Performance Conversations
This LIVE webinar will occur on the 25th of February 2026 at 1-2pm
Performance Conversations Power Hour
1 CPD unit/point Practice Management or Professional Skills
Can you hold psychosocial risk conversations with confidence, care — and a defensible, work-focused process?
Legal workplaces carry unique psychosocial pressures: tight court deadlines, billable targets, high-stakes client matters, vicarious trauma, demanding stakeholders, and the “always on” culture. This 1-hour session equips partners, practice leaders, in-house counsel and legal team leaders with a practical, repeatable way to check in early, respond appropriately, and reduce risk — without turning the conversation into therapy, a performance ambush, or a legal minefield.
In just one hour, participants learn how to spot early warning signs, open the conversation with care, keep it anchored to work design and risk controls, and escalate appropriately when safety, conduct, or capacity concerns arise.
The CARE Framework (lawyer-safe and role-appropriate)
- C — Check in: Start early, neutrally, and respectfully (no assumptions, no labels).
- A — Ask & listen: Use validating language that isn’t minimising — and stays within your role.
- R — Reduce risk factors: Identify what at work is driving the risk and agree on practical adjustments.
- E — Engage support: Use clear pathways (EAP, HR/WHS, supervision, medical support) and know when to escalate.
What makes this session “for lawyers”
- Clear boundaries: support conversation vs. performance management vs. conduct/investigation
- Confidentiality realities: what stays private, what must be acted on
- “Defensible” documentation: factual, neutral notes that protect people and the firm
- Practical risk controls for legal settings (workload, time pressure, exposure to distressing content, client aggression, role conflict)
Ideal for
Partners, special counsel, senior associates, practice managers, team leaders, supervising solicitors, legal ops, and in-house leaders managing people-facing legal work.
In this 1-hour power session, participants will
- Reframe psychosocial risk as professional leadership + WHS governance, not “just HR”.
- Apply the CARE framework to structure supportive, work-focused conversations that reduce risk.
- Practise language that reduces stigma, encourages disclosure, and keeps the focus on practical solutions.
- Learn how to “hold the line” when conversations drift into diagnosis, grievances, or unsafe disclosures.
- Leave with a ready-to-use plan for one real psychosocial risk conversation to have within the next 7 days.
Note: This session is practical training and does not replace legal advice or your firm’s policies and escalation procedures.
About your speakers:
Denise Archie of Coaching College, is a successful entrepreneur and Honorary Fellow in recognition for her contributions to education and leadership development.
With a lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth, she has successfully founded and led two award-winning companies, pioneering innovative change management strategies with a minimum 15% return on client investments.
With a background in education and change management spanning various sectors, including commercial and government environments, Denise excels in strategic leadership and analytical problem-solving. Her unique sense of humour and a passion for empowering others underscore her role as the “Coach’s Coach,” inspiring individuals to achieve their goals with determination, excitement and persistence.
Anne-Marie Newham – Founder & Head of Fly In Fly Out Mental Health Support
Anne-Marie Newham is a registered psychologist and mental health social worker with over 30 years of experience in mental health, specialising in grief and trauma counselling. She has worked across government, education, non-government, employee assistance programs (EAP), and private mental health care, delivering both prevention and treatment services.
With a diverse background in remote area mental health, school counselling, and supporting victims of serious indictable crimes, Anne-Marie excels in building strong relationships within organisations to achieve the best outcomes for both staff and management. Now dedicated to providing targeted, evidence-based mental health interventions, she is passionate about helping organisations manage psychosocial hazards and create psychologically safe workplaces.
