By Jeffrey Leon | August 22, 2025
Editor’s Note: The author, Jeffrey Leon, is an active arbitrator and mediator at Arbitration Place in Toronto, capping a 45-year career as a trial lawyer and strategic advisor who recently retired from Bennett Jones LLP, where he formerly led the litigation group. He is a past president of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and The Advocates’ Society, and a past chair of Pro Bono Ontario. Jeff currently serves as the founding vice-chair of the Canadian Jewish Law Association. He’s been honoured with the Law Society Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Catzman Award for Civility and Professionalism, the OBA Award of Excellence in Civil Litigation, and the Benchmark (Canada) Hall of Fame Award.
We, the lawyers, are not playing a zero-sum game. You may choose to walk away from the law. Or you may decide, as I did after retiring from counsel practice, to keep a hand in – to keep active, keep learning, and perhaps most importantly, to maintain the friendships and the collegiality.
Here, in no particular order, are my 10 recommendations for going the distance in the practice of law:
1. You need to work hard to excel as litigation counsel. But just as essential is achieving a balance, so learn to play hard as well. The best advocates are not one-dimensional. Developing other interests and pursuits will help you run both the “marathon” and the “sprint”;
2. You will get better “with a little help from your friends”. Younger advocates must seek out mentors who will not only teach and allow them to observe, but will also provide opportunities to learn by doing and share the constructive feedback we all need to improve. And, for those who benefitted from the mentoring they received, the quid pro quo is that, as senior advocates, they need to give back and share with the coming generations. One of the key factors in going the distance is the satisfaction of seeing younger colleagues develop their skills and succeed. So, “Teach your children well!”;
3. You need to know and be yourself. It is okay to be different. You can learn from others. You can emulate others. But in the end, for a sustainable career, you need to develop your own approach and style, and be comfortable in your own skin. Table thumping and extreme adjectives may not be your thing: It wasn’t for me. So how can you be most effective? For me, it was being honest, straightforward, and direct. Show anger when appropriate, but being angry for the sake of being angry only distracts from the task at hand. Also, where appropriate, humour can go a long way. Be confident and aware, remembering that it’s OK to be nervous and concerned at times – it’s a sign that you care;
4. Find the time and energy to give back to the profession and the public. That is a strong way to establish yourself, develop a profile and further your career. It can also be a great source of satisfaction. Contribute to continuing legal education programs, write articles and post on social media. That will demonstrate your expertise. Don’t just join legal organizations: become involved and seek out leadership opportunities. Do pro bono work, which can provide excellent experience for younger lawyers, including opportunities to get into court. Then there’s the joy that comes with helping those who need assistance in accessing justice. For senior counsel, pro bono involvement can bring you back to real people with real problems, for whom you may be the game changer;
5. Don’t be so focused on hard work that you fail to realize that serendipity and luck can be huge influences on your career. Be alive to opportunities that present themselves and take advantage of them. Sometimes it pays to step out of your comfort zone. If a door opens, walk (perhaps with due caution) through it. Opportunities are less likely to present themselves if you don’t get past your office door;
6. Recognize the difference between “conflict” and a “fight”. Civility is key. Civility does not equate with “being nice”. Civility is not ethics or professionalism. Civility is how you treat others. Civility is courtesy, dignity, decency and kindness. We all want to win, whether through a knockout or by decision, and civility can help you do that. Civility is not only the hallmark of an excellent advocate: It makes life and practice more enjoyable for you and those around you by personalizing interaction and de-personalizing conflict. Be civil not only in court and the boardroom, but also in the broader community: not only to other lawyers but to witnesses, judges, court reporters and staff. Remember, civility is a sign of strength, not weakness;
7. Remember that the practice of law, your occupation and calling, should bring you satisfaction and even be enjoyable. Seek out variety. Keep your perspective. Set realistic goals, but don’t underestimate yourself. Recognize that you may not be able to do it all on your own. Accept the help, support, and encouragement of others – colleagues, spouses, children, friends, and parents – and do so with grace;
8. Your career progression is not likely to be a straight line. Life throws curveballs. Fortunately, the legal profession has come a long way in recognizing this. Things can happen that – internally and externally – can engender the immediate reaction that your career is over. Seek the help you need to overcome these challenges. Almost all of us have been there. And don’t just accept help: give it generously as well;
9. Remind yourself repeatedly about what is important and brings meaning and joy to your life. Make time for family, friends, pets, and others, so you do not lose them. Balance is key, but it too takes work. You can battle in court and be a champion at home;
10. You will know when it’s time to accept that you have gone the distance. At some point, the thrill is gone. Embrace the fact that there is life after trial practice. It is possible to shift gears.
Remember, we can all go the distance.
RELATED ARTICLES:
An Action Plan for Becoming Less Miserable