The Free Lawyer

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," the host converses with Adriana Paris, Director of Attorney Development and Recruiting at Richmond Law. Adriana, a former civil litigator, discusses the challenges faced by junior associates, such as time management and work-life balance. She shares insights from her book "Rising Lawyer," offering practical advice for new lawyers. Adriana emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, aligning career choices with personal values, and setting boundaries to manage stress. Her upcoming book, "The Chill Lawyer," aims to help lawyers achieve work-life balance and personal fulfillment. As the Director of Attorney Development and Recruiting at Rissman Law, Adriana oversees the hiring, training, and retention of lawyers who share our firm's values and vision. She has more than 10 years of experience as a civil litigator, working in-house and at two large law firms, where she handled complex and high-stakes cases across various industries and jurisdictions.She also wrote "Rising Lawyer," a practical guide for law students and junior associates who want to succeed in the legal profession. Last year, Adriana ventured into the world of coaching where she works 1:1 with lawyers on productivity, implementing better time skills & reworking their daily routines in order to create more time for their personal lives. She is launching her first small group program for lawyers this fall. Challenges for Junior Associates (00:04:12)Adriana shares insights on common challenges faced by junior associates and her book's purpose. Time Batching Explained (00:09:05)The discussion covers the benefits of batching similar tasks, like emails and calls, for efficiency. Overcoming Overwhelm (00:12:08)Adriana provides suggestions for lawyers feeling overwhelmed and emphasizes planning for the next day. Achieving Work-Life Balance (00:14:05)Adriana discusses self-imposed anxiety and the importance of setting boundaries to improve balance. Self-Discovery Process (00:18:54)Adriana emphasizes the importance of self-discovery in identifying values and passions for career satisfaction. Understanding Career Transitions (00:19:00)Lawyers often feel uncertain about their career paths and need to reflect on their desires. Crafting Your Ideal Job (00:20:03)Steps to identify strengths and preferences for creating a fulfilling legal career. The Importance of Values (00:21:58)Lawyers often chase prestige, neglecting personal values and true job satisfaction. Tracking Personal Insights (00:22:55)Encouragement to document thoughts and desires for career direction and fulfillment. Authenticity in Law (00:26:26)Struggles with authenticity in legal careers and the importance of being true to oneself. Personal Fulfillment in Legal Careers (00:28:17)Discussion on the need for lawyers to align careers with personal passions and values. Shifting Attitudes in Law (00:29:50)Emerging focus on wellness and job satisfaction in the legal profession. Independent Legal Practices (00:30:54)Growing trend of lawyers starting their own firms for greater autonomy and fulfillment. 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 emphasizes the critical role of effective communication in the legal profession. He explores how strong communication skills impact client relationships, courtroom success, negotiations, and professional reputation. Gary provides practical techniques for clarity and persuasion, such as active listening, clear language, and empathetic communication. He argues that mastering these skills can lead to greater success, freedom, and happiness for lawyers. Lawyers can build trust, achieve better outcomes, and foster a positive professional environment by enhancing their communication abilities. The Importance of Listening (00:03:26)Gary emphasizes the significance of being listened to and heard in fostering respect and connection. Impact of Communication on Legal Success (00:04:37)Exploration of how effective communication influences client relationships, courtroom success, and negotiation outcomes. Building Trust through Communication (00:06:03)Effective communication is crucial for establishing trust with clients and colleagues, leading to better legal outcomes. Persuasion and Conflict Resolution (00:07:23)Communication skills are essential for persuasion in negotiations and resolving disputes effectively. Reputation Building (00:08:57)Mastering communication enhances professional reputation, leading to referrals and increased business opportunities. Critical Communication Skills (00:10:13)Gary outlines essential communication skills lawyers should master, starting with active listening. Clarity and Conciseness (00:11:50)Importance of clear and concise communication to avoid misunderstandings and keep audiences engaged. Nonverbal Communication (00:10:13)Discussion on how body language and facial expressions can enhance verbal communication. Persuasive Speaking (00:11:50)Crafting compelling arguments is crucial for convincing judges, juries, and opposing counsel. Confidence in Communication (00:11:50)Displaying self-assurance through tone and demeanor conveys authority and competence. Techniques for Enhancing Communication (00:12:25)Gary shares techniques for clarity and persuasion, including clear language and logical structure. Storytelling in Communication (00:14:49)Using storytelling to engage audiences and make legal arguments relatable. Emotional Connection (00:14:49)Connecting emotionally with audiences enhances the persuasiveness of arguments. Preparation for Effective Communication (00:15:19)Being well-prepared is essential for successful communication, whether in meetings or negotiations. Maintaining Nonverbal Cues (00:16:19)Importance of body language and eye contact in reinforcing verbal messages. Practicing Empathetic Communication (00:17:40)Understanding emotions behind messages fosters trust and improves communication quality. 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 converses with Arthur Levitan, an expert in Taoism, about applying Taoist principles to help professionals, particularly lawyers, manage stress and conflict. Arthur shares his journey from entrepreneurship to becoming a Taoist spiritual leader. He discusses the importance of balance, humility, and effective communication, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and the ability to step back and recharge. Arthur introduces concepts like "spiritual ROI" and offers practical advice on breaking the cycle of overthinking and approaching conflicts with a prepared and humble mindset. Arthur Levitan's journey from a tech titan to a Taoist master is a testament to the power of ancient wisdom in navigating modern chaos. Born in Ukraine and raised in Boston, he founded a $100M company and disrupted industries while seeking deeper meaning through rigorous Taoist study. Now, as a Western Taoist Master, he blends cutting-edge tech savvy with timeless Eastern philosophy to help individuals and teams transform crises into opportunities, offering a practical roadmap for thriving in turbulent times through his mission at California Tao. Applying Taoism to Stressful Situations (00:02:41)Arthur discusses how Taoist principles help professionals, particularly lawyers, navigate high-pressure circumstances effectively. Understanding Overthinking (00:04:28)Arthur explains the concept of overthinking and its detrimental effects on decision-making and emotional well-being. Breaking the Cycle of Overthinking (00:06:15)He recommends physical activities like walking to redirect focus and alleviate mental stress. Managing Conflict as a Lawyer (00:08:25)Arthur likens lawyers to modern warriors, emphasizing the importance of training and preparation to handle conflict. The Role of Humility (00:11:54)He discusses how humility fosters adaptability and awareness in legal practice, contrasting it with arrogance. The Importance of Listening (00:14:51)Arthur highlights the value of listening over speaking, noting that true understanding comes from being open to others. Perfectionism vs. Doing Your Best (00:17:30)He addresses the issue of perfectionism among lawyers, advocating for self-awareness and recognizing personal limits. The Balance of Tension and Relaxation (00:20:52)Arthur explains the necessity of balancing hard work with relaxation to maintain effectiveness and avoid burnout. Finding Joy Beyond Law (00:22:44)He advises lawyers to engage in activities outside of work to find contentment and reduce stress. Understanding Ego and Identity (00:23:17)Discusses how ego and pride can distort self-identity, encouraging a more balanced perspective on life. Judgment and Character (00:24:01)Explains how attaching self-worth to professional outcomes leads to self-judgment and misguided actions. The Importance of Presence (00:25:04)Focuses on the significance of staying present rather than dwelling on past failures or future worries. Control and Acceptance (00:25:53)Argues that individuals cannot control external events and should embrace the present moment instead. Living in the Moment (00:27:16)Emphasizes the need to appreciate today, rather than being lost in memories or future fantasies. The Value of Coaching (00:30:22)Stresses the importance of having mentors or coaches for support and guidance in personal and professional life. 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 explores the transformative power of storytelling for lawyers, especially in trial law. He explains how storytelling can enhance persuasion, engage audiences, and simplify complex legal issues. Gary provides practical techniques for crafting compelling narratives, emphasizing the importance of the human element in legal cases. He outlines the benefits of storytelling, such as emotional connection and memory retention, and offers strategies for structuring legal stories effectively. The episode aims to help lawyers improve their practice and achieve greater success and fulfillment in their careers. The Importance of Storytelling (00:01:09)Gary discusses the transformative power of storytelling in legal practice, especially for trial lawyers. Why Storytelling is Powerful (00:02:42)Explains how storytelling engages audiences, simplifies complex issues, and evokes emotional responses. Key Reasons for Storytelling's Persuasiveness (00:03:12)Details how storytelling captures attention enhances memory retention and builds credibility. Techniques for Compelling Storytelling (00:08:48)Gary outlines essential techniques for crafting effective narratives in legal contexts. 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 introduces career leadership coach Emily Hirsekorn, who shares her journey from studying positive psychology to coaching lawyers. Emily discusses key concepts like gratitude, flow, and optimism, and their role in combating stress and burnout among lawyers. She highlights the importance of recognizing burnout signs and introduces her "career confidence code" framework, which focuses on aligning career goals with personal values. Emily also addresses the challenges of self-doubt and provides strategies for achieving career clarity and fulfillment. The episode emphasizes self-reflection, value alignment, and the benefits of coaching for lawyers. Emily is a career leadership coach for lawyers with a background in private legal practice, anti-bias education, law career advising, and professional development. She is credentialed with the ICF—the gold standard in the industry—and is also certified with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) as an Energy Leadership™ Index-Master Practitioner and COR.E Leadership Dynamics™ Specialist. She offers iPEC’s robust leadership development curriculum designed to help maximize lawyer performance, influence, and fulfilment and delivers talks regularly on performance management and her signature framework The Career Confidence Code. Emily has supported thousands of lawyers and law students over the past decade through individual coaching, group programming, and corporate retreats, having worked most recently with organizational clients such as Littler Mendelson, Northwestern Mutual, the Florida Justice Association, and the South Asian Bar Association. As a mother of two, entrepreneur, and involved community member, Emily brings to her work a personal understanding of the competing needs of work and home. 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, host Gary Miles discusses the decline of civility in the legal profession, drawing from his nearly 46 years of experience. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining civility for a successful and fulfilling legal career. Gary explores the benefits of civility, such as enhanced professional relationships and reduced stress, while acknowledging the challenges lawyers face in upholding it. He offers practical strategies for fostering a more civil legal environment, encouraging lawyers to embrace civility as a core value to improve their well-being and professional satisfaction. The Importance of Civility (00:03:47)Civility enhances professional reputation, fosters trust, and facilitates effective communication, benefiting lawyers and clients. Challenges to Maintaining Civility (00:11:27)Factors like stress, adversarial nature, and client pressures hinder lawyers from practicing civility in their interactions. Handling Uncivil Lawyers (00:15:43)Strategies for dealing with uncivil lawyers include staying calm, leading by example, and focusing on client interests. Creating a Civil Legal Environment (00:19:55)Practical strategies for promoting civility include active listening, managing stress, and fostering empathy in interactions. Conclusion and Call to Action (00:25:29)Gary encourages lawyers to embrace civility as a core value for a successful and fulfilling legal career. Experiences with Civility (00:26:51)Discussion on personal experiences with civility and the impact of uncivil interactions among lawyers. 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 Cooper Saunders, the owner and founder of Wise Guys Digital Marketing in Kansas City, Missouri. They delve into digital marketing strategies tailored for law firms, discussing the significance of website design, online reputation, and effective marketing techniques. Cooper shares insights on hiring knowledgeable content creators, the importance of market research, and adapting to evolving client behaviors. He emphasizes the return on investment in digital marketing, illustrated through client success stories.  Cooper Saunders is the owner and founder of WiseGuys Digital Marketing in Kansas City, Missouri. He is also a national bestselling author. Cooper specializes in assisting law firms with their growth through digital marketing services such as local SEO, website design, and Google ads. He is widely recognized in the legal and marketing fields as one of the top digital marketing experts, and he has a wealth of successful case studies to support this reputation.Evaluating Digital Marketing Companies (00:03:10)Cooper advises law firms on how to assess the effectiveness of their digital marketing agencies. Starting a Law Firm and Client Acquisition (00:04:50)Discussion on the timeline for new law firms to see results from digital marketing efforts. Common Digital Marketing Mistakes (00:06:21)Cooper highlights typical errors law firms make and how to avoid them in their marketing strategies. Website Design Importance (00:08:29)Cooper explains the critical elements of effective website design for law firms and its role in marketing. Focus Marketing Method (00:10:05)Introduction to the focus marketing method and its benefits for law firms to attract better leads. Finding a Law Firm's Core Service (00:11:15)Cooper discusses the importance of effectively identifying a niche service to target marketing efforts. Understanding Quality Score (00:12:59)Explanation of Google's quality score and its impact on advertising effectiveness for law firms. Pillars of a Successful Marketing Campaign (00:14:06)Cooper outlines essential components for a law firm's marketing strategy beyond generating leads. Managing Online Reputation (00:16:56)Discussion on the significance of online reviews and reputation management for law firms. Getting Client Reviews (00:17:41)Cooper shares strategies for law firms to effectively request and manage client reviews. Content Creation for Law Firms (00:18:39)Content creation, including blogs and videos, is essential to establish authority and expertise. Hiring Legal Bloggers (00:19:52)Cooper discusses hiring bloggers with legal expertise to save time and ensure quality. Starting a Law Firm (00:20:38)Advice for aspiring lawyers on market research and choosing the right location for their practice. 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 addresses the issue of procrastination among lawyers. Sharing personal experiences, Gary explores the causes, effects, and symptoms of procrastination, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, and overwhelm. To help listeners manage their workload and reduce stress, Gary offers 12 practical strategies, including task prioritization, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and eliminating distractions. The episode aims to enhance job satisfaction and productivity, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps against procrastination and find the fulfillment and personal freedom they deserve. Understanding Procrastination (00:03:39)Discussion of procrastination's definition, causes, and effects on legal professionals. Causes of Procrastination (00:04:51)Exploration of common reasons for procrastination, including fear of failure and perfectionism. Effects of Procrastination (00:07:34)Overview of procrastination's negative impacts, such as missed deadlines and decreased job satisfaction. Signs of Procrastination (00:08:55)Identification of symptoms indicating procrastination, including frequent distractions and last-minute rushes. Recognizing Procrastination (00:13:21)Emphasis on self-awareness and recognizing procrastination signs to address the issue effectively. Strategies to Overcome Procrastination (00:14:51)Introduction to practical strategies for lawyers to conquer procrastination and enhance productivity. Prioritization Techniques (00:14:51)Advice on prioritizing tasks using the Eisenhower matrix for effective time management. Breaking Tasks into Manageable Steps (00:14:51)Encouragement to divide large tasks into smaller, manageable parts to reduce overwhelm. Daily Planning (00:15:01)Importance of establishing a daily routine and scheduling tasks the night before. Time Management Techniques (00:15:01)Recommendation to use specific time blocks for focused work sessions. Eliminating Distractions (00:16:01)Strategies to minimize distractions for improved focus and productivity. Shifting Mindset from Perfectionism (00:17:14)Encouragement to focus on progress instead of perfection to overcome procrastination. Practicing Self-Compassion (00:17:14)Advice on being kind to oneself and avoiding harsh self-criticism related to procrastination. Using Positive Reinforcement (00:17:14)Suggestions for rewarding oneself after completing tasks to encourage productivity. Embracing Delegation (00:18:29)Encouragement to delegate tasks to free up time for more critical work. Visualization Techniques (00:18:29)Use of visualization to imagine successful task completion and positive outcomes. Planning Ahead (00:18:29)Advice on proactive planning to avoid last-minute pressure and stress. Seeking Accountability (00:19:53)The importance of having an accountability partner to maintain motivation and track progress. 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 interviews Ivy Cadle, managing shareholder of Baker Donelson's Atlanta office and president of the Georgia Bar Association. Ivy shares his unconventional journey into law, emphasizing the importance of hard work, self-awareness, and unexpected career paths. He discusses his priorities as bar president, including leadership transitions, corporate governance, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. The conversation also highlights the significance of self-care, mentoring younger attorneys, and addressing mental health challenges within the legal community. Ivy underscores the value of relationships and continuous personal and professional growth. In his law practice, Ivy advocates for property and real estate owners and helps them find solutions to complicated problems. From the outset, his approach is guided by his extensive jury trial experience. As a licensed, certified public accountant, he also understands his clients' financial metrics and the risks to their property. Ivy takes ownership of his client's legal concerns and counsels them with the heart of a teacher. By owning their legal risk, Ivy allows his clients to return to their core business sooner to do what they do best. He is also the managing shareholder for Baker Donelson's Atlanta office and the President of the Georgia Bar Association. Balancing Responsibilities (00:07:36)Ivy explains how he manages his demanding roles through hard work and self-care. The Importance of Self-Care (00:10:06)Ivy emphasizes the need for personal health and well-being amidst a busy legal career. Mentoring Young Attorneys (00:13:45)Ivy discusses his mentoring efforts and the importance of guiding younger lawyers. Advice for Young Lawyers (00:17:51)Ivy advises young attorneys to show up consistently and focus on long-term career satisfaction. Challenges Faced by Lawyers Today (00:20:05)Ivy reflects on lawyers' diverse challenges, from personal issues to economic hardships. Self-Reflection and Success Measurement (21:17)Ivy discusses the importance of assessing personal progress and finding tools for success. Challenges in Law Practice (22:23)Ivy reflects on the unique challenges of managing a law firm and working with diverse opinions. Learning from Failure (24:17)The speakers emphasize that failures often provide the most valuable lessons for growth. Impactful Legal Cases (26:10)Ivy recounts a challenging case and the lessons learned from the experience. Personal Routines for Success (28:59)Ivy shares his focus on time management and prioritization to enhance productivity. Creating Time for Family (30:51)Ivy discusses the importance of being present with family and managing work-life balance. Setting Boundaries with Technology (32:19)The speakers discuss the need to limit distractions from modern technology to enhance focus. Exciting Upcoming Projects (33:52)Ivy expresses enthusiasm for his upcoming year as president of the Georgia Bar Association. Building Relationships in Law (37:10)Ivy highlights the significance of relationships built throughout his 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 Miles explores the concept of reframing fears that legal professionals face. Drawing from his 45 years of experience, Gary emphasizes cognitive reframing to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. He outlines strategies such as shifting catastrophic thinking, turning fear into motivation, viewing challenges as learning opportunities, and using positive self-talk. These techniques aim to reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and improve job satisfaction. This episode is part two of a series, continuing the discussion from the previous episode on managing fears in the legal profession. Cognitive Reframing Overview (00:02:13)Explanation of cognitive reframing as a technique to shift negative thoughts to positive ones. Three Steps of Cognitive Reframing (00:03:33)Identifying, challenging, and replacing negative thoughts to improve mental wellbeing. Shifting from Catastrophic to Balanced Thinking (00:04:49)Transforming worst-case scenarios into more balanced perspectives to reduce anxiety. Turning Fear into Motivation (00:05:56)Reframing fear of mistakes in court as a natural motivation to prepare thoroughly. Viewing Challenges as Learning Opportunities (00:07:05)Seeing difficult cases as chances for growth and learning rather than threats. Reframing Mistakes as Steps Toward Success (00:09:29)Understanding mistakes as part of the learning process rather than reflections of incompetence. Enhancing Self-Belief Through Positive Self-Talk (00:10:35)Using positive affirmations to counter self-doubt and bolster confidence. Focusing on What You Can Control (00:12:02)Shifting focus from uncontrollable factors to aspects you can influence for better performance. Using Visualization Techniques (00:13:16)Visualizing positive outcomes to reduce fear and enhance performance in high-stakes situations. Steps to Cultivate Reframing Habits (00:14:34)Practical steps to develop a habit of reframing negative thoughts into positive ones. Practice Self-Awareness (00:15:52)Being mindful of your thoughts and emotions to identify negative patterns. Challenging Negative Thoughts (00:17:12)Critically evaluating the validity of negative thoughts to foster a more balanced perspective. Replacing Negative Thoughts with Positive Ones (00:17:52)Creating a habit of substituting negative thoughts with constructive affirmations. Using Visualization for Success (00:18:22)Imagining successful outcomes to foster a positive mindset and reduce fear. Learning from Setbacks (00:18:55)Viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Using Positive Self-Talk (00:19:38)Encouraging self-talk to build confidence and counteract negative thoughts. 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