Bridging the Gap: The Realities of Practicing Law and Legal Education

03/18/25 • 88 min

In this special episode of Anything but Law, host Mark McAuley takes a rare deep dive into the realities of practicing law—exploring what law school doesn’t teach you but should. Joined by Lerners colleague Mitch Brown and Acting Dean Andrew Botterell from Western Law, the conversation unpacks the "hidden curriculum" of law school, the practical skills gap many young lawyers face, and how legal education prepares—or fails to prepare—graduates for the real-world demands of private practice.
Drawing on their own experiences, Mark and Mitch discuss their transition from Toronto to London, Ontario, and the differences in legal markets, firm structures, and mentorship opportunities. Acting Dean Botterell provides insights into the evolution of legal education and the growing role of technology, while Mitch and Mark reflect on the importance of practical training, mentorship, and the skills young lawyers need to succeed.
The episode also takes a candid look at mental health and burnout in the legal profession, why so many junior lawyers leave private practice within five years, and what can be done to improve retention, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. With engaging anecdotes, real-world insights, and a focus on solutions, this discussion is essential listening for law students, new lawyers, and anyone curious about the challenges of legal practice.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the legal industry, the expectations of law firms, and how to navigate the transition from student to practicing lawyer with confidence.

Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio (Season 2) Graphic Design: The Branding Firm Inc. (Season 3), Jen Luchka and Dawn Yan Theme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuley

Previous Episode

Innovation and Community in the Music Industry at the City of Music Expo

In this dynamic episode of Anything But Law, host Mark McAuley moderates a live panel featuring three prominent figures in the Canadian music industry. Join us as we dive into a captivating discussion with Juno Award-Winning Music Producer Dan Brodbeck, strategic Industry Leader Margaret McGuffin of Music Publishers Canada, and versatile Artist and Festival Director Melanie Brulé. Together, they explore how their unique paths and early musical influences continue to shape their contributions to the music world today.

From the role of education in shaping the next generation of music professionals to the importance of community and collaboration, this episode sheds light on the evolving landscape of the music industry. Our panelists share personal stories, the pivotal moments in their careers, and how diverse roles—from advocacy to production—contribute to a thriving music ecosystem.

Whether you're an aspiring musician, an industry professional, or simply a lover of music, this conversation provides inspiring insights into how passion and innovation are fueling the future of the Canadian music scene. Recorded at Charterhouse Studios, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on networking, career-building, and the significant impact of community engagement in the arts.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode as we bridge the gap between law and music, celebrating the creativity and collaboration that drive the industry forward.

Anything But Law - Bridging the Gap: The Realities of Practicing Law and Legal Education

Transcript

Mark McAuley00:00:01.300

Welcome to another episode of Anything but Law , where we usually talk about anything but law . It's literally in the title , but today is different . We are actually going to talk about law , more specifically , the practice of law . Don't don't you dare change the channel or switch episodes . I'm looking at you , mike .

Mark McAuley00:00:25.126

This is ve