The Free Lawyer

In this episode, Gary shares how lawyers can reduce stress, improve focus, and reclaim their time through intentional daily practices. He introduces actionable strategies for enhanced productivity like the Client Presence Protocol to strengthen client relationships, and the Mindset Mastery Method to transform challenges into opportunities. Listen for how to escape mental traps like reliving the past, fearing the future, and multitasking, all of which hinder performance. With practical advice and mindfulness techniques, this episode offers a roadmap for creating balance, clarity, and success in a demanding legal career. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? ⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠ Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: ⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary, a seasoned attorney with 46 years of experience, converses with Doug Lineberry, an expert in intellectual property (IP) law. Doug shares his journey from employment litigation to IP law, emphasizing the importance of proactive patent and trademark protection. They discuss the patent application process, the necessity of trademark clearance searches, and strategies for maintaining trademark protection. Doug highlights the need for continuous learning in the evolving tech landscape and the significance of building strong client relationships. The episode offers valuable insights into IP law and underscores the importance of safeguarding intellectual property. Whether he is assisting clients with the protection of intellectual property through patent, trademark, and copyright prosecution, or intellectual property litigation, Doug Lineberry focuses on building relationships founded on trust and constant communication. Doug successfully prosecutes patent applications for mechanical, medical, and chemical technologies. He helps clients with establishing and protecting trademark portfolios, guarding against improper third-party use, and conducting enforcement actions. He advises his clients on all matters involving intellectual property, trade secrets, branding and marketing issues, and contractual and other business matters. Doug also works with mid-level companies within the biotech industry. This gives him the opportunity to use his broad connections to help bring their inventions to market safely while protecting their intellectual property every step of the way.   For Doug, ideas are everything. Bringing together his love of science and a desire to help people achieve something greater, Doug always knew he would be a lawyer. He is enthusiastic and inquisitive, and he thrives on the aggressive pursuit of truth that enables him to present the best options to his clients. Doug enjoys diving into the technical aspects of a case, working tirelessly through every facet. He brings his findings to a larger group to ensure that his clients benefit from the collective strengths of his team. When he is not working, Doug takes time to be involved in his children’s activities and is a self-proclaimed sci-fi movie buff. Doug earned his J.D. from Mercer University School of Law and his B.A. and B.S. from Emory & Henry College. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

In this episode, Gary Miles shares the common struggles of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled in the legal profession. Discover the power of mentorship, legal career transformation, and strategic career exploration as Gary talks about why many lawyers lose their sense of purpose and the hidden costs of staying in an unfulfilling practice. He provides practical steps to help lawyers reconnect with their passion for law, emphasizing the importance of aligning their practice with personal values. Sharing his own journey of transformation, Gary offers actionable guidance on making meaningful career changes to find fulfillment and joy in their work. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? ⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠ Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: ⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," the host discusses the importance of mindfulness in managing stress within the legal profession. The guest, Courtney Schulnick, an experienced litigator turned mindfulness coach, shares her journey from litigation to mindfulness after facing stress and anxiety. She explains the benefits of mindfulness for lawyers, addressing skepticism and providing practical insights into how mindfulness can help with self-awareness, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Courtney also introduces her upcoming mindfulness workshop aimed at helping lawyers integrate mindfulness into their busy lives to improve their mental well-being. Do you want increased productivity, reduced stress, and better work-life balance? Come to Courtney's Cultivating Mindfulness workshop on 1/25 at 10am. You can register here: https://www.courtneyschulnickmindfulness.com/events Courtney Schulnick, Esquire dedicated two decades to practicing law in the Casualty Department of Marshall Dennehey’s Philadelphia office, litigating cases in state and federal courts. As a seasoned litigator, she experienced firsthand the challenges of managing the stressors inherent in a high-pressure profession. Seeking a way to better navigate these demands, Courtney enrolled in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program at the Myrna Brind Center for Mindfulness at Jefferson in Philadelphia, PA. This transformative experience not only helped reduce her own stress, but also revealed the profound ways mindfulness can enhance both personal and professional well-being. Inspired to share these benefits with others, Courtney completed Jefferson’s extensive teacher training and now teaches MBSR and graduate-level courses at the Center for Mindfulness, as well as other mindfulness programs through her own business, "Courtney Schulnick Mindfulness."  Drawing on her legal background and mindfulness expertise, she specializes in helping professionals in the legal sector and other stress-prone industries cultivate resilience, focus, and balance. Her passion lies in transforming workplace cultures by fostering mindfulness practices that empower individuals to thrive in the present moment and create a more supportive environment that enhances well-being and optimizes performance. Courtney’s work goes beyond teaching mindfulness, focusing on fostering meaningful and lasting changes in professional environments. Her approach helps individuals and teams reduce stress, boost vitality, and cultivate greater job satisfaction. She envisions workplaces as spaces that inspire renewal and growth, empowering professionals to feel supported, recharge effectively, and stay connected to their purpose. When she’s not teaching or speaking, Courtney finds inspiration and grounding in her greatest teachers - her husband and their three sons - with whom she enjoys adventuring and exploring the beauty of the world. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

In this episode of The Free Lawyer podcast, Gary Miles speaks on the pressing issue of burnout in the legal profession. He introduces the concept of the value trap, where success can feel more like a prison than an achievement. Gary shares his personal journey from feeling stuck and unfulfilled in his practice to finding renewed purpose by aligning his career with his core values. Through this transformation, he transitioned into family law, where he could choose his clients and make a direct impact on their lives. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? ⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠ Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: ⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," the host Gary Miles, a seasoned attorney with 45 years of experience, welcomes Katherine Wilson and EJ Stern, experts in law firm marketing and business development. They discuss their innovative venture offering fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) services tailored for small to mid-sized law firms. Katherine and EJ highlight the benefits of this model, which provides high-level marketing expertise without the financial burden of a full-time executive. They share insights on branding, leveraging digital platforms, and the importance of authentic client engagement, offering practical tips for law firms to enhance their marketing efforts. Katherine enjoys helping clients exceed their goals and empowering attorneys and marketing professionals with the tools they need to succeed. Katherine has led large cross-function projects and teams in many market-facing initiatives, including multiple firm rebrands and brand identity platforms, website and digital development, multi-channel marketing campaigns, marketing and business development strategic plans, and thought leadership campaigns. She has significant experience leading marketing and business development functions, designing efficient department processes, managing vendor relationships and budgets, and leading large cross-firm initiatives that intersect with executive leadership and firm administrative departments. EJ advises law firms and lawyers on how to effectively expand their business and generate greater revenue. She is recognized for her ability to quickly assess challenges and develop and implement solutions. EJ has nearly 20 years of experience leading strategy, business development, marketing, and lateral integration for the legal industry. As a business development coach, she is adept at helping lawyers cultivate, retain, and grow their client base. EJ served as US Head of Client Development for Clyde & Co and Associate Director – Business Development Coaching for Troutman Pepper (f/k/a Troutman Sanders). She previously held marketing positions at Steptoe & Johnson and Proskauer Rose, as well. Defining Fractional Law Firm CMO (00:04:03)Benefits of Fractional CMO for Firms (00:05:37)Access to Diverse Skill Sets (00:08:19)Challenges in Law Firm Marketing (00:10:27)Common Mistakes in Law Firm Marketing (00:11:27)Customizing Marketing Strategies (00:13:35)Indicators for Needing a Fractional CMO (00:16:07)Approach to Branding for Law Firms (00:18:46)Building a Brand Foundation (00:19:41)Purposeful Branding (00:20:23)Meaningful Branding (00:20:35)Business Development Coaching (00:21:14)Understanding Client Needs (00:21:29)Building Authentic Relationships (00:22:18)Long-Term Business Development (00:22:46)Client-Centric Approach (00:23:27)Active Listening Skills (00:24:21)Current Trends in Legal Marketing (00:26:05)Leveraging Social Media (00:26:17)Authenticity in Marketing (00:30:13)Vulnerability in Professional Sharing (00:30:57)Investing in Fractional Marketing Services (00:33:12)Balancing Law Practice and Business Growth (00:36:40)Focusing on Existing Clients (00:38:23)Diverse Expertise in Marketing Services (00:38:51) Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

Discover how to create the law practice of your dreams by aligning your career with your core values in 2025. Learn lawyer marketing tips, how to manage fears, and leverage transferable skills for career growth. This episode of The Free Lawyer, shares actionable strategies to overcome mental barriers, redefine your legal journey, and build a practice that truly inspires and fulfills you. Whether you're navigating burnout or seeking career growth, gain expert insights to confidently transform your path and embrace new opportunities in the legal field. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles interviews RJon Robins, a coach for small law firms. They discuss the challenges small law firm owners face, particularly in managing the business side of their practice. RJon emphasizes the importance of outsourcing tasks, separating personal identity from business, and avoiding false economies. He also highlights the need for clear role definitions, identifying profit leaks, and developing a focused marketing strategy. The episode provides valuable insights and practical tips for small law firm owners to improve efficiency, profitability, and work-life balance. RJon Robins is an 8-figure entrepreneur, licensed attorney, and bestselling author. He founded How To Manage A Small Law Firm at his kitchen table while flat broke in 2009; he has since achieved 8,000% revenue growth and now has over 600 of the fastest-growing small law firm owners in the country as members. Operating in multiple countries, RJon works in the business about 90 days a year and spends 170 workdays launching new and profitable business ventures. He speaks to thousands of law firm owners annually, helping them define the meaning of profit and break free from the mindset that they need to suffer to build a profitable business. Challenges for Small Law Firm Owners (00:02:54)Lack of Business Training in Law School (00:03:30)Misconceptions About Law Firm Management (00:06:21)Understanding the Business of a Law Firm (00:09:04)Defining the Business of a Law Firm (00:10:33)Profitability Tips for Law Firms (00:13:24)Time Management and Delegation (00:14:31)Tracking Time Effectively (00:17:31)When to Expand Legal Staff (00:19:25)Cost of Doing Low-Value Work (00:21:41)Outsourcing Solutions (24:21)Understanding Costs (24:32)Stop Doing Low-Value Tasks (26:33)Three Key Tips for Lawyers (27:44)Identifying Revenue Growth Challenges (28:58)Fixing Marketing Strategies (30:03)Defining 'Emergency' (30:05)Client Prioritization (31:39)Defining Job Roles (34:32)Cost Efficiency Through Definition (35:42)Marketing Focus (37:12)Importance of Niche Marketing (38:25)Case Studies of Success (42:50)Working On vs. In the Business (44:32)Choosing a Business Model (46:35) Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

Align your legal practice with core values, set actionable goals, and boost visibility in 2025. In this episode, I discuss the importance of aligning your work with what truly matters to you. Learn how to turn setbacks into growth opportunities, create SMART goals, and build a network that enhances your practice's success. Whether you're aiming for professional fulfillment or expanding your client base, this episode offers actionable steps for lawyers looking to thrive in the new year. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles, a seasoned attorney with nearly 46 years of experience, engages with Charlene Gisele, a former lawyer turned high-performance coach and burnout prevention advisor. Charlene shares her personal journey from a high-pressure legal career to focusing on well-being and burnout prevention. Key themes include recognizing signs of burnout, managing guilt through mindfulness, and the importance of emotional resilience. Charlene emphasizes the need for self-care and offers practical strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance. The episode provides valuable insights for legal professionals seeking to transform stress into success. Charlène Gisèle is a former lawyer turned High-Performance Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and award-winning Keynote and TEDx Speaker. She is the host of The Charlene Gisèle Show podcast and leads the Wednesday Wellness Society, both dedicated to empowering professionals worldwide. Charlène is sought-after Burnout Advisor to world-leading organizations and her signature Burnout Prevention and High-Performance Game programmes have been praised by international media. Her methods help driven professionals optimize their well-being while sustaining peak performance. Workaholism and Burnout (00:04:45)Addiction to Work (00:05:51)Behavioral Patterns of Addiction (00:06:16)The Guilt of Non-Work (00:09:10)Recognizing Burnout (00:10:34)Escape to Inner Peace (00:11:31)Understanding Burnout (00:12:36)The Difference Between Doing and Being (00:13:08)Struggles with Presence (00:14:53)Sustainable Practices for Presence (00:15:51)Early Signs of Burnout (00:17:45)Recognizing Denial (00:19:12)Mindset Shift for Success (00:20:07)Balancing Work and Recovery (00:20:20)Understanding Guilt in Mind Management (00:22:38)Flexing Your Mind for Emotional Control (00:24:00)Practical Meditation Techniques (00:25:56)Building Emotional Resilience (00:26:47)Finding Positive Equivalents for Emotions (00:28:26)Common Misconceptions About Burnout (00:30:00)The Importance of Honesty in Self-Assessment (00:31:34)Seeking External Help for Overwhelm (00:33:16)Overcoming the Stigma of Seeking Help (00:34:57) Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call