The Free Lawyer

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, host Gary interviews Susan Filan, a former legal analyst and prosecutor turned transformational speaker. Susan shares how a near-fatal accident forced her to reevaluate her life and redefine success beyond external achievements. Together, they discuss the pressures lawyers face, the dangers of burnout, and the importance of authenticity and self-care. Susan introduces her "Wake Up Call Method" for finding fulfillment and encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability, gratitude, and proactive change. The episode offers hope and practical advice for lawyers seeking greater clarity, purpose, and joy in their personal and professional lives.Susan F. Filan, Esq. is a former MSNBC Senior Legal Analyst, prosecutor, and trial lawyer who reinvented herself as a transformational speaker and life strategist. After nearly 30 years in the legal world, a near-death accident became her wake-up call, forcing her to confront what true success really means. Today, she helps lawyers and high-achieving professionals who appear accomplished on the outside but are collapsing inside. Through her signature Wake-Up Call Method, Susan guides clients from burnout and disconnection to clarity, vitality, and fulfillment. Known as the Architect of Reinvention, she is on a mission to revolutionize how lawyers and high-achievers live, love, and lead.Susan Filan’s Background & Accident (00:01:01) Early Career Choices & Legal “Off Ramps” (00:02:31)The Accident Experience (00:04:25) Rehabilitation & New Perspective (00:05:52) Shifting from Achievement to Presence (00:08:14) Life After the Accident (00:10:08) Practicing Law & Academic Transition (00:11:16) External Success vs. Internal Fulfillment (00:12:11) Ignoring Inner Signals (00:14:33) The Wake Up Call Method (00:15:29)Lawyer Well-being & Cultural Change (00:18:18)Escaping vs. Authentic Alignment (00:20:04) Facing Fear & First Steps to Change (00:21:44) Role of Coaching for Lawyers (00:22:38) Lawyers’ Resistance to Coaching (00:24:11) First Shift for Transformation (00:26:04) Aligning with True Purpose & Values (00:27:23)Susan’s Legacy & Message (00:29:24) Advice for Stuck Lawyers (00:30:23)Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-callYou can find The Free Lawyer Assessment here- https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessmentWould you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this episode, Gary breaks down a hard truth many lawyers quietly live with: their happiness rises and falls based on client reactions, case outcomes, and external praise. He shares why this constant emotional roller coaster leaves even high-performing attorneys exhausted, anxious, and feeling like their career is controlling them instead of the other way around. Through stories from his own four decades in litigation, Gary explains how tying your well-being to factors you can’t control actually diminishes your clarity, confidence, and long-term fulfillment. Instead, he reveals the three pillars that allow lawyers to build happiness from the inside out.Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the Free Lawyer Assessment garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a complimentary discovery call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Jonathan Cohen—attorney, speaker, and former IDF soldier—about mental fitness, resilience, and burnout in the legal profession. Jonathan shares his journey from military service to law, highlighting lessons on overcoming self-doubt, managing stress, and building purposeful routines. Together, they discuss practical strategies for active recovery, combating self-sabotage, and creating a holistic “stress management ecosystem.” The episode emphasizes self-awareness, setting boundaries, and developing a clear vision to help lawyers thrive, not just survive, in their careers and personal lives.Jonathan Z. Cohen is an attorney, speaker, podcaster, and philanthropist. Jonathan’s background includes 5 years of public service in 2 different countries as a Bronx Special Victims Division Criminal Prosecutor and IDF Infantry Combat Soldier. With over 1,000 legal and business professionals trained, Jonathan educates, inspires, and shares actionable insights to help thousands of ambitious professionals lead a purpose-driven life through stories, frameworks, and systems.Jonathan’s Background and Pivotal Moments (00:01:00) Defining Mental Fitness and Transformation (00:02:08) Military and Legal Service: Lessons in Resilience (00:06:31) Resilience vs. Mental Fitness, Strength, and Toughness (00:11:06) Speed to Recovery and Burnout in Law (00:13:06) Root Causes and Elements of Burnout (00:14:05) Early Warning Signs of Burnout (00:20:33)Active Recovery for Lawyers (00:23:27) Self-Sabotage: Recognition and Frameworks (00:28:26) Stress Management Ecosystem (00:34:34) Mindset Shift: From Surviving to Thriving (00:39:14) Crafting a Vision and First Steps to Mental Fitness (00:43:05) Take The Free Lawyer Assessment (10 minutes, completely free):https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessmentWhat you'll get immediately:✓ Your Professional Freedom Score (out of 300 points)✓ Breakdown across Internal Authority, Sustainable Excellence, and Authentic Practice✓ Personalized action plan in your inbox✓ Specific steps you can take this weekWould you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

Discover how to reclaim 30% of your lost time with eight essential productivity tools tailored for legal professionals. Uncover the value of a personal time audit to highlight inefficiencies and optimize billable hours. Learn the power of strategic time blocking to enhance focus and productivity. Explore the importance of setting clear boundaries and strategic communication to reduce interruptions. Finally, prioritize mental and physical health to sustain your performance and redefine your approach to work.

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Brit Nicole, a coach who empowers high-achieving women—especially lawyers—to build fulfilling, purpose-driven careers. Britt shares her journey overcoming challenges in male-dominated industries, battling burnout, and rebuilding after setbacks. The conversation covers overcoming imposter syndrome, aligning work with personal values, building confidence, pricing services, and embracing failure as growth. Britt offers practical advice for women lawyers to stop shrinking, lead authentically, and create joyful, sustainable practices. Listeners are encouraged to take bold action, prioritize well-being, and pursue happiness on their own terms.Brit Nicole is a coach, creator, and builder of big things — from scratch. She’s scaled multiple businesses, including two 6-figure photography brands, and rebuilt again after betrayal and burnout. Today, she helps high-potential women finally build the business or brand that’s been on their heart — with real strategy, grounded support, and the kind of momentum that turns “someday” into sold out. She’s known for her story of reinvention, STRONG resilience, her no-fluff approach to getting things moving, and her ability to turn stuck energy into serious traction.Brit Nicole’s Background & Story of Reinvention (00:01:00)Shrinking in Male-Dominated Industries (00:01:48)Imposter Syndrome & Proving Yourself (00:04:37)Aligning Career with Personal Values (00:06:48)Burnout: Tired vs. Needing to Rebuild (00:09:09).Reconnecting with Purpose (00:11:42)Confident Leadership for Women (00:13:52)Owning Your Worth & Pricing Services (00:16:20)Rebuilding After Burnout (00:19:01)Taking Action Without Certainty (00:20:19)Mindset Shifts for High-Stress Professions (00:24:46)Wins Journaling & Processing Stress (00:26:39)No Shrinking: Expanding in Traditional Firms (00:29:41)Moving from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset (00:32:10)Stepping Into Your Next Bold Chapter (00:34:34)Take The Free Lawyer Assessment (10 minutes, completely free):https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessmentWhat you'll get immediately:✓ Your Professional Freedom Score (out of 300 points)✓ Breakdown across Internal Authority, Sustainable Excellence, and Authentic Practice✓ Personalized action plan in your inbox✓ Specific steps you can take this weekWould you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-callWould you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

99% of lawyers feel too busy and overwhelmed.This episode of The Free Lawyer is about the “busyness trap” that dominates the legal profession and how lawyers can break free from it.Gary explores the cultural, technological, and psychological causes of this problem. From constant connectivity and billable-hour pressure to perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the addiction to external validation.He outlines the hidden costs of constant busyness: damaged health, strained relationships, decreased effectiveness, and missing out on life itself. Gary challenges the belief that busyness equals success, urging lawyers to see it as a problem, not a badge of honor.Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the Free Lawyer Assessment garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a complimentary discovery call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, host Gary interviews guest Ana Juneja, an IP lawyer and entrepreneur. They discuss Ana’s journey from law firm associate to media company owner. Ana shares how she sold her media business to focus on law and explains how AI has revolutionized her firm’s transactional work, enabling a small team to serve clients efficiently. She offers insights on trademark protection, debunks common IP myths, and highlights the importance of early trademark registration. The episode highlights the importance of innovation, transparency, and leveraging AI and social media to empower lawyers and improve client service.As an award-winning intellectual property attorney and the founder of Ana Law®, Ana Juneja is redefining how attorneys leverage AI to create impactful social media content.She empowers celebrities, athletes, influencers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporations to not only protect their brands and ideas but also amplify them across digital platforms using cutting-edge AI-driven strategies.Ana Law® is the first and only law firm offering flat-fee, 100% guaranteed patent, trademark, and copyright services, with Ana maintaining a 100% success rate.Beyond traditional legal work, she speaks widely on the intersection of AI, law, and social media, helping professionals understand how emerging technologies can safeguard and scale their influence.AI’s Impact on Legal Practice (00:03:04)Scope of IP and Transactional Work (00:04:20)Scaling with AI (00:05:47)Lawyers’ Resistance to AI (00:06:42)AI in Transactional vs. Litigation Work (00:07:37)Best Uses of AI in Litigation (00:09:23)Lawyer Hesitancy and AI Psychosis (00:10:26)Big Law Firms and AI Adoption (00:11:41)Prompt Engineering and Lawyer Skillsets (00:14:10)Ana’s Background at USPTO (00:16:02)IP Protection for Businesses (00:17:09)]Basic IP Protections for Businesses (00:19:06)Automating Client Communication with AI (00:21:39)Common IP Misconceptions (00:23:25)Client Types and Fee Structure (00:24:11)Service Guarantees in Legal Practice (00:26:02)Advice for Lawyers New to AI (00:26:54)Personal Freedom and Business Systems (00:27:49)Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-callWould you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this episode, Gary Miles introduces a powerful 10-minute assessment designed to help lawyers find out what’s truly standing between them and professional freedom. Traditional success metrics—billable hours, income, and case wins—often hide deeper struggles like burnout, self-doubt, and misalignment. Gary breaks down the three dimensions that determine whether you’re thriving or merely surviving in your practice: Internal Authority, Sustainable Excellence, and Authentic Practice. Even high-achieving attorneys can feel trapped by their own success. Listen for how to identify which area is holding you back and how small shifts can create lasting change. Take the assessment here: https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment

In this episode of The Free Lawyer podcast, host Gary interviews Jessie Brown, a former attorney turned career and executive coach. Jessie shares her journey from big law to coaching, discussing her experiences with burnout and how she found balance by aligning her work with her values. The conversation explores redefining success, managing stress, and practical strategies like energy audits, mindfulness, and setting boundaries. Jesse offers insights on overcoming financial fears, reconnecting with authenticity, and prioritizing well-being, providing valuable guidance for lawyers seeking fulfillment and sustainable careers without burnout.Jessie Brown practiced law for 15 years, primarily in Big Law, before becoming a career and executive coach for lawyers. She specializes in helping attorneys navigate career decisions and transitions and learn how to succeed on their own terms without burnout. Before becoming a coach, Jessie navigated balancing a demanding career as a litigator while raising young kids. She created the balance she sought as a Senior Counsel in Big Law, while working a reduced billable hour schedule, before deciding to resign from the law to focus exclusively on coaching. Jessie also leads transformational women's retreats and is a certified meditation teacher and forest bathing guide and has a deep love for nature, reading, and spirituality. Jessie’s Legal Background & Strengths Assessment (00:01:11) Transitioning Legal Practice Areas (00:04:27)Hospice Work & Mentoring Associates (00:06:25) Becoming a Career Coach (00:07:56) Recognizing and Experiencing Burnout (00:08:47) Finding Balance & Reducing Hours (00:09:53) JFinancial Fears & Career Transition Fund (00:10:50) Aligning Work with Values (00:12:28) Energy Audit & Burnout Prevention (00:13:43) Impact of Early Loss & Mortality Perspective (00:15:20) Mortality in Coaching & Future Visualization (00:16:51) Defining Success Beyond External Metrics (00:18:18) Rediscovering Authenticity (00:22:23) Mindfulness & Forest Bathing Explained (00:24:28) Practical Self-Care for Burned-Out Lawyers (00:28:04) Work-Life Balance & Boundaries (00:30:10) Creating Personal Freedom & Focus (00:32:57) Advice to Her Younger Self (00:35:15) Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-callWould you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this episode, Gary Miles reveals why the confidence so many lawyers chase through case wins, titles, and recognition is actually built in the everyday moments with their clients. Genuine, empathetic client relationships can transform your professional confidence from something fragile to something unshakable. Gary breaks down how preparation, clear communication, and authentic care create a positive feedback loop that strengthens both your client’s trust and your own self-assurance. He shares how even difficult cases and setbacks can become confidence builders when approached with honesty and collaboration. Confidence isn’t earned in the courtroom, it’s cultivated through consistent service and meaningful connection. By the end, you’ll understand how every client interaction can reinforce your purpose, validate your professional worth, and create lasting fulfillment in your practice.Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a complimentary discovery call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ