The playbook for new lawyers that actually works with David Brown

Описание: Behind the Bar with David Brown — Ascent Employment Law
In this episode, Susan sits down with employment lawyer and Ascent Employment Law co-founder David Brown for an honest, grounded, and deeply practical conversation about building your legal career with intention. David shares his unconventional articling story, the power of relationships, how to navigate discomfort, and why young lawyers should be both “house cats” and “alley cats” in their early years.

Whether you’re a law student, an articling student, or a new associate trying to find your footing, this episode gives you guidance you can act on today.


What you’ll learn in this episode


How David created an articling role for himself through strategic relationship-building

Why discomfort is part of the profession—and how to lean into it

The truth about networking (and why it’s a muscle, not a personality trait)

How to think like an entrepreneur early in your career

What to do if you’re in the wrong firm or wrong practice area

The “house cat vs. alley cat” model for succeeding as a junior lawyer

How values shape firm culture—and how Ascent built a values-led practice from day one


Episode notes:


David Brown LinkedIn profile:   / davidmjbrown  

Ascent Employment Law website: https://ascentemploymentlaw.ca/


Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro
01:00 – David’s unconventional path into articling
06:00 – The power of being your own advocate
10:00 – Cold calls, confidence, and starting conversations
12:00 – Has articling changed? What students face today
15:00 – Owning your career like an entrepreneur
16:30 – Getting comfortable being uncomfortable
20:00 – Networking reps, building muscle, and long-term relationships
23:00 – Skill-building outside of paid work
28:00 – David’s first big arbitration: fear, learning, and growth
32:00 – Values, culture, and building Ascent Employment Law
38:00 – Do they take students?
40:00 – How young lawyers should reach out
41:00 – What to do if you’re in the wrong firm or practice area
52:00 – “House cats and alley cats” for young lawyers
57:00 – Final thoughts for law students