The Legal Profession’s Changing Attitude Toward Coaching with Lara Wentworth

Sitting down with Lara Wentworth, former lawyer turned coach and founder of Coaching Advocates, was a timely reminder that many in the legal profession spend years occupying a chair that doesn’t quite fit. Lara’s journey from legal practice to coaching is a testament to the value of self-discovery and the courage to carve out a new path. Through Coaching Advocates, she has created a space where lawyers can seek clarity, direction and genuine growth, guided by coaches who have walked the same path and understand the unique challenges of the profession.

Our conversation explores the real difference between mentoring and coaching. While mentoring is often about offering advice, coaching is about facilitating self-reflection and unlocking potential. Lara emphasises the importance of accredited coaching, ensuring that lawyers receive support from those who not only understand the law but are also trained to guide meaningful change. We discussed the perfectionism that is so common among lawyers and how coaching can help address the deep-seated beliefs and behaviours that hold people back, fostering resilience and a healthier approach to both career and life.

What resonated most was the growing recognition that well-being and professional success go hand in hand. Lara’s work, including her podcast The Speed Coach, is helping to demystify coaching for lawyers and encourage the profession to embrace new ways of working and thinking. In a legal world where career paths are no longer linear, finding your own chair and having the right support to do so has never been more important. If you are feeling out of place in your current role, perhaps it is time to consider what coaching could unlock for you.

Links:

https://www.larawentworth.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-wentworth-265864b5/

https://coachingadvocates.com/legal-career-accelerator/

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