About Joanne Schaefer | J Schaefer Coaching

BIO

I help professionals and firms spot the warning signs of toxic stress and dysfunctional behavior and arm them with skills and tools to build profitable, sustainable and fulfilling careers. I am a Professional Coach, Accredited Mediator and have a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. As a former partner, practicing attorney and Director of Professional Development, I bring over 25 years of experience to the table.

Full Profile on Linkedin

WORKSHOPS

Stress Resilience Toolkit
Change your Mindset – Increase your Engagement & Productivity
Working with Difficult People – Including Yourself
How to Thrive, Even When Life Sucks
What to Do When your Best Stress Management Strategies aren’t Working
Leader, Mentor & Management Training
Mental Health Toolkit
Coaching Millennials
Personality & Communication Styles
Stress Resilience Boosters (“on the spot” stress busters)
Spotting Toxic Stress & Avoiding Burnout

COACHING AREAS

Finding & Using Personal Strengths and Character Traits
Finding Meaning at Work
Setting Goals and Building Core Competencies
Managing Stress
Spotting Burnout & Dysfunctional Behaviour
Transitions
Loving your Job
Managing Uncertainty
Career Planning
Job Search
Networking & Business Development

COACHING STUDENTS & LAWYERS IN TRANSITION

Having reviewed countless applications and conducted thousands of interviews, Joanne helps clients draft excellent application packages and master interview skills. More details under Student Tab. Students

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