The Free Lawyer

In this episode of The Free Lawyer Podcast, host Gary Miles explores the path to mastering personal freedom by addressing common challenges faced by stressed and unfulfilled legal professionals. Gary shares transformative strategies like making peace with your past, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing a long-term perspective. With actionable advice on reclaiming your independence and fostering self-mastery, this episode offers tools to help you balance your personal and professional life. Tune in to discover how to turn stress into success and create a life of joy and freedom. 00:00 Episode Introduction 02:50 Make Peace with Your Past 03:51 Reflective Journaling 04:59 Forgiveness 06:12 Positive Self Talk 07:30 Mindfulness 08:41 Time Heals Most 11:03 Your Happiness is Your Responsibility 13:23 Avoid Comparison 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 Olga Mack, a legal professional with a diverse background, about career pivots in the legal field. Olga shares her journey from law firm roles to in-house positions, emphasizing the importance of understanding push and pull factors in career decisions. She discusses the significance of mindset, networking, and skill development in making successful transitions. Olga offers practical advice on leveraging networks and tailoring resumes to align with career goals. The episode provides valuable insights and encouragement for lawyers considering a career shift, highlighting the need for intentionality and self-reflection. Olga V. Mack is a visionary leader at the intersection of law, technology, and innovation. With a rich background as an award-winning general counsel, operations specialist, and tech startup advisor, she champions adopting AI-driven solutions that enhance the functionality and accessibility of law. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Olga's insights have graced prestigious platforms such as TEDx, Newsweek, Bloomberg, Forbes, Above the Law, and ACC Docket, where she shares her expertise on the profound implications of disruptive technologies. With her unparalleled blend of legal acumen and technological savvy, Olga leads the charge toward a future where innovation and efficiency define the legal landscape. In-House Transition Discussion (00:02:31)Gary and Olga discuss the experience of lawyers considering a transition from law firms to in-house roles. Understanding Push and Pull Factors (00:05:16)Olga explains the difference between push factors (negative) and pull factors (positive) in career decisions. Importance of Values in Career Decisions (00:07:30)Gary emphasizes the need for lawyers to understand their values when considering career changes. Factors Attracting In-House Work (00:09:02)Olga discusses her motivations for wanting to work in-house, focusing on creation over litigation. Designing Your Life (00:11:00)Olga shares her transformative experience with design thinking and how it helped her define her life goals. Key Factors Driving Career Shifts (00:12:10)Olga identifies the personal factors influencing lawyers to consider significant career changes. Framework for Career Pivots (00:13:17)Olga introduces her three-factor framework: skills, network, and mindset, for navigating career transitions. Skills as a Starting Point (00:14:13)Olga highlights the importance of focusing on skills when considering a career pivot. Building Skills for Career Shifts (00:16:33)Olga advises on practical steps lawyers can take to build skills when contemplating a job change. Networking for Career Support (00:25:49)Olga shares her approach to building and maintaining a supportive professional network throughout her career. Building a Network (00:26:29)Discusses the importance of starting to build a network early and educating it about your potential. Depth vs. Breadth in Networking (00:29:41)Explores the balance between deep relationships and broader connections in professional networking. Creating Authentic Relationships (00:30:58)Emphasizes the significance of mutual trust and support in developing genuine professional relationships. 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

Are you ready to build resilience and thrive in your legal career? In this episode, success coach Gary Miles shares six powerful habits that can help attorneys and professionals develop resilience for lasting career success. Whether you're facing challenging times in your work or looking to grow in your professional life, these strategies are essential for both career development and professional development. Gary Miles has spent years guiding individuals in law and other demanding fields, teaching them how to stay strong, focused, and resilient. By adopting these career-changing habits, you can build a foundation that not only strengthens your resilience but also propels your career to new heights. These techniques are designed for anyone dedicated to personal and professional growth, especially those committed to making a meaningful impact in their field. 00:00 Episode Introduction 01:28 The Importance of Mental Resilience 03:50 Don't Dwell on Setbacks 06:16 Embrace Change 08:31 Focus on What You Can Control 09:46 Kindness and Assertiveness 12:17 Take Calculated Risks 13:43 Celebrate Other's Success 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 welcomes Doug Wood, author of "Dawn to Dusk: How to Build a Multimillion Dollar Law Practice and Then Give It Away." Doug shares his journey from facing multiple law school rejections to building a successful legal career by applying business principles. He emphasizes the importance of planning for retirement and addresses the emotional challenges lawyers face when transitioning out of practice. The episode highlights the need for self-care, proactive planning, and open communication to achieve personal and professional fulfillment in the legal field. Douglas Wood wants to light a fire under lawyers preparing for retirement! Having recently separated from a global firm after building an eight-figure practice, Doug Wood has a wealth of personal experience planning for your exit. In his new book and business, Doug will show and inspire tenured attorneys how to transition their practices, close their law firms, and prepare for a purposeful retirement. His book, From Dawn to Dusk, includes sections on building and leaving the practice, gives strategies based on business principles, and analyzes your strengths and weaknesses. Many retirement books discuss following your dreams, but you’ll never get there without a plan. The most challenging parts of an attorney’s life are entering and exiting the field, and nobody else with the experience Doug has is talking about it. Beyond the book, join him for speaking engagements, consulting, business development, and corporate training. Building a Successful Law Practice (00:03:40)Doug discusses using business principles and SWOT analysis to build a successful law practice. Transitioning from Law Practice to Retirement (00:05:31)Doug shares his experiences and challenges faced during his transition from practicing law. Lack of Transition Planning Among Lawyers (00:08:02)Doug discusses why many lawyers fail to plan for their transition and the importance of doing so. Benefits of Good Transition Planning (00:10:11)Doug highlights the advantages of effective transition planning for lawyers, firms, and clients. Business Principles for Young Lawyers (00:11:09)Doug advises young lawyers on essential business principles to grow their practice effectively. 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 benefits of specialization in legal practice. Drawing from his 45 years of experience, Gary argues that focusing on a specific area of law enhances lawyers' expertise, credibility, and career fulfillment. He addresses common concerns about limiting client bases and outlines the advantages of specialization, including increased marketability, stronger client relationships, and greater efficiency. Gary also provides actionable steps for transitioning from a general practice to a niche practice, aiming to inspire lawyers to thrive in a competitive legal landscape through specialization. The Power of Specialization (00:01:01)Discusses the transformative effects of focusing on a specific area of law. Benefits of Specialization (00:02:22)Explores how specialization enhances expertise, credibility, and client attraction. Marketability and Client Relationships (00:03:38)Specialization increases marketability and fosters deeper client relationships. Efficiency and Effectiveness (00:04:51)Highlights how specialization boosts efficiency and effectiveness in legal practice. Referral Opportunities (00:06:09)Specialization leads to increased referrals from other attorneys and builds a professional network. Greater Fulfillment (00:06:40)Discusses how specialization contributes to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment. Challenges of Specialization (00:07:22)Addresses common fears and challenges lawyers face when considering specialization. Continuous Learning Commitment (00:08:32)Emphasizes the need for ongoing education and staying current in a niche area. Steps to Building a Niche Practice (00:09:43)Outlines actionable steps for transitioning from general practice to a specialized one. Researching Demand (00:10:43)Encourages researching market demand for the chosen niche area of law. Acquiring Expertise (00:11:10)Advises on investing in professional development to become an expert in the niche. Building an Online Presence (00:11:10)Stresses the importance of a professional website and online visibility for niche practice. Networking and Collaboration (00:11:10)Encourages joining professional associations and networking with peers. Marketing Your Niche Practice (00:12:36)Discusses targeted marketing strategies to attract ideal clients in a niche area. 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 lawyer with 45 years of experience, discusses the importance of LinkedIn for professional growth with Caroline Pennington, a LinkedIn expert. Caroline shares her journey and offers practical tips on optimizing LinkedIn profiles, creating engaging content, and building meaningful connections. The episode emphasizes the significance of consistent content creation, personal branding, and authentic engagement on LinkedIn. Caroline also highlights the benefits of pre-scheduling posts and measuring success through meaningful connections rather than viral moments. Former Corporate Executive Recruiter turned LinkedIn Expert Caroline teaches you how to grow your personal brand and business on LinkedIn! After 15 years of working in Corporate, she knew she was no longer serving her purpose. There was this tiny voice inside her saying, "You were made for more," and she couldn't ignore it any longer. In 2021, she launched ChilledVino, her patented wine drinkware product; in 2023, she launched my podcast, The Feminine Founder. LinkedIn as a Networking Platform (00:03:20)The advantage of LinkedIn is that it connects with potential clients compared to other social media. Optimizing LinkedIn Profile (00:05:12)Having a professional LinkedIn profile as an online resume for establishing expertise is important. About Section Best Practices (00:08:28)Tips for writing a practical and approachable 'About' section on LinkedIn. Finding Ideal Clients on LinkedIn (00:09:24)Strategies for using LinkedIn's search features to identify and connect with ideal clients. Effective Content Types (00:10:27)Discussion on the types of content that perform well on LinkedIn, emphasizing pro tips. Posting Frequency Recommendations (00:12:09)Caroline recommends posting five days a week for optimal engagement and visibility. Utilizing Polls on LinkedIn (00:13:03)The benefits of using polls to engage with the audience and gather insights. Importance of Video Content (00:13:35)Caroline highlights the growing significance of video content on LinkedIn for building trust. Personal Success on LinkedIn (00:14:21)Caroline shares her success story and opportunities that arose from her LinkedIn activity. Common LinkedIn Mistakes (00:16:28)Caroline identifies common objections and mistakes people make when starting on LinkedIn. Authenticity in LinkedIn Posts (00:17:33)The importance of mixing personal stories with professional content for authenticity. Building Connections on LinkedIn (00:18:46)Strategies for using direct messaging to build relationships with potential clients. Consistency on LinkedIn (00:20:21)The significance of posting consistently and how it enhances credibility and engagement. Content Scheduling Tips (21:06)Caroline discusses the benefits of pre-scheduling content for efficiency and engagement. Measuring LinkedIn Success (22:09)Gary and Caroline explore how to assess success on LinkedIn beyond going viral. 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, with 46 years of litigation experience, discusses strategies for dealing with difficult opposing attorneys. He identifies various problematic behaviors such as aggression, uncooperativeness, manipulation, and condescension and their negative impacts, such as increased stress and reduced productivity. Gary offers practical advice on maintaining professionalism, setting boundaries, documenting interactions, and using effective communication and conflict-resolution techniques. The episode aims to help lawyers transform stressful interactions into growth opportunities, enhancing their professional resilience and effectiveness. The Challenge of Difficult Opposing Attorneys (00:01:08)Discussion on the everyday struggles lawyers face with rude or aggressive opposing counsel. Types of Difficult Behaviors (00:02:30)Overview of aggressive, uncooperative, manipulative, passive-aggressive, condescending, demanding, emotional, and non-communicative behaviors. Impact of Difficult Behaviors (00:07:52)Exploration of how challenging behaviors increase stress, reduce productivity, and lead to emotional exhaustion. Managing Difficult Attorneys (00:10:26)Strategies for maintaining professionalism and managing interactions with difficult opposing counsel. Upholding Professionalism (00:11:50)The importance of remaining composed and respectful in the face of provocation. Establishing Clear Boundaries (00:13:11)Communicating expectations for professional behavior from the outset of interactions. Documenting Interactions (00:13:50)The necessity of meticulous documentation of all communications with opposing counsel. Effective Communication Techniques (00:14:29)Strategies for clear and concise communication to minimize misunderstandings. Utilizing Conflict Resolution Techniques (00:15:53)Emphasizing areas of agreement to foster collaboration and reduce confrontation. Focusing on the Facts (00:16:32)Encouragement to keep discussions centered on legal issues rather than personal attacks. Obtaining Support (00:16:52)The value of seeking guidance and moral support from colleagues or mentors. Knowing When to Escalate (00:17:09)Advice on filing complaints against unethical or abusive opposing counsel. 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 45 years of experience, discusses common billing challenges lawyers face with guest Molly Kremer, a certified life coach and former litigator turned billing coach. Molly shares her journey from litigation to coaching, emphasizing the importance of contemporaneous billing over reconstructive billing to avoid inaccuracies and stress. She addresses psychological barriers like guilt and procrastination, offering strategies to shift mindsets and improve billing practices. The episode provides practical advice and insights to help lawyers manage their billing more effectively and achieve professional satisfaction. Molly Kremer is a Certified Life Coach, and former big law litigator turned billing coach who helps attorneys go from struggling with their billing to finally solve ALL of their unhelpful billing habits.  Unhelpful billing habits that most attorneys struggle with include procrastinating their billing, underbilling some time, missing or forgetting billable time, not billing for the time that could have been billed, and then having to overwork or overbill to make up for that time.  She’s been successfully helping hundreds of attorneys go from stressfully struggling and hating having to bill their time - to easy, effortless contemporaneous timekeeping utilizing her proven billing models and billing strategies.   Contemporaneous vs. Reconstructive Billing (00:04:32)Molly contrasts contemporaneous billing, which is done immediately, with reconstructive billing, which is done later. Common Billing Struggles (00:09:11)Molly identifies procrastination, underbilling, and confusion about billable tasks as major challenges for attorneys. Understanding Billable Time (00:10:48)Molly emphasizes that time is billable if it adds value and moves the case forward, encouraging open discussions. Addressing the Taboo of Billing (00:12:01)Molly aims to remove the stigma around billing, promoting conversations to help attorneys feel more confident. Strategies for Better Billing (00:12:59)Molly shares her coaching tools to help attorneys understand and overcome their negative thoughts about billing. Shifting Mindset Around Billing (00:15:03)Molly explains how generating awareness and shifting thoughts can help attorneys feel better about billing. Common Misconceptions About Billing (00:16:53)Molly discusses the belief that billing is unimportant and how it leads to avoidance and procrastination. Billing Backlog and Panic (00:17:57)Discussion on how billing piles up, leading to panic and procrastination as deadlines approach. Handling Interruptions (00:19:04)Strategies for managing constant interruptions while drafting motions and the impact on billing. Mindset Shifts for Billing (00:21:06)Coaching on overcoming procrastination and using pauses to improve billing practices. Guilt Over Guesstimating Time (00:24:28)Addressing feelings of guilt attorneys experience when they guesstimate their billing hours. Mindset's Role in Billing Practices (00:26:22)Exploring how mindset impacts billing habits and developing a positive billing identity. Taking Control of Time (00:29:15)Encouraging attorneys to manage their time intentionally rather than ceding control to others. Differences in Billing Challenges (00:31:00)Contrasting billing issues faced by new attorneys versus those with years of experience. Benefits of Improved Billing Practices (00:33:40)Clients report meeting billing goals and capturing more hours after adopting better practices. Emotional Freedom in Billing (00:35:38)Discussion on how emotional freedom impacts lawyers' billing practices and reduces guilt and stress. 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 strategies for managing difficult clients in the legal profession, drawing from his 45 years of experience. He categorizes challenging clients into four types: those with unrealistic expectations, excessive communication demands, lack of trust, and emotional volatility. Gary emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries, educating clients, and maintaining effective communication. He also provides conflict resolution techniques and advises on ethically terminating client relationships when necessary. Throughout the episode, Gary underscores the value of empathy and professionalism in transforming challenging interactions into positive outcomes. Understanding Difficult Clients (00:03:43)Gary highlights the impact of demanding clients on professional success and personal well-being. Identifying Characteristics of Demanding Clients (00:05:03)Exploration of common traits of challenging clients, including unrealistic expectations and excessive communication demands. Emotional Volatility in Clients (00:06:19)Discussion on clients’ emotional states and the stress they experience during legal proceedings. Empathy and Client Selection (00:08:45)Gary emphasizes the importance of empathy and being selective in client representation. Setting Clear Expectations (00:09:48)Strategies for establishing boundaries and managing client expectations from the start. Communication Boundaries (00:11:00)Advice on setting communication limits to manage client demands effectively. Discussing Fees and Billing Practices (00:12:10)Importance of transparency in fees and billing to prevent misunderstandings. Effective Client Communication (00:12:38)The role of open communication in maintaining strong client relationships. Resolving Client Disputes (00:14:38)Strategies for managing conflicts and maintaining professionalism during disputes. Listening and Composure (00:15:49)The significance of active listening and staying calm when clients express concerns. Termination of Client Relationships (00:17:01)Guidelines for ethically and professionally terminating difficult client relationships. 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 Kellam Parks, managing member of Parks Ziegler law firm. They discuss Kellam's journey from law school to managing a successful, paperless, and tech-driven firm. Kellam shares practical insights on the importance of systematic planning, effective delegation, and time management. He highlights his use of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and the benefits of coaching. The conversation also covers work-life balance and technology integration in legal practice. Kellam emphasizes the value of continuous learning and offers practical advice that aspiring law firm owners can implement immediately. Kellam T. Parks is a managing member of Parks Zeigler, PLLC, headquartered in Virginia Beach. This paperless, technologically driven law practice has three offices in Virginia and North Carolina. Kellam is a Tidewater native who has practiced there for over 20 years. Kellam is active with the Virginia State Bar and is the former chair of the Special Committee on Technology and the Future Practice of Law Technology. Kellam frequently writes and speaks about the modernization and use of technology in law practice, including topics such as ethics, electronically stored information, and practice management/marketing. Decision-Making in Business (00:09:40)Kellam explains the difference between one-way and two-way door decisions in business. Transition to Managing a Law Firm (00:12:21)He discusses the challenges and rewards of shifting focus from practicing law to managing a firm. Desire to Help Other Lawyers (00:14:08)Kellam expresses his passion for coaching and supporting other lawyers in their careers. Benefits of Coaching and Learning (00:16:45)He shares insights gained from coaching and peer interactions at legal marketing conferences. Business Coaching Insights (00:19:29)Kellam discusses hiring a business coach to streamline operations and implement an organizational system. Mistakes in Firm Growth (00:20:49)Kellam reflects on early mistakes, including the need for a systematic game plan and core values. The Importance of Delegation (00:22:29)He shares lessons learned about the value of proper delegation and its impact on efficiency. Time Management Strategies (00:25:07)Kellam explains his regimented time management approach, including time blocking for tasks. Efficient Communication Practices (00:27:08)He emphasizes scheduling calls and managing client expectations to enhance efficiency. Advice for Aspiring Law Firm Owners (00:29:13)Kellam offers key questions and tips for lawyers considering starting their firms. Key Factors for Firm Success (00:35:11)He identifies integrity, reputation, and technology as crucial to the firm's success. 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