Is ChatGPT the new Google? As more people search with AI or use Google’s AI summary, click rates for top-ranking pages are plummeting (Stay tuned! We’ll be doing another article on this and what you can do about it shortly). Try it. Ask ChatGPT or your favourite AI: “What are the top 10 [YOUR NICHE] law firms in [YOUR JURISDICTION]” and see what comes up. 

That’s exactly what I did last week for Gimbal. I asked ChatGPT for the top 10 lawyer coaches in Canada. We didn’t make the list, despite being one of only a few organizations offering business coaching to lawyers. The root of the problem: semantics? 

ChatGPT defined “lawyer coach” as a lawyer who helps people prepare for litigation or coaches them through a dispute, without actually providing legal services. 

We define lawyer coach as someone who guides lawyers toward stronger, more profitable, and more productive law practices. Not the same thing at all. 

It got me thinking. What IS a lawyer coach and how do you know what kind of coaching is right for you? Hang on to your hat; this is going to be a longer post than usual…but it’ll be worth it! 

As we said in our last blog post Coaching you into your Power Zone, running a law firm is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—professional journeys you can take. Many lawyers start their own practice to gain control over their time and income, but soon find themselves buried under casework, admin, staff management, and endless to-do lists…all that stuff we call “the grind.” 

The right coach can help you step out of the chaos, streamline your firm, and build a practice that serves your life — not the other way around. But not all coaching is created equal. 

When you search for lawyer coaching programs, you’ll find all those programs helping non-lawyers navigate the justice system, along with a confusing mix of generic business coaches, masterminds, group programs, and one-to-one coaching for lawyers. 

So, how do you choose the right type of coaching for your firm’s stage and goals? 

Let’s look at each type of coaching and who it’s best suited for. 

1.     Generic Business Coaching 

What it is:

General business coaches help entrepreneurs improve profitability, leadership, and strategy. They may work with any kind of business, from fitness studios to tech startups. 

Pros & Cons:

There are certainly some benefits to stepping outside the legal industry and getting a completely different perspective. Business coaches can help you think like an entrepreneur—even a CEO—not just a lawyer. If you’re looking for entrepreneurship and leadership skills, this may be exactly what you need. 

On the other hand, generic business coaches won’t understand the nuances of our profession, things like billable hours, client expectations, ethics rules, or the realities of law firm staffing. You may spend a lot of time explaining your world instead of focusing on strategy. A coach who understands these nuances will save you months of trial and error—and thousands of dollars. 

Best For:

Lawyers who want very high-level business strategies and already have effective and sustainable systems in place for law firm operations. 

2. Masterminds and Peer Groups 

What they are:
Small, curated groups of business owners, usually a mix of industries, who meet regularly to share strategies, brainstorm, and support each other. BNI is a great example. 

These mixed groups offer peer-to-peer accountability and support. They’re great for building a network and sharing experiences. Networking groups are usually very reasonably priced, but many masterminds can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. 

However, if you need individualized coaching or guidance tailored to the legal industry, you won’t find it in this kind of coaching. The advice may be generic or inconsistent, and there won’t be follow-up or implementation support. 

Best for:
Lawyers who are looking for networking, already have strong systems, and want peer motivation rather than structured coaching. It’s also a great source of business if you have a practice that needs cross-referrals from other business professionals, which is why many lawyers in our specialized programs also join networking groups. 

3.     Group Coaching Programs (Industry-Specific) 

What they are:
Group coaching programs are led by a coach who knows the legal industry inside and out. They include a small group of peers. They may follow a set curriculum or be more free-flowing, and they usually include group calls and a minimal amount of one-on-one support. 

Pros & cons:

Group coaching is a cost-effective way to access expert coaching. And for lawyers in small and solo practices, groups offer excellent opportunities for peer accountability and shared experiences. A good program will also offer systems, templates and resources, and a clear process for growth. 

On the flip side, you will get less individual attention and may feel constrained by the pace of the group. 

Best for:
Lawyers who want lawyer-focused strategies at a reasonable investment level, plus community support. Our Practice Accelerator Coaching is a great example. Sessions are packed with feedback from group members, and valuable discussions about people’s experiences with hiring, legal technologies, organizational efficiency, and more. Other organizations like Lawyerist also offer excellent group coaching programs. 

4.     Private (One-to-One) Coaching 

What it is:
One-to-one coaching offers a completely personalized experience with an expert (or experts) who truly know you and understand the legal industry. Sessions focus exclusively on your firm, your leadership, and your goals. 

Pros & Cons

You will receive tailored advice and achieve results faster. You’ll also have the confidence of knowing your sessions are confidential, so you can share business goals and discuss sensitive topics without fear. Like our reSET Lawyer Coaching, these programs usually offer flexible scheduling and provide immediate feedback. 

The personal attention comes at a price. Private coaching will require a higher investment and you won’t have the peer connections that a group might offer. 

Best for:
Law firm owners who are ready to scale quickly, make high-level strategic decisions, and get highly personalized support. 

Our Specialized Coaching Programs for Lawyers At Gimbal, we’ve worked with thousands of lawyers worldwide to help them reclaim their time, grow their revenue, and build firms they love. We offer two distinct programs, designed to meet lawyers where they are:

Practice Accelerator Group Coaching 

This is a small-group coaching program for solo and small firm owners who want structure, support, and implementation help. Groups are capped at 10 people to ensure everyone has enough time to be heard in group sessions. 

The program is perfect for lawyers who want expert guidance and a peer community. It includes:[KS1] 

• Monthly group coaching calls (2 hours, once a month)
• Personal accountability calls (30 minutes, once a month)
• Access to our library of templates, masterclasses, and resources (24/7)
• A focus on efficiency, delegation, and profitability
• AI Mastermind sessions every monthly where we talk tech, what’s working and what isn’t in our member firms 

At $349/month, this is the smartest entry point for serious lawyers who want to run their firms like businesses.

reSET Lawyer Coaching 

reSET is our premium coaching program for lawyers who want faster results and personalized sessions. It includes:

• Tailored one-to-one coaching sessions (2 or 4 hours every month)
• On-demand access and support between calls (1 or 2 hours every month)
• Access to our library of templates, masterclasses, and resources (24/7)
• Optional VIP team strategy days and leadership workshops
• A focus on scaling revenue, building teams, and stepping into the CEO role

 reSET is best for firm owners ready to make bold moves, build leadership capacity, and create a firm that runs without them.

How We Compare to Other Options 

We are not the only coaching program out there. Atticus, Lawyerist, general business coaches and program-specific coaches (like EOS) exist. You need to choose the program and the coach that suits your culture, your budget, and your objectives. 

Gimbal’s coaching is:

• The only legal coaches with global credentials in project management, process improvement, and practice management
• Tailored to lawyers. All our coaches have decades of law practice experience and know what works and what doesn’t in law practice
• Focused on implementation. You get resources, systems, processes, and accountability.
• Flexible. Choose group or private coaching to fit your style and stage. 

Take the Next Step 

Whether you’re ready to join a supportive group of like-minded lawyers or you need one-to-one guidance to transform your firm, Gimbal’s lawyer coaching is designed to help you:

• Stop working nights and weekends.
• Delegate with confidence.
• Build a scalable, profitable business that serves your life.

👉 Apply for Practice Accelerator (group coaching)
👉 Apply for reSET (private coaching) 

We’re looking forward to working with you!

Karen and David