This month’s spotlight shines on Paula Price of Uplevel Lawyer Coaching.
How did you first get involved with CLEBC?
CLEBC has been a trusted “go-to” resource throughout my career, first as a lawyer and now as a coach. As a litigator, I relied on CLEBC publications and course papers for legal research and practice points. CLEBC’s in-person conferences helped me stay current and meet other lawyers in my practice areas. As a career coach for lawyers, I continue to benefit from CLEBC’s resources, notably those that support wellness and mental health among legal professionals. In recent years, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking and collaborating with CLEBC in my capacity as a coach.
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
I coached a group of lawyers and articling students from across the province in CLEBC’s Associate Mentoring Plus (AMP) program. The program is a collaboration between CLEBC and lawyer coach Allison Wolf that provides comprehensive practice support to early-year lawyers and articling students through training, mentorship, and group coaching. Lawyers learn healthy foundational skills – like time and practice management, boundary setting, communication, and career strategy – in community with other lawyers, while earning CPD credits!
What made you decide to become a lawyer?
I intended to build on my undergrad and become an international lawyer. Instead, I became a litigator at a large national firm. At this stage of my career, I appreciate how the law provides structure, order, predictability, fairness and safety at individual and collective levels. I also appreciate how lawyers play a critical role in helping people solve their legal problems and influencing the direction of the law.
And then what made you decide to become a coach?
I felt compelled to become the resource that I wish that I had during my career as a lawyer: an impartial confidante who helps lawyers clarify and achieve their professional and personal goals.
Tell me about the best part of your work.
The best part of my work is witnessing my clients reach their goals and solve problems that were holding them back. Examples include making partner, leaving a job that wasn’t working out, starting a law firm, having a difficult conversation or realizing that they can take time away from work and still be productive (and possibly more so). I’m also an efficiency enthusiast and feel a profound sense of joy when a client designs a better work schedule and gains more time and control over their life.
What advice would you pass on to a newly called lawyer?
Surround yourself with mentors, practitioners, and colleagues who support you. Follow your interests and take full ownership of your career growth. Leverage resources like the CLEBC to learn about the law and who’s who in your practice area, build relationships within the legal community, and give back. Don’t worry about having a linear career path: many successful lawyers zigzag their way to the top.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
Many things: my children; travel, when I can; coaching and all things personal and professional development; the brain and how it works in relation to executive function, neurodiversity and neuroplasticity; food culture, cooking and health; anything French; and walking anywhere, particularly in my neighbourhood (Kitsilano), in nature and in any new city or environment I visit.