Maternity leave coaching – an accidental niche

Planning a Maternity Leave That Actually Works for You – Coaching before, during and after

One of the things I love most about working with barristers and consultant or self-employed solicitors is how fiercely capable they are.

Juggling deadlines, clients, court listings, and the occasional last‑minute drama – there isn’t much they (you!) can’t handle.  But when it comes to maternity leave, planning for it, taking it and returning from it, capability isn’t the whole story. What is really needed is space, clarity, and a plan that’s tailor-made, not built around what everyone else seems to be doing or what others seem to expect.

And that’s where coaching can make a big difference, not least in providing me with what has become an “accidental” niche.  Over the 12 years that I have been coaching in this area, the clear group that has sought me out the most is, broadly, working parents, and, more specifically, women on their first second or third period of maternity leave.

The power of planning (and why it’s not about being rigid)

Planning for maternity leave isn’t about mapping out every moment or predicting exactly when you’ll feel ready to return.

Instead, what we work on in coaching is creating a framework that provides confidence and reduces the mental load.  This then can be readily converted into a successful return to practice.

This often means thinking about:

• How and when you want to finish work and how you want the run up to that date to look;
• What boundaries you want to set with clerks, clients, colleagues or instructing solicitors;
• What “keeping in touch” looks like for you;
• How you want to feel during your leave; and
• What you want the return to look like.

(Incidentally, what most of my clients have learned is that there is no need to panic about the return.  You *will* work again and you don’t have to “panic buy” or “panic agree to” the first piece of work that comes your way – indeed, that can be precisely the wrong thing to do.)

Goal‑setting that reduces stress

I spend a lot of time helping people set goals that are realistic and flexible but with an appropriate degree of stretch.  For maternity leave, that might include:

• Staying connected to your practice without feeling pulled back in
• Returning gradually, or in a way that protects your energy
• Rebuilding your practice with intention and strategy rather than panic
• Creating a version of “success” that fits your life now

The main thing is that the goals are yours, not somebody else’s and that they remain under review as life around you changes.

The return: taking stock

The return to practice is often the part people worry about most.  It can feel overwhelming.  And any challenges you were facing before the period of leave can loom larger than previously – things like confidence, imposter syndrome and any difficult relationships or business development issues.  

Coaching gives you space to add some practical considerations to you planning, including questions like:

• What pace feels right?
• What support do you need from Chambers or colleagues?
• What work do you want to prioritise—or avoid?
• How do you want to communicate your return plan?
• And who do you need to speak to in order to ensure that you are supported in your return.

The underrated value of pausing

One of the most powerful things I see in coaching sessions is the moment someone realises they’re allowed to pause.  And think.

That pause often becomes the turning point. It’s a valuable gift you can give to yourself and your practice.

Why Chambers and firms are starting to get involved

I’ve been having more conversations with Chambers recently about offering maternity (and paternity) leave coaching as part of their EDI and retention strategy.  Given the amount of investment in people that have become customary in other ways (recruitment, training etc), it makes commercial sense to ensure that people feel supported and able to return after such life-changing events.

When people return with clarity and confidence rather than exhaustion and uncertainty, there is a wide-reaching benefit.

And for consultant solicitors, firms are increasingly recognising that structured support during maternity leave is part of building a sustainable, inclusive culture.

What coachees can expect

Coaching isn’t about telling you what to do.  It’s about giving you a space to think, plan, breathe, and make decisions that feel grounded and considered.  It’s a confidential space where you can be honest about what you want, what you fear, and what you’re excited about.  And it works really well online to minimise the time needed.

Questions?

Individuals, firms and Chambers can book an introductory call here, or message me on cathbrown@skilfulconversation.com to arrange a chat.