I work with lawyers who are capable and committed, but who feel uncertain, stuck or under pressure at a particular point in their career.
Whether you’re considering promotion, partnership, a new role or how to regain confidence and develop influence in your current role, this page outlines how I work and the ways we can work together
Work with me
to gain clarity, direction and confidence in your legal career
Here you are
going to state the challenges and frustrations
Even the brightest lawyers hit challenges they don’t feel equipped for
Do any of these sound familiar?
You’re at a career crossroads, unsure what direction to take next or how to decide between very different options
You’ve got a specific challenge on the horizon – an interview, appraisal or promotion process – and you want to feel prepared, confident and ready to show your potential
Your confidence has taken a knock and imposter syndrome or low self-esteem are making you doubt yourself and feel like others are doing so much better than you
You’re deciding between opportunities, but you’re worried about making the wrong choice - unsure which one offers what matters to you or moves you closer to your long-term goals
Or maybe you’ve realised you’ve been drifting, reacting to whatever comes your way instead of steering your career with intention
My coaching is thinking-led and strategic. It’s designed to help you make sound decisions, articulate your value, and move forward deliberately, rather than reactively.
The work is collaborative. I’ll ask questions, challenge assumptions, and offer frameworks to help you see your situation more clearly.
Progress comes from engagement - reflecting on what we discuss and applying it in real situations - not from being told what to do.
This approach tends to suit lawyers who are looking for clarity and direction, rather than reassurance alone, and who want to take responsibility for their next steps.
I work with lawyers who need space to think clearly about what comes next and how to approach it with confidence and intent
How I work with clients
Working with me is a considered investment of time and attention, alongside a demanding role.
It’s not designed as a one-off conversation or a quick confidence boost, but as a structured way of thinking through important career decisions.
If you’re at a point where you want to engage thoughtfully and move forward with intent, you’re likely in the right place.
A note on readiness
Ways to work with me
Personalised coaching for lawyers at all stages of their career who want structure, direction and a well thought-out plan.
We work together to turn insight into action and help you move forward with confidence.
Ongoing support for lawyers ready to make progress
On-demand courses and resources designed to help you weigh up your options, plan your strategy and develop your confidence.
Designed for lawyers who
want clear guidance
without one-to-one support.
Practical tools you can work through in your own time
Choose the level of support that BEST fits where you are right now
A 90-minute one-to-one session designed to help you step back, get clarity and make informed decisions about your career.
Ideal if you’re feeling stuck, weighing up options or you want space to think before committing to your next step.
A focused starting point when you’re unsure what to do next
Career Strategy Planning
1-2-1 Coaching
Self-Study Resources
Career Strategy Consultation
For lawyers who need clarity before deciding what comes next
This is a focused, one-off session designed to help you step back and make sense of your situation.
We use the time to:
You’ll leave with a clearer view of your position and a grounded way forward - whether that’s taking action independently or deciding on further support.
- clarify what’s really driving your uncertainty
- explore realistic options and trade-offs
- identify the most sensible next step, given your goals and constraints
Personalised Coaching Programme
For lawyers ready to work through a defined period of change or progression
This is my flagship one-to-one coaching programme, typically delivered over three months. It’s designed for lawyers who want structured support while navigating promotion, partnership, transition, or a broader career reset.
Coaching commonly focuses on:
The programme includes one-to-one sessions, structured reflection, and support between sessions, so insights translate into action.
This option is best suited to lawyers who are ready to engage consistently and work deliberately towards meaningful progress.
- career strategy and positioning
- confidence, presence and professional judgment
- promotion, partnership or transition planning
- navigating complex internal dynamics
Self-Study Resources
For lawyers who prefer to work independently, in their own time
These resources are designed to help you work through specific career questions without one-to-one coaching.
They include practical tools, frameworks and guidance drawn directly from my coaching work, and are suited to lawyers who want structure without ongoing support.
"Working with Paula has changed my outlook on my career"
— Associate, 6 yrs’ PQE, US firm
I feel confident, optimistic, and finally in control of where I’m heading.
Hi, I’m Paula McMullan
Why trust me as your legal career coach
the Career Coach for Lawyers who want to stop second-guessing themselves and start moving forward with clarity and confidence. I’ve spent over 25 years in and around the legal profession –as a lawyer, recruiter and coach, helping lawyers at every stage of their career.
Here are just a few reasons why lawyers trust me to help them move forward in their careers
I’m trusted by top firms
Leading organizations like Linklaters and other global firms bring me in to coach their lawyers — and you get access to the same level of support.
I’ve coached lawyers at every level
From trainees to partners, legal counsel to GCs - across private practice, corporate and government legal teams – so I understand the different challenges in each setting.
I’ve been where you are
I trained and practised as a lawyer, so I know what it’s like to work under the same pressures you face and what it takes to thrive in them.
I know how decisions get made
I’ve sat in countless promotion, appraisal, and recruitment discussions, so I know what partners and hiring managers are really looking for (and how you can get noticed.)
I combine legal career experience
with practical tools
My approach blends insights from psychology, business and leadership, so you get strategies that actually work in your world .
I don’t give generic career advice
Everything we do is tailored to your context, your goals and the realities of your working life.
HERE'S WHY I CAN HELP with that
I'm here to help confused lawyers who want to
fast-track their career success
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And that's how I learned that what I do is actually totally unique and special.
"I needed to step up as a leader"
— Senior in-house lawyer, FMCG
Coaching was a big factor in me becoming Chief Legal Officer - and winning an industry award.
"I didn’t know how to build my case for partnership"
— Senior Associate promoted to Partner
Paula gave me the strategy and confidence to demonstrate my value.
