Tools for Difficult Conversations in the Legal Workplace

2023 Professional Development Workshop Series
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

2023 Professional Development Workshop Series: Upcoming Programs
Tools for Difficult Conversations in the Legal Workplace: Register
Becoming an Ally to All: Belonging in the Legal Profession: Register
Foundations for Flourishing: Leveraging the Science of Positive Psychology to Find Greater Success and Satisfaction in Your Law Practice: Register

Format: WEBINAR

Description:

Attorneys often avoid difficult conversations in negotiations, and at work with our colleagues, clients, direct reports, and professional staff. Effective communication skills help us deal with conflict which ultimately leads to better outcomes both across the table in negotiation, but also in your own office. The stress and discomfort of difficult conversions can also impact attorney well being. This workshop will walk us through which conversations are particularly difficult for lawyers in the workplace and why. Afterward, participants will engage a framework tailored for lawyers that supports them in approaching high-stakes conversations without defensiveness. We'll also explore power imbalances in the workplace, and get a sense of how dynamics can impact our most critical conversations. Participants ultimately practice various tools and frameworks to help strategize how to navigate difficult conversations in the legal workplace. In this training, they will understand:

• Which conversations are the most difficult, and the impact of avoiding for lawyers 
• A framework for approaching difficult conversations to help plan and approach intentionally 
• How different communication styles may inform your approach
• Using active listening to support the dialogue, including overcoming barriers (e.g., defensiveness)
• Understand the errors we make before a difficult conversation
• Express issues with an assertive style for maximum impact
• Understand the role of difficult conversations in building relationships throughout your practice 

You will also have an opportunity to practice engaging in a difficult conversation in breakout rooms and gain insights from colleagues in attendance to help step into productive, effective, and courageous conversations as a lawyer.

Rudhir Krishtelis an attorney and the founder and CEO of Krishtel LLC. Prior to becoming an executive coach and facilitator, Rudhir practiced law for 15 years as a Federal Clerk, Patent Litigation Partner at Fish & Richardson, and then as Senior Patent Counsel at Apple. Upon leaving his practice, he trained as a teacher for yoga and mindfulness meditation. He also tried as an executive coach and leadership instructor, and in DEI principles, to serve as a support for the legal community. Rudhir coaches lawyers and hosts seminars on career strategy, helping lawyers advance in their careers with clarity and fulfillment. He specializes in creating the space for having difficult conversations and growth at the intersection of Leadership, Well-Being and DEI issues. Through work with groups of individuals, Rudhir leads his team to help transform the legal workplace. 

Program Fee: