In this week’s episode of the NAWL Podcast, Michele Ballard Miller, Chair of Cozen O’Connor’s West Coast Labor and Employment team, hosts an engaging conversation with Sheila Murphy, CEO of Focus Forward Consulting LLC and former NAWL Board Member, about her new book Rainmaker Power Moves: The Attorney’s Playbook for Building a Book of Business. They explore the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and resilience needed to unlock career momentum, from overcoming the fear of business development to creating a compelling professional brand that attracts clients. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their influence and achieve long-term professional growth.
In this week’s episode of the NAWL Podcast, Michele Ballard Miller, Chair of Cozen O’Connor’s West Coast Labor and Employment team, hosts an engaging conversation with Sheila Murphy, CEO of Focus Forward Consulting LLC and former NAWL Board Member, about her new book Rainmaker Power Moves: The Attorney’s Playbook for Building a Book of Business. They explore the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and resilience needed to unlock career momentum, from overcoming the fear of business development to creating a compelling professional brand that attracts clients. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their influence and achieve long-term professional growth.
Learn more about Sheila’s book and find additional details here!
Bios:
Michele Ballard Miller, Chair of West Coast Labor & Employment at Cozen O'Connor, is a widely recognized management-side labor and employment attorney. For more than 35 years, she’s represented businesses in single and multiple plaintiff cases and collective actions. Her clients — who run the gamut from Fortune 50 powerhouses to burgeoning startups — trust her practical business-centered advice and counsel on a wide range of workplace matters. Michele is a frequent speaker on employment law issues for clients and outside groups, and has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her work in advancing women in the profession. Prior to joining the firm, Michele was the founding and managing partner of Miller Law Group, a certified women-owned California labor and employment law firm. Cozen O'Connor is a full-service firm with nationally recognized practices in litigation, business law, and government relations, and our attorneys have experience operating in all sectors of the economy.
Sheila Murphy is a certified executive coach, award-winning legal leader, and the CEO of Focus Forward Consulting. With over two decades of experience in corporate America and a top-tier law firm, Sheila empowers legal professionals—from General Counsels and legal executives to law firm partners and rising attorneys—to achieve transformational success in their careers, compensation, and confidence. Her mission is clear: to help lawyers become impactful leaders, trusted advisors, and rainmakers who drive results.
Before founding Focus Forward Consulting, Sheila served as Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel at MetLife, a Fortune 50 company, where she earned recognition for her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing others.
During her tenure, she served as an executive sponsor of the U.S. Women’s Business Network, co-chaired the Legal Affairs Academy, and led diversity and professional development initiatives with global impact.
Sheila is the author of Rainmaker Power Moves: An Attorney’s Guide to Building a Book of Business, a practical and inspiring guide designed to help attorneys take charge of their professional destinies.
Through actionable strategies, candid insights, and proven techniques, Sheila teaches lawyers how to grow thriving practices and sustainable client relationships in today’s competitive market.
Known for her engaging and transformative approach, Sheila brings a unique blend of corporate experience, coaching expertise, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the legal industry.
She works with attorneys and legal teams at all stages of their careers—whether they’re in-house counsel striving for leadership roles or law firm professionals building influence and profitability.
Her clients consistently credit her with helping them unlock opportunities, elevate their confidence, and accelerate their success.
A sought-after speaker and trainer, Sheila delivers high-impact keynotes and workshops on leadership development, business growth, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Passionate about advancing women and underrepresented groups, she is dedicated to reshaping the legal profession by equipping all professionals with the tools to thrive.
Sheila holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and coaching certifications from the International Coaching Federation and the Co-Active Leadership Institute.
Her leadership and coaching excellence have earned her numerous honors, including the Women, Influence & Power in Law Lifetime Achievement Award and the Benchmark Litigation In-House Award.
With her signature mix of authenticity, insight, and strategic vision, Sheila Murphy helps legal professionals and organizations move beyond potential—toward lasting, measurable success.