If you’re feeling stuck, overlooked and tired of watching others get ahead, I help lawyers like you get clear on where you want to go, what’s been getting in the way and how to move forward with a clear, practical plan for your next move - whether that’s a new role, a promotion, or finally feeling confident in the role you’re in.
When you want to move forward, but you don’t know where to start
Career coaching for lawyers at a crossroads
You’ve worked incredibly hard to qualify as a lawyer and build your technical expertise
You’ve already come so far
Here you are
going to state the challenges and frustrations
01
You’re at a crossroads, but you don’t know what your options are, or how to decide which one is right for you.
02
You’re unsure how to talk about the value you bring to the table and that’s making it harder to take your next step with confidence.
03
You keep comparing yourself to other lawyers who seem to have a plan and wonder if you somehow missed a trick.
04
You have no clear idea of how you’re perceived by your partners/senior managers and hate the idea of self-promotion - yet you know your reluctance isn’t helping you get ahead.
You want a legal career you enjoy, but you have no idea what your next best step should be
The problem?
05
You feel resentful because you don’t feel valued or respected for your hard work and dedication.
06
You’ve fallen through the cracks - no sponsor, no mentor, expected to figure it out on your own.
07
You’re either not getting feedback, or it’s so vague you don’t understand it.
08
You worry you’ve been sleepwalking through your career and you’re not sure how you ended up here, or what comes next.
SOUND FAMILIAR?
You’re not broken or behind
You’re just working in a profession that rewards visibility, clarity and confidence - but which hasn’t taught you how to build any of them.
What if you had a clear roadmap for
moving forward?
Influence conversations with seniors and clients so you're developing your network, reputation and brand
Get meaningful feedback from senior lawyers, so you can grow and contribute value to the business.
Finally let go of feeling like other lawyers are doing better than you and start showing up like you belong
Trust your own judgment again - and stop talking yourself out of opportunities
Take the next step in your legal career - whether that’s a promotion, a new role that lights you up, or making an impact that counts.
One that respected both your ambition (and the legal career you want) and your well-being (and the life you want outside work)?
Chances are you’ve wished more than once that
someone would just show you how to:
You don’t need to keep second-guessing yourself or drifting without direction.
With the right support, you can start taking practical steps towards the future you want.
And that’s where I come in.
Move forward with a plan that supports your ambition and protects your well-being
I know that feeling. I've spent more than two decades in the legal profession, both as a lawyer
and working alongside senior legal leaders so
I understand the pressure you're under.
I’ve seen too many clever, capable lawyers get stuck at a career crossroads, unsure what to do next, questioning themselves more than they should, feeling their confidence drain away.
I know how demoralising it can feel trying to figure it out when everyone else seems to have it sorted.
When you're overwhelmed or stretched thin, it's difficult to step back and think clearly
- let alone make career decisions that feel right
The struggle ends here
Most lawyers haven’t been taught how to figure out the unwritten rules of the game either - they’ve just got better at masking their uncertainty. So there’s nothing wrong with you - it’s just that you’ve been expected to figure out something no one ever properly explained.
I’ve helped hundreds of lawyers make confident, strategic choices about their future, with a clear plan that fits their goals, values and reality of their working life. I’d love to help you do the same, with a plan that’s tailored to you.
But you’re not alone
Hi, I’m Paula McMullan
The Career Coach for Lawyers who are ready to stop overthinking and start moving forward in their career with clarity
My mission is to fill the critical gap between what lawyers need and what they actually receive - and it drives everything I do.
As a lawyer myself, I understand how difficult it is to steer your career through the high-performance, high-blame culture in many legal teams. Having no mentoring or sponsorship myself when I was in practice (while other lawyers clearly did and therefore got ahead), I decided lawyers deserved the kind of support and trusted sounding board that helps them take back control over their careers.
You don’t need generic career advice. You need someone who understands how legal careers really work - the politics, the pressure and the unspoken expectations - and who can help you navigate them with a plan that’s right for you.
My experience
Over the last 25 years, I’ve worked alongside senior lawyers and partners at global law firms, such as Slaughter and May, Allen & Overy, Norton Rose and Shearman & Sterling.
I’ve sat in interviews and performance reviews, helped senior leaders build and manage their teams and coached private practice lawyers and in-house legal counsel through the dynamics that shape progression in legal careers - most of which no one ever explains.
I have now taken everything I’ve learned from two decades inside law firms and years of coaching lawyers through every kind of career challenge...
Through my insights into the inner workings and mindset of the legal profession, I help confused lawyers work out what they really want, identify what’s been holding them back and build careers that feel more sustainable, rewarding and within their control
There’s nothing better than seeing a smart, capable lawyer go from doubting every decision to knowing exactly what they bring to the table and where they want to take their career next.
Seeing that shift - when a lawyer stops questioning their value and starts believing in themselves - is what makes my work so fulfilling.
If that sounds like what you need, let’s talk. Book a complimentary call with me and we’ll talk through whether this support is the right fit for you - and how we can get you moving again.
Secure competitive promotions - including partner roles at top firms
Transition into in-house roles, change sectors entirely, or land their ideal next position (faster than they thought possible)
Start new roles with clarity and confidence, knowing exactly how they want to show up and make an impact
Rebuild their confidence and direction after redundancy
Develop a persuasive business case and feel ready to advocate for their advancement
What happens when
clarity, confidence & strategy
come together
I’ve helped lawyers just like you to:
Identified what’s really important to them (not just guessed!)
Created a motivating vision for the kind of life they want, both inside and outside work
Learnt how to showcase their value, without feeling awkward or like they’re overselling themselves
Built reputations that open doors and attract new opportunities
Make confident decisions, backed by a strategy that fits them
But the transformation isn’t just about the new role or title
Along the way, they have:
Taken back control of their careers again - instead of waiting for things to change
Create the career and life that brings them the clarity, fulfilment and balance they have been missing
“I now feel confident and optimistic about the future. It was a brilliant investment in myself.”
— senior private practice lawyer
Before working with Paula, I felt stuck and unsure of what I really wanted from my career. I was focused on what was holding me back rather than how to move forward.
Within weeks of starting my coaching programme, I felt more focused and motivated - both in my current role and my job search. I got clear on my values, created my ideal job spec and learned how to demonstrate my value to employers.
The 1-2-1 sessions were full of practical, personalised advice and the online modules helped me build a clear plan for the career - and life - I actually want. I now feel confident and optimistic about the future. It was a brilliant investment in myself.
Support that goes beyond well-meaning, but vague encouragement, so you can actually make a positive impact and be valued for your contribution
New habits and ways of thinking that support long-term growth,
not just short-term fixes
A coach who understands the realities of legal careers and offers grounded, thoughtful support - not one-size-fits-all advice
If you’re a lawyer who is looking for:
Someone who can help you get out of your own head and take practical steps towards the role or promotion you know you deserve
A way to build strong foundations for a career that fits you, not just your CV or your firm’s idea of success
A clear, motivating vision for where you’re heading - and a personalised roadmap for how to get there without burning out
Then you’re in exactly the right place
Over the past 25 years of helping lawyers take control of their careers, I’ve seen what really makes a difference. My approach is structured but personal, tailored to your specific situation, goals and working style.
Your Personalised Coaching Programme Roadmap
We start by getting clear on your version of success - not anyone else’s. You’ll identify your values, uncover your personality preferences and create your ideal job spec.
We’ll also tackle any confidence issues or imposter syndrome that are getting in the way.
The goal? A career vision that feels motivating, realistic and true to you.
Next, we shape how you present yourself to the world - on paper, online and in conversations.
We’ll optimise your CV, craft your elevator pitch and make sure your LinkedIn presence tells the right story and communicates your strengths - so people can see the value you bring before you even walk into the room.
We’ll work through 3 key phases together
What success looks like for you
How you present your value
PHASE 1: Define
PHASE 2: Position
With clarity and positioning in place, we’ll map out a practical, step-by-step strategy to help you get what you want - whether that’s a new job, a promotion, or greater impact in your current role. And you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll have support, accountability and course-correcting every step of the way.
Your personalised career strategy
phase 3: Activate
Personalised learning notes after each call to support your reflection and progress
In-depth reviews of your career material including your CV, LinkedIn, lift pitch, business case or promotion presentation
A tailored onboarding survey to help us hit the ground running
Five 60-minute 1-to-1 coaching sessions, focused on solving what’s holding you back and building a clear plan forward
Insights into how to lean into your personality preferences, so you can work with your strengths instead of against them
WhatsApp support between sessions for quick questions, accountability, or an encouraging nudge whenever you need it
Lifetime access to my online learning platform, with video lessons and practical exercises to keep you progressing between coaching sessions
Continued support after the programme through membership of my client alumni network
What’s included in your personalised coaching programme
Our work together isn’t just a handful of coaching sessions. It’s a structured, personalised programme to help you take control of your legal career, with all the support you need along the way.
Clients often tell me the impact goes far beyond what they expected. Because once you’ve got clarity, positioning and a plan, you don’t just feel better - you perform better. You stop wasting energy on second-guessing and start making real progress towards the career and life you really want.
If that sounds like the kind of support you’ve been looking for, book a complimentary consultation call. We’ll talk through your situation and figure out whether this is the right fit for you - no pressure, just a conversation.
YOUR INVESTMENT
Your personalised coaching package starts at £2,000
CLIENT Case study
Case study
The Challenge
When the client started coaching, they were unhappy in their current role and felt blocked by market uncertainty. They were burned out, stuck and doubting their timing. Their job was draining, but they didn’t want to jump into something equally misaligned.
They were fed up with recruiters telling them a sector move was unrealistic. What they needed was a coach who understands the legal mindset - someone who could help them rebuild their confidence and make a considered move on their terms.
Case study
What We Did
Together, we:
- Clarified their thinking and defined their core values and priorities to guide their next move
- Broke their job search into manageable, actionable steps
- Equipped them with LinkedIn strategies and practical job-seeking tools
- Scoped out how to ensure the new role matched their career priorities
Case study
The Result
Case study
In Their Words
A senior in-house Head of Legal, ready to leave an overwhelming role and move into a new sector, but unsure how to confidently navigate a career change as a seasoned lawyer.
The Client
The Challenge
When the client started coaching, they were unhappy in their current role and felt blocked by market uncertainty. They were burned out, stuck and doubting their timing. Their job was draining, but they didn’t want to jump into something equally misaligned.
They were fed up with recruiters telling them a sector move was unrealistic. What they needed was a coach who understands the legal mindset - someone who could help them rebuild their confidence and make a considered move on their terms.
Clarified their thinking and defined their core values and priorities to guide their next move
Through my 1‑1 coaching, we clarified what mattered most to them and reshaped their job search strategy.
Together, we:
What We Did
Broke their job search into manageable, actionable steps
Equipped them with LinkedIn strategies and practical job-seeking tools
Scoped out how to ensure the new role matched their career priorities
The Result
By the end of their coaching programme, they had resigned after securing a new role in a completely different sector, far more quickly than expected.
They were also able to begin their next position with confidence, clarity and a sense of control they hadn’t felt in years.
“From the first session, I realised that Paula not only understands the way lawyers think"
She helped me get into the right mindset to move, breaking seemingly impossible tasks into manageable chunks… Ultimately, it was Paula’s advice that enabled me to find a job in a new sector in a far shorter timeframe than I’d have managed on my own.
I cannot recommend Paula highly enough.
In Their Own Words
“This course made my business dreams come true! I made six figures, and I couldn't have done it without Kate!”
- SARAH
Kind words
Ready to start the conversation?
Book a complimentary call and we’ll talk through where you are now, what you’d like to change and whether my coaching and career strategy framework are the right fit.
There’s no pressure and no preparation required - just a straightforward conversation to explore whether I’m the right person to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.
“It was a brilliant investment in myself - I honestly wish I had discovered it earlier.”
— 6 years’ PQE financial regulation associate, US law firm
“Before working with Paula, I felt stuck and unsure of what I really wanted from my career. I was focused on what was holding me back rather than how to move forward.
Within weeks of starting the programme, I felt more focused and motivated - both in my current role and my job search. I got clear on my values, created my ideal job spec and learned how to demonstrate my value to employers.
The one-to-one sessions were full of practical, personalised advice and the online modules helped me build a clear plan for the career and life - I actually want.
I now feel confident and optimistic about the future. It was a brilliant investment in myself. I honestly wish I had discovered it earlier.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Still not sure if this is the right move for you? Here are some of the most common questions lawyers ask before they decide to work with me.
I’m not even sure what I want next. Is it too soon for coaching?
Not at all. Many of my clients come to me with a sense that something needs to change, but no clear picture of what that is yet. Coaching helps you create clarity, identify your priorities and build a plan that aligns with what you actually want from your career and life. You don’t need to have the answers before you start. We’ll work through that together.
I’ve already tried online resources, books and advice from friends and family. How is this different?
This isn’t one-size-fits-all advice. Your coaching programme is personalised, structured and grounded in 25 years of experience working with and for lawyers (not just opinions). We focus on your unique context, values and goals-so the support you receive is directly relevant, not generic. We also build a practical roadmap together, so you’re not left trying to figure it out on your own.
I’m not sure I can justify the investment if I’m uncertain about the outcome.
That’s a fair concern-and it’s exactly why the programme is tailored specifically to your unique career goals and challenges, ensuring it addresses your individual needs and wants. This isn’t a generic course or short-term boost. It’s a repeatable strategy and support system that you can rely on whenever you hit a career crossroads.
I also provide continuous support and follow-up to ensure you stay on track and achieve your desired outcomes. You don’t have to commit to a new job or promotion immediately. Many clients find that the greatest return is regaining control, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose that informs every decision going forward.
Think of coaching as an investment in your future success and well-being. This isn’t just about uplevelling your career now - it’s about equipping you for whatever comes next.
But you don’t have to take my word for it! Click here to hear from other lawyers like you who have achieved significant career growth through working with me.
I’m already working long days. How much time and effort will I have to put into getting value out of the programme?
My coaching program is designed to fit into your busy schedule. You schedule your coaching sessions to suit your timetable. I know that work can get in the way at very short notice so you can reschedule your coaching sessions on 24-hours’ notice.
If you can spare a couple of hours a week to make the most of our coaching time together, you will save hours in the future by learning how to focus your efforts on what is going to be most effective in advancing your career.
What if I don't have time for coaching right now?
If you're already overwhelmed, you're likely to be operating without the clarity or strategy that would make things more manageable. This programme isn’t another thing on your to-do list - It is a way to make better decisions about where your time and energy go. That’s often the first step out of survival mode.
The programme is designed with your schedule in mind - sessions are spaced out to give you breathing room and we focus on what’s going to make the biggest difference. I know from personal experience that client work can get in the way at the last minute so I always do my best to be flexible in those panic moments of just needing to get the work done.
I’m worried I’ll go through this and still feel stuck.
That hesitation is common-and often it comes from having gone round in circles alone for too long. This programme provides a structured space to think clearly, test new ideas and move forward with guidance. If you're willing to reflect, be honest and try new approaches, you won’t stay stuck. You’ll gain insight, direction and tools you can use for years to come.
I know what I “should” be doing… So why do I need coaching?
Knowing isn’t always the same as doing-especially when confidence is low or the stakes feel high. Coaching helps you close the gap between insight and action. We’ll work through the blockers-whether that’s imposter syndrome, decision fatigue, or just not knowing where to begin-and build the confidence and momentum to move forward.
How does the coaching programme work?
The programme includes five 1-to-1sessions, typically spaced over three months. Between sessions, you’ll have access to a private learning portal with video lessons and exercises tailored to your goals - plus WhatsApp support for questions, feedback, or accountability check-ins.
What kinds of topics can we cover?
- Defining your career direction
- Preparing for interviews or appraisals
- Developing your personal brand and presence
- Improving confidence and managing overthinking
- Positioning for partnership or senior leadership
If you're not sure what to focus on, that’s something we’ll clarify early in the process.
What happens if I need to reschedule or something urgent comes up?
Can I spread out the investment?
If the investment is the only thing standing in your way, I’m happy to have a conversation. I want this to feel like a confident investment, not a stretch that adds more stress to your plate.
What kind of results can I expect?
Ready to move forward with clarity, direction and a plan that fits you?
Booking a consultation call isn’t a commitment - it’s a conversation - a space to talk through where you are now, what you'd like to change and whether this support could help.
If it feels like the right fit, great.
If not, you'll walk away with greater clarity about what you need.
Imagine making confident career decisions, with a clear strategy and renewed energy for what comes next
This is your invitation to take the first step
I only work with a small number of lawyers at a time so if this is something you're considering, I’d encourage you to get in touch soon.