October 2025 (4-min read)

Be a Gooooood Lawyer

The lawyers who thrive in the next decade

will be those closest to their clients

By Brett Colvin, CEO of Goodlawyer

Two voices

The name Goodlawyer started in a coffee shop. Back in business school, I grabbed coffee every morning from Moe — big laugh, strong Lebanese accent, never forgot a face. A year later I walked in again, this time as a law student. Moe spotted me, we joked a bit, then he asked why I was back.

“Law school,” I said. 

He went quiet. Leaned in. And with absolute seriousness told me: “Be a good lawyer… be… a goooood… lawyer.”  It stuck. That same day in contracts class, I pulled out my laptop and bought the Goodlawyer domains. No plan, just instinct.

Seven years later, BigLaw gave me very different advice. A senior partner told me: “Keep coming up with your ideas — just keep them to yourself.” That was it. Moe’s voice told me to grow. BigLaw’s told me to shrink.

So I left, headed to my grandma’s basement with two co-founders and the belief we could build something better. Gran’s basement wasn’t exactly Y Combinator… but five years later, that basement project was named Canada’s 15th fastest-growing company by the Globe and Mail.

What it means to be a good lawyer today

The lawyers who thrive in the next decade won’t be the busiest. They’ll be the closest to their clients. Think about medicine: the doctor treats the disease, the good doctor treats the patient. Law is the same. The lawyer knows the law; the good lawyer knows the client.

You can’t know 500 clients deeply. If you want trust, you’ll have fewer. And the ones you do serve, you’ll know better than anyone else.

And the learning? That’s on you. Law schools won’t equip you. Firms won’t train you like they used to. Regulators won’t save you. No one’s coming. No secret program. No mentor with endless time. 

Being a good lawyer today means building your own toolkit. Pick your lane. Sharpen it. Stay close to the people who need you. That’s what keeps you indispensable.

Most lawyers drown in volume. The best ones step away from it. The point isn’t hours. The point is owning your life, not billing it. Clients don’t hire résumés. They hire lawyers who give a damn.

Proof the future's already here

That idea — lawyers designing careers that fit their lives while delivering better outcomes for clients — is why we launched the Future of Law Awards. On November 20 at The Loft on King in Toronto, we’ll celebrate the lawyers and innovators already living up to Moe’s challenge.

That's why we're handing out shiny, over-the-top statues. We're celebrating the crazy ones, as Jobs put it — the people building a profession worth choosing.

Know someone leading that charge? 

Put their name forward. Or come raise a glass with us. Nominations close October 20. Details here.

Because Moe had it right. It’s not enough to be a lawyer. Be a gooooood lawyer.

Brett Colvin
CEO, Goodlawyer

Shari and the Chocolate Factory

By Zak Biggs

Shari Hosaki led legal teams at Cadbury and HarperCollins. Now she’s a values-driven fractional GC shaping a better future for the profession. Zak Biggs caught up with her.

ZB: You were GC at Cadbury and HarperCollins — what were your favourite parts of those roles?

SH: The chocolate and books helped! They gave me a real connection to the company's mission. I also loved the variety — from billion-dollar M&A to crisis response to reviewing ad copy.

I spent 20 years at Cadbury, in a culture built on what I’d call ‘capitalism with a conscience’. The Cadbury founders were Quakers, and their values — integrity and putting people first — shaped how I led and made legal decisions. I knew that if I made a tough call based on those values, the company would stand behind me.

ZB: What makes a great in-house legal team today? 

SH: It’s about whether you act like part of the business or a separate legal function. The best legal teams sit inside sales, marketing, ops — building trust and being proactive. I always told my teams: we’re businesspeople with legal expertise.

Legal also has a unique vantage point. We see the whole organization and can connect the dots that others can’t. I think the best legal teams break silos and drive alignment.

ZB: At this stage, you could work anywhere. Why go fractional? 

SH: Honestly, I initially didn’t even know it was called “fractional!” I just knew I wanted to work with great teams, focus on strategy and have more balance. This model lets me do that, and I’m grateful to you folks for helping make it happen! 

ZB: You’re a diversity and inclusion champion and a judge of the Future of Law Awards. Why does giving back matter?

SH: I’ve found that I feel most fulfilled when I’m contributing to something bigger than myself! The awards are a way to celebrate the dynamic work happening in our profession and to encourage people who are making a positive impact. 

I’m especially excited to judge the Innovative Legal Team of the Year. I love seeing how in-house teams are experimenting and evolving. Can’t wait to dive into the submissions!

Connect with Shari on LinkedIn and submit your Future of Law Awards nominations here.

LEGAL EVENTS

Canadian Legal Summit
(Toronto, Oct. 9)

Brett, Zak and Pauline are flying in for this. Let us know if you’ll be there!

Counselwell Summit

(Toronto, Nov. 4)

Future of Law Summit

(Virtual, Nov. 20)

Over 1,400 legal professionals are already registered! As a newsletter subscriber, I bet you snagged your spot already. Now invite your lawyer friends to join you the most fun CLE event of the year!

Future of Law Awards

For in-house, by in-house.

We created the Future of Law Awards to recognize the best work happening inside legal departments across Canada. No fluff. No pay-to-play. Just meaningful recognition from your peers.

Five awards, with one purpose – to spotlight in-house legal leaders making a difference.

• General Counsel of the Year

• Most Innovative Legal Team

• Emerging In-House Leader

• ACC Community Builder of the Year

• Goodlawyer of the Year

👉 Nominate a peer and celebrate their impact.

📅 Deadline is October 20.

🏅 Winners revealed November 20 at an in-person event in Toronto.

GOOD VIBES

“The Good Vibes playlist is so amazing,” says Taylor Smith, our Head of Ops. Click below and start your next hour of flow. 

Listen on Spotify

BEFORE YOU GO

We’d love to hear from you.

What stood out in this issue? Is there a topic you'd like us to cover next month?

Just hit reply — we read every message.

Until next time,
— Brett & Zak

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