Growing up in Alberta, I never imagined that the hours I’d spend sparring in a boxing ring would shape the way I practice law. But now, with over two decades in the courtroom and an even longer history in the boxing world—as a competitor, judge, referee, and coach—I can say without a doubt that the lessons learned in the ring have carried over into my legal career in powerful ways.

People often ask how I manage two very different pursuits: law and boxing. On the surface, they seem worlds apart. One is built on rules, precedent, and procedure. The other on movement, instinct, and endurance. But dig a little deeper, and the similarities are everywhere. Both require discipline, strategy, preparation, and—above all else—knowing when to strike and when to wait.

The Importance of Preparation

In both boxing and law, preparation is everything. In boxing, if you walk into the ring without knowing your opponent or understanding their style, you’re going to take a beating. The same is true in the courtroom. If you step into a hearing or trial without knowing your case inside and out, you’re going to get caught off guard.

I treat every legal case like a training camp. I study the facts, review the documents, understand the opposing counsel’s arguments, and anticipate what might come my way. I create a game plan but also prepare for the unexpected. That mindset comes directly from my years of training for fights. You can’t win on instinct alone—you win through consistent, focused preparation.

Knowing When to Hit and When to Hold Back

One of the biggest misconceptions about both lawyers and fighters is that being aggressive is always the right move. I’ve seen young lawyers try to bulldoze through a negotiation or courtroom, thinking volume equals strength. It doesn’t. In boxing, if you swing wildly and without purpose, you get tired fast—and you get hit.

The best fighters, and the best lawyers, understand timing. They know when to apply pressure and when to hold back. They know how to read the room, how to stay patient, and how to let their opponent make the first mistake. In a courtroom, that might mean letting the other side present first, seeing their strategy unfold, and then responding with precision. It’s about thinking three moves ahead, not just reacting in the moment.

Discipline Over Emotion

Boxing teaches you to control your emotions, even when things don’t go your way. That lesson has served me well in law, especially in heated disputes or emotionally charged cases. It’s easy to get wrapped up in anger or frustration when a case isn’t unfolding the way you hoped. But reacting emotionally almost always leads to poor judgment.

In the ring, if you lose your temper, you lose focus—and you probably lose the match. In law, if you let emotions guide your strategy, you risk missing details, making flawed arguments, or alienating the judge. Discipline allows you to stay focused on the outcome, not just the current moment. It’s a skill I practice daily, and it was sharpened through every round I’ve ever fought.

Confidence Comes From Repetition

There’s no substitute for experience. In boxing, confidence comes from putting in the rounds—shadowboxing, hitting the pads, sparring. You build muscle memory so that, when the time comes, you don’t hesitate. You trust your training.

In law, confidence is built the same way. You take on difficult files, you go to court, you handle tough negotiations. You build your instincts through practice. When I’m representing a client—whether it’s in a real estate deal, a landlord-tenant hearing, or litigation—I draw on years of repetition and real experience. It’s what allows me to stay composed, even when the stakes are high.

Physical Conditioning, Mental Clarity

There’s also a physical side to this. Staying active—whether it’s boxing, running, or simply walking outside—helps me think clearly. Law is a mentally demanding profession. You’re always analyzing, arguing, reading, writing. If I didn’t have an outlet like boxing, I don’t think I’d be able to show up with the same clarity and energy that I bring to my clients.

I often tell younger lawyers or students that taking care of your body is just as important as studying the law. Burnout is real, and without a physical outlet, it’s easy to lose the sharpness you need to be effective.

Respecting the Process

Finally, boxing teaches you respect—respect for the rules, for your opponent, and for the sport itself. In law, respect for the process is equally vital. You can’t cut corners or cheat your way to a win. You have to trust the legal system and navigate it with integrity.

I’ve been involved in boxing as an official and a coach, and I’ve seen how those who don’t respect the process eventually fall apart—whether it’s in the ring or in their career. That’s why I bring the same level of respect to my legal work. Every client deserves honesty, preparation, and full effort. That’s what I’ve learned from boxing, and that’s how I practice law.

Final Thoughts

I’m often asked if I’ll ever hang up the gloves. Maybe one day. But the mindset boxing has given me is something I’ll carry for life. It’s helped me stay calm in courtrooms, navigate complex legal terrain, and connect with people from all walks of life.

The disciplines of boxing and law are more aligned than most people realize. Both are about understanding your strengths, recognizing your limits, and showing up ready—day after day. That’s what I do for my clients, and that’s what I’ve been trained to do, both in the gym and at the bench.

At the end of the day, whether I’m in the ring or representing a client, the goal is the same: protect what matters, stay sharp, and always be ready to adapt.