI • AI for Patent Litigation---FREE access to my How to Become Law Firms' Go-To Legal Tech Solution here:Covered In This 28-Page Blueprint:Where legal tech companies go wrong: Why thought leadership is non-negotiableHow to build a LinkedIn presence that converts visibility into authorityThe ultimate LinkedIn strategy for law firm lead generationYour podcast strategy to become a recognised voice in legal techand much more…Gain free access to your ultimate blueprint, learn how to become an authority:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/becomealegaltechleader