Christopher Souster, a proud Calgarian, is a seasoned lawyer and founder of Nimmons Law Office. With over two decades of experience in litigation, real estate law, and landlord-tenant disputes, he is a respected name in Alberta’s legal circles. Christopher’s expertise extends beyond the courtroom, as he is also a licensed boxing referee, judge, and former master light heavyweight world champion. His dedication to justice, community service, and the discipline of boxing makes him a unique figure in Calgary, seamlessly blending legal acumen with the grit of a fighter.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early, usually with a cup of coffee and reviewing my schedule. I spend mornings tackling complex legal work—drafting documents, preparing for cases, or meeting with clients. Afternoons often involve court appearances or consultations. Between tasks, I make time to stay physically active, whether it’s hitting the gym or shadowboxing. Productivity comes from planning: knowing my priorities and sticking to a structured schedule keeps me focused and ensures I give my clients the attention they deserve.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas come to life through preparation and execution. In both law and boxing, success depends on having a plan but being flexible enough to adapt. Whether it’s developing a new strategy for resolving landlord-tenant disputes or preparing a case for court, I focus on identifying the problem, brainstorming potential solutions, and collaborating with others to refine the approach. Then, it’s all about taking action with precision and follow-through.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited by the growing use of alternative dispute resolution methods like the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). It’s a faster, more accessible way to resolve conflicts without resorting to traditional litigation. I believe this trend will continue to evolve, making justice more attainable for individuals who need it most.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Discipline is my anchor. Whether it’s sticking to my daily schedule or maintaining my fitness routine, discipline ensures I’m focused and productive. Boxing has instilled this habit in me—it teaches you that success comes from consistent effort, even when the work is hard.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to be patient and trust the process. Success isn’t immediate, and setbacks are part of the journey. Learn from your failures, stay disciplined, and never lose sight of your values.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that the principles of boxing—strategy, discipline, and respect—can be applied to almost any profession. Some people see boxing as purely physical, but it’s deeply strategic, and I’ve used those lessons in everything from negotiating contracts to navigating complex disputes.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Take time to reflect. Whether it’s reviewing a legal strategy or analyzing a boxing match, reflection allows you to learn from experience and make better decisions moving forward.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I step away from the chaos and turn to the things that ground me. Physical activity is always my go-to—boxing, especially, allows me to channel stress and refocus my energy. Even a few minutes on the heavy bag can reset my mindset and bring back clarity.
But when I need a deeper reset, I head outdoors. Camping or spending time in nature has a way of putting everything into perspective. Whether it’s hiking through the woods or sitting by a campfire, the quiet and simplicity of the outdoors help me reconnect with myself, clear my thoughts, and return to work with a fresh outlook. It’s a combination of movement and nature that keeps me balanced.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building genuine relationships has been key. Whether it’s with clients, colleagues, or community members, trust and respect are the foundation of my practice. People appreciate authenticity, and that’s helped me grow both professionally and personally.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of setting boundaries with clients. I wanted to help everyone, but spreading myself too thin led to burnout. I learned to set realistic expectations and prioritize balance, which ultimately made me a better lawyer and advocate.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a mobile app that simplifies landlord-tenant communication. Features could include automated rent reminders, a maintenance request tracker, and legal resources to help both parties understand their rights. It’s a simple solution that could prevent disputes before they happen.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely heavily on document management software like Clio to keep my legal files organized. It helps streamline case management, track billable hours, and ensure deadlines aren’t missed. It’s a must-have for any busy professional.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’m a big fan of “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. While it’s ancient, the principles of strategy and preparation it outlines are timeless and can be applied to both law and boxing
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently rewatched “Cinderella Man.” It’s an inspiring story about resilience, grit, and determination, which resonates with me as a lawyer and a boxer. It’s a reminder that perseverance can overcome the toughest challenges.
Key learnings
- Discipline and preparation are key to success, whether in the courtroom or the boxing ring.
- Building genuine relationships based on trust and respect is essential for long-term growth.
- Reflection and adaptability are critical for overcoming challenges and improving performance.