J Schaefer Coaching

CONSULTING & COACHING

Strategic. Pragmatic. Lawyer. Coach. Partner. Chief Talent Officer.

I help professionals and organizations spot the warning signs of toxic stress and destructive behaviour and arm them with skills to manage stress productively, now and going forward. I give people practical tools so they can thrive – even when it gets tough. As a former practicing lawyer, I “get it” because I’ve been in your shoes.

About Joanne Schaefer

WHAT JSCHAEFER COACHING DOES

I help professionals:

thrive under stress
identify the costs (personal & professional) of mismanaged stress
understand how mismanaged stress impairs problem-solving, strategic thinking and productivity
spot the warning signs of burnout & dysfunctional behaviour
build stress resilience (the ability to thrive even when it “sucks”)
get back to loving their job (even when it’s stressful)

Professional Coaching

I help professionals thrive under stress and provide coaching around:

stress management
building resilience
burnout prevention
leadership
career management
transitions
wellbeing
mentoring
performance

lawyer coaching services

Firms & Organizations

The best way to avoid burnout is by investing in training that teaches professionals how to spot the warning signs of toxic stress and providing practical tools to manage stress in the moment and going forward.

“Joanne brings a practical and no-nonsense approach to her coaching. She gets our pressures and her advice is supportive and action-focused. From her practical tips for dealing with the psychology of stress, to her insight on setting a thoughtful career path, all of her work is aimed at maximizing one’s potential.”

“Joanne’s programs are an invaluable resource. Her insight, experience and practical advice helps keep things in perspective. The combination of Joanne’s industry experience, empathy and condor make her a fantastic resource.”

Firms Consulting services

Students & Job Search

I was a professional recruiter for 15 years and have reviewed countless application packages and conducted thousands of interviews. Bringing a “behind the scenes” perspective, I understand what firms and organizations are looking for and fully prepare my candidates to get the job they want. Students.

student coaching services

Joanne developed an associate review and professional development plan for our lawyers that continues to be an effective tool for us to grow and retain our talent. She took into account the culture of our firm, the skills and characteristics of our most successful lawyers, and the most efficient way for reviewers to evaluate these critical metrics in our developing lawyers.

As a one-on-one coach, Joanne's guidance is quiet and direct. She uses a personal, practical, incisive, no-nonsense and very humane approach. She establishes immediate trust, which allows her to make a real impact--delivering the straight goods with real solutions in the context of natural, friendly conversation.
Dominique Hussey, Partner and Head
IP Litigation Practice Group, Bennett Jones LLP
I have known and worked with Joanne since I was a student. I am now a happy mid-level associate, working at a great firm, doing what I am good at and, have maintained my life outside of law. Joanne’s guidance in my early years played a big role in getting me to where I am today. She understands lawyers and law firms, tells it like it is and, has the expertise to coach you to reach your goals.
Stephen Libin
Associate
I am a Senior Partner and Practice Leader at Bennett Jones LLP. I have worked with Joanne for over 6 years. I have participated in continuing legal education programs designed and run by her and, have been personally coached on effective presentation skills. With her background as a former practicing lawyer, Joanne knows how to assess the unique needs of a targeted-for-education lawyer group, and is able to build a curriculum that not only develops the skills of internal lawyers, but also attracts lawyers who are current or target clients, and advances business development objectives. She brings a knowledgeable, creative and strategic approach to the table.
Barry Reiter, Partner, Head of Technology
Media and Entertainment, Bennett Jones LLP
I would highly recommend JSchaefer Coaching. Joanne Schaefer delivered one of the most informative Interview Skills Workshops we have ever hosted at Western Law. Students appreciated her keen insight into law student hiring gained from years working as a recruiter at a top Bay Street law firm. Her coaching background was evident in the concrete examples she had students work through during the session. Students who attended the workshop definitely left much more prepared to market themselves to prospective employers and ace their upcoming interviews!
Robyn Marttila, Director
Career and Professional Development Office, Western University Law School
As a Canadian from Bond University, I wanted to make sure I was a competitive candidate for articling interviews. Joanne helped me get a job at the firm on the top of my list. She worked with me to identify and message my strengths, conducted mock interviews and provided me with tips to manage cocktail parties, dinners and callbacks. She is approachable, committed and dedicated and, having been on the other side for so many years, helps students in a way no one else can.
Lindsay Firestone
Articling Student