Think Like a Client: Lessons from 40 Years in Law (March 2023)

Laurie Pascoe practiced law in Ottawa, Ontario for more than forty years while writing over fifty articles, teaching continuing legal education, and serving thousands of clients. In this episode, Laurie explains why lawyers must evolve, how client service impacts malpractice claims, and why thinking like a client can make your legal practice more effective and more enjoyable.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Writing has been Laurie’s creative and intellectual outlet. He has written articles for lawyers and articles for clients, using writing as a way to educate, clarify legal issues, and reduce client overwhelm. Long before law firm websites were common, he built one of the first in Ottawa and filled it with free educational content. He also became one of the earliest lawyers in the region to advertise legally after restrictions were lifted.

“I had so many articles that when the internet came along, I had a million things to throw on my website right away,” shares Laurie Pascoe in Episode 79 of You Are a Lawyer.

His most significant project became his book, Innovative Legal Service Applications: A Guide to Improved Client Services, published by the ABA. For Laurie, these writing projects were not hobbies. They were a way to teach lawyers, improve client outcomes, and share practical tools to help the profession evolve. His side work helped shape how many lawyers think about systems, client service, and ethics.

This episode is produced by Skip the Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.