<![CDATA[Breaking Down the Bar]]>bd0d7a8e-113d-58e6-900f-3f0a843ab107Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:03:51 +0000Captivate.fmJeremy Ellergodthttps://artwork.captivate.fm/a8881fdc-153e-4a60-b250-d757150d34e8/Breaking-Down-the-Bar-Cover-1.jpgBreaking Down the BarJeremy EllergodtJeremy EllergodtJeremy Ellergodt explores how lawyers can build a successful career in private practice. In each 15-minute episode, Jeremy brings in an expert to discuss an interesting topic applicable to private practice lawyers, and provide actionable advice that can be used by junior and senior lawyers alike. Whether you’re an articling student starting your career journey or a senior associate thinking about partnership, you will learn tips and tricks to make your private practice career more fun, engaging, and enjoyable. Tune in for honest, refreshing conversations where no topic or idea is off-limits. https://breaking-down-the-bar.captivate.fmfalseepisodic31617750-a594-11f1-bf7f-4736c53e6a5fnopodcastedd87a8a3f87a9346654c8da540716ebe86ebd6bCalgary, CanadaThe Most Important Partnership - PART 1The Most Important Partnership - PART 1For this episode, Jeremy welcomes a very special guest: his wife, Carley Winter, a Canadian Certified counsellor with a master degree in Counselling Psychology, who has lived through every stage of Jeremy's legal career since his law school days. Together, they trace the evolution of their relationship, from the early years of last-minute cancelled plans and adjusting to a demanding lifestyle, to finding grounding rituals like a standing "Tuesday night" that stays protected no matter how busy work gets. Carley shares candid reflections on the balancing act of their two careers, the sacrifices she made as Jeremy's practice grew, and the patterns she's noticed among other couples where one spouse is a lawyer. They also discuss the importance of communicating openly about ambition and expectations early in a relationship, and Carley makes the case that a lawyer's success is never really an individual achievement - it's built together with a supportive partner. This is part one of a two-part conversation; part two digs into the biggest pain points of being married to a lawyer and how things shifted after becoming parents, so be sure to tune in to the next episode!

Featured guest:

Carley Winter, Canadian Certified Counsellor

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>For this episode, Jeremy welcomes a very special guest: his wife, Carley Winter, a Canadian Certified counsellor with a master degree in Counselling Psychology, who has lived through every stage of Jeremy's legal career since his law school days. Together, they trace the evolution of their relationship, from the early years of last-minute cancelled plans and adjusting to a demanding lifestyle, to finding grounding rituals like a standing "Tuesday night" that stays protected no matter how busy work gets. Carley shares candid reflections on the balancing act of their two careers, the sacrifices she made as Jeremy's practice grew, and the patterns she's noticed among other couples where one spouse is a lawyer. They also discuss the importance of communicating openly about ambition and expectations early in a relationship, and Carley makes the case that a lawyer's success is never really an individual achievement - it's built together with a supportive partner. This is part one of a two-part conversation; part two digs into the biggest pain points of being married to a lawyer and how things shifted after becoming parents, so be sure to tune in to the next episode!

Featured guest:

Carley Winter, Canadian Certified Counsellor

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>6eae5e3d-c947-4052-a1cb-3a523167fd36Tue, 03 Nov 2026 04:00:00 -070014:13falsefull1771Marketing 101Marketing 101Ahmed Malik returns to the show to talk about some key skills many associates avoid until it's too late: marketing and networking. Ahmed, a business lawyer and partner practicing in real estate, corporate law, and banking, walks through why business development can't be turned on overnight once you're up for partnership - it has to start early, beginning with internal networking inside your own firm. He and Jeremy discuss how introverted associates can still build this skill over time by starting small. Ahmed also makes the case for treating your whole personal network - old classmates, teammates, friends - as potential future clients or referral sources, and offers practical advice on how to reach out authentically without it feeling like a sales pitch. He also shares some personal stories that prove relationship-building, not closing, is the real skill.

Featured guest:

Ahmed Malik, Partner

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>Ahmed Malik returns to the show to talk about some key skills many associates avoid until it's too late: marketing and networking. Ahmed, a business lawyer and partner practicing in real estate, corporate law, and banking, walks through why business development can't be turned on overnight once you're up for partnership - it has to start early, beginning with internal networking inside your own firm. He and Jeremy discuss how introverted associates can still build this skill over time by starting small. Ahmed also makes the case for treating your whole personal network - old classmates, teammates, friends - as potential future clients or referral sources, and offers practical advice on how to reach out authentically without it feeling like a sales pitch. He also shares some personal stories that prove relationship-building, not closing, is the real skill.

Featured guest:

Ahmed Malik, Partner

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>48ae6dc3-dc50-4223-902b-d344cd787b4dTue, 20 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -060013:50falsefull1661When is the best time to get pregnant?When is the best time to get pregnant?Jeremy asks lawyer and mom of two Samantha McKinnon a question they don’t include in any law school test: when is the “right” time to have kids? Sam shares her path to motherhood as she and Jeremy discuss the impact of having children early-versus-late in a legal career and how partnership compensation structures can influence that decision. Sam also explains how an unexpected premature birth made her first leave chaotic and slowed her workflow on return, and the learnings she brought her second leave around more intentional planning, clear file notes, and team handoffs. Jeremy and Sam also dig into practical prep around EI logistics, financial planning, and the physical realities of pregnancy…plus, the answer you’re probably secretly hoping for: there’s really no such thing as a perfect time, or an imperfect one. The best lesson when it comes to getting pregnant is to try to stress less, and take things as they come. As Sam says, “It all comes out in the wash!”

Featured guest:

Samantha J. MacKinnon, Partner

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>Jeremy asks lawyer and mom of two Samantha McKinnon a question they don’t include in any law school test: when is the “right” time to have kids? Sam shares her path to motherhood as she and Jeremy discuss the impact of having children early-versus-late in a legal career and how partnership compensation structures can influence that decision. Sam also explains how an unexpected premature birth made her first leave chaotic and slowed her workflow on return, and the learnings she brought her second leave around more intentional planning, clear file notes, and team handoffs. Jeremy and Sam also dig into practical prep around EI logistics, financial planning, and the physical realities of pregnancy…plus, the answer you’re probably secretly hoping for: there’s really no such thing as a perfect time, or an imperfect one. The best lesson when it comes to getting pregnant is to try to stress less, and take things as they come. As Sam says, “It all comes out in the wash!”

Featured guest:

Samantha J. MacKinnon, Partner

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>0db2299c-0bbe-4b00-a7bd-40fae50a93c8Tue, 06 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -060015:36falsefull1551How do I work with a paralegal?How do I work with a paralegal?In this episode, Jeremy interviews his longtime paralegal, Alexa Huntley, about what differentiates basic, reactive paralegal work from high-level, proactive file and practice management. They discuss how paralegal roles vary by regulation and training across Canada, and Alexa outlines common baseline tasks (pleadings, affidavit of records, e-discovery, document review) versus advanced work such as cradle-to-grave file handling, client and counsel correspondence, and drafting mediation or trial materials while anticipating next steps. Using new home warranty files as an example, they flesh out how a trusted paralegal can streamline workflows, improve client communication, and increase capacity. Alexa and Jeremy also emphasize useful mentorship techniques new lawyers might find useful in navigating working relationships with paralegals, like clear “how and why” instructions, how to give useful constructive feedback, and why specificity in requests makes life easier for both sides.

Featured guest:

Alexa Huntley, Paralegal

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>In this episode, Jeremy interviews his longtime paralegal, Alexa Huntley, about what differentiates basic, reactive paralegal work from high-level, proactive file and practice management. They discuss how paralegal roles vary by regulation and training across Canada, and Alexa outlines common baseline tasks (pleadings, affidavit of records, e-discovery, document review) versus advanced work such as cradle-to-grave file handling, client and counsel correspondence, and drafting mediation or trial materials while anticipating next steps. Using new home warranty files as an example, they flesh out how a trusted paralegal can streamline workflows, improve client communication, and increase capacity. Alexa and Jeremy also emphasize useful mentorship techniques new lawyers might find useful in navigating working relationships with paralegals, like clear “how and why” instructions, how to give useful constructive feedback, and why specificity in requests makes life easier for both sides.

Featured guest:

Alexa Huntley, Paralegal

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>f0947941-1f9e-4d8e-baed-bba9976770b8Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -060015:06falsefull1441Is Partnership Worth It?Is Partnership Worth It?In this solo episode, Jeremy tackles a question almost every ambitious associate eventually asks: is making partner actually worth it? Speaking candidly from his own experience, he breaks down both the upside and the real costs of partnership - the flexibility and autonomy it brings, the chance to help build and shape the business of the firm, and yes, the money - along with an honest look at how differently partner compensation actually works across firms. But Jeremy is equally direct about what associates often don't see coming: the slow financial ramp-up in the early years of partnership, the new expenses that come with buying in, and the shift from thinking like a high-performing associate to thinking like an owner. He closes with a set of practical questions every associate should ask themselves before chasing the title, including not whether they want to be a partner, but whether they actually want the day-to-day job a partner has at their specific firm.

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>In this solo episode, Jeremy tackles a question almost every ambitious associate eventually asks: is making partner actually worth it? Speaking candidly from his own experience, he breaks down both the upside and the real costs of partnership - the flexibility and autonomy it brings, the chance to help build and shape the business of the firm, and yes, the money - along with an honest look at how differently partner compensation actually works across firms. But Jeremy is equally direct about what associates often don't see coming: the slow financial ramp-up in the early years of partnership, the new expenses that come with buying in, and the shift from thinking like a high-performing associate to thinking like an owner. He closes with a set of practical questions every associate should ask themselves before chasing the title, including not whether they want to be a partner, but whether they actually want the day-to-day job a partner has at their specific firm.

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>2e0ce327-566e-4c20-b63e-11785b6e9048Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -060015:56falsefull1331How to Work With An AssistantHow to Work With An AssistantEvery lawyer knows a great legal assistant can make or break their practice - but how much thought goes into that relationship, and what are lawyers actually bringing to it? In this episode, Jeremy talks with Jenna Bell, a legal assistant with 13 years of experience who now leads training and development for legal assistants at a large global law firm. Jenna and Jeremy dig into what makes the lawyer-assistant relationship work: the central role of communication, how trust is built, and how to strengthen a relationship that's functional - but lacking rapport. Jenna also gives a simple, but powerful checklist of tasks to keep in mind that go a long way toward building a genuinely great working relationship.

Featured guest:

Jenna Bell, Learning And Development Specialist

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>Every lawyer knows a great legal assistant can make or break their practice - but how much thought goes into that relationship, and what are lawyers actually bringing to it? In this episode, Jeremy talks with Jenna Bell, a legal assistant with 13 years of experience who now leads training and development for legal assistants at a large global law firm. Jenna and Jeremy dig into what makes the lawyer-assistant relationship work: the central role of communication, how trust is built, and how to strengthen a relationship that's functional - but lacking rapport. Jenna also gives a simple, but powerful checklist of tasks to keep in mind that go a long way toward building a genuinely great working relationship.

Featured guest:

Jenna Bell, Learning And Development Specialist

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>ab4f4047-73ea-46db-91f8-e361aaf771c1Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -060014:28falsefull1221When is the grass actually greener?When is the grass actually greener?For some lawyers, the path to partnership is a straight line: articling, associate, partner, all at the same firm. For others, it's a bit more like a zigzag. In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Ahmed Malik, a lawyer whose career has taken him from a small-town Saskatchewan practice, to a national firm, to now leading the real estate practice at a large Western Canadian firm. Ahmed shares how he's approached each of his career transitions - the ones driven by necessity, and the ones driven by opportunity - and offers practical advice for associates trying to figure out whether it's time to stay or go.

Featured guest:

Ahmed Malik, Partner

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>For some lawyers, the path to partnership is a straight line: articling, associate, partner, all at the same firm. For others, it's a bit more like a zigzag. In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Ahmed Malik, a lawyer whose career has taken him from a small-town Saskatchewan practice, to a national firm, to now leading the real estate practice at a large Western Canadian firm. Ahmed shares how he's approached each of his career transitions - the ones driven by necessity, and the ones driven by opportunity - and offers practical advice for associates trying to figure out whether it's time to stay or go.

Featured guest:

Ahmed Malik, Partner

Breaking Down the Bar is hosted by Jeremy Ellergodt. For behind the scenes footage and more, follow the show on Instagram @breakingdownthebar

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

]]>47a6a076-4f80-44ba-b705-f35f2d1e3a87Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -060013:40falsefull1111Breaking Down the Bar: Your Guide to Private PracticeBreaking Down the Bar: Your Guide to Private PracticeLaw school is good at teaching you the law…but not how to build a career that actually works in private practice. Jeremy Ellergott is sharing his own experiences, and sitting down with fellow lawyers to bring associates the real-world guidance they need in their careers - and along the way, figure out what separates lawyers who are thriving, from those who are just barely surviving. Each 15-minute episode is designed for your commute, tackling one practical topic with experts from the trenches - like dressing for success, working with an assistant, balancing law with marriage, knowing when to take parental leave, and more. No textbook theory, no fluff - just honest conversations and actionable advice for everyone from articling students to senior associates weighing partnership. Season one debuts September 8th, 2026 so subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.

]]>Law school is good at teaching you the law…but not how to build a career that actually works in private practice. Jeremy Ellergott is sharing his own experiences, and sitting down with fellow lawyers to bring associates the real-world guidance they need in their careers - and along the way, figure out what separates lawyers who are thriving, from those who are just barely surviving. Each 15-minute episode is designed for your commute, tackling one practical topic with experts from the trenches - like dressing for success, working with an assistant, balancing law with marriage, knowing when to take parental leave, and more. No textbook theory, no fluff - just honest conversations and actionable advice for everyone from articling students to senior associates weighing partnership. Season one debuts September 8th, 2026 so subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.

]]>bf2e1f11-28e0-4f9e-932c-6c433f41a021Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:01:00 -060002:21falsetrailer11