The Free Lawyer

In this podcast episode, Gary interviews Margeaux Thomas, a Virginia-based attorney who runs a successful business law and litigation firm. Margeaux shares her professional journey, from working at regional firms to starting her practice, driven by a desire for greater fulfillment and flexibility. She discusses her challenges, including the fear of leaving a stable job and the difficulties of building a client base. Margeaux also emphasizes the importance of diversity in the legal profession, mentorship, and effective communication. She offers valuable advice for young lawyers on finding personal and professional happiness, and the significance of aligning one's career with personal values. Over her 15+ year career as a lawyer, Margeaux has represented individuals and small businesses in complex commercial and real estate litigation and class action cases at the trial and appellate level throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Margeaux has first-chaired numerous trials for plaintiffs and defendants and obtained successful outcomes for her clients. Margeaux specializes in commercial landlord/tenant disputes, business partnership disputes, and contract disputes (franchise, partner, shareholder, non-compete, and non-solicitation, to name a few). In addition, Margeaux strives to promote diversity and inclusion through legal education and has traveled throughout the country as a faculty lecturer for Lawline, MyLawCLE, the National Business Institute, and LawPracticeCLE and has educated more than 4,000 attorneys on business litigation issues. Starting a Successful Firm (00:00:02), Margeaux shares her journey from working at regional firms to starting her successful practice. Challenges of Opening Own Firm (00:03:55) Margeaux discusses her fears and challenges when deciding to open her own firm. Mentorship and Career Building (00:09:29) Margeaux emphasizes the importance of mentorship and offers advice on how lawyers can support and guide younger attorneys. Learning to Generate Business (00:12:19) Margeaux shares her experience of learning to generate business and build her practice, offering insights and advice for young lawyers. The importance of happiness (00:15:38) Margeaux discusses the importance of determining one's definition of happiness and fulfillment in the legal profession. Challenges of owning a firm (00:16:50) Margeaux shares the challenges and misconceptions associated with owning a law firm, including the overwhelming responsibilities and the need for trust and risk tolerance. Reflection on career values (00:18:48) Gary emphasizes the importance of reflecting on career values and goals, and Margeaux discusses the significance of understanding one's career aspirations in the legal field. Challenges of being a lawyer and a business owner (00:22:24) Gary and Margeaux discuss balancing legal work with business management tasks, such as marketing, bookkeeping, and financial statements. Value of non-billable work (00:23:30) Margeaux emphasizes the value of non-billable work in legal practice and the importance of recognizing the significance of tasks beyond billable hours. Effective Communication and Negotiation (00:33:36) Insights on the importance of clear and direct communication with clients, opposing counsel, and judges for effective negotiation. Developing Professional Relationships (00:36:08) : The Importance of building professional relationships with opposing counsel, uplifting others in the legal community, and mentoring. 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 leverages his 45 years of legal experience to address the fears and stressors that lawyers and professionals face. He introduces cognitive reframing as a tool to manage these fears, such as fear of failure, judgment, uncertainty, and public speaking. Gary outlines the negative impacts of these fears and explains how cognitive reframing can transform negative thoughts into positive perspectives. He encourages listeners to return for the next episode, which will provide actionable steps for implementing these techniques. The Impact of Fear (00:01:09)Discusses how fear affects lawyers, including anxiety about trials and mistakes. Types of Fear Lawyers Experience (00:02:27)Explores common fears such as fear of failure, judgment, and public speaking. Consequences of Fear (00:05:07)Details how fear can cloud judgment, erode confidence, and lead to procrastination. Cognitive Reframing Explained (00:07:41)Introduces cognitive reframing as a psychological tool to manage fear and stress. Steps for Cognitive Reframing (00:08:59)Outlines the three steps: identify negative thoughts, challenge them, and replace with constructive thoughts. Benefits of Cognitive Reframing (00:10:13)Highlights benefits like reduced anxiety, improved resilience, and enhanced problem-solving skills. Improving Client Relationships and Professional Growth (00:12:53)Discusses how reframing fosters better client interactions and encourages continuous learning. Enhancing Mental Health and Job Satisfaction (00:14:16)Emphasizes how reframing contributes to better mental health and increased job satisfaction. 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 powerful episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, host Gary interviews Bruce Simpson, an attorney from Kentucky, who shares his personal journey with mental health challenges. Bruce discusses his successful legal career, struggles with self-doubt and perfectionism, and the triggering event that led him to the brink of suicide. He recounts his plan to end his life and the unexpected turn of events that saved him. Bruce emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and seeking support, highlighting the transformative impact of mental health treatment on his recovery and legal practice. Bruce is an accomplished attorney in Kentucky who now is a powerful advocate for mental health in the legal profession. Struggles with Self-Doubt (00:03:42) Bruce shares his lifelong battle with self-doubt and personal inadequacy, leading to mental health challenges. Success and Self-Worth (00:06:21) Bruce experiences success as a lawyer, receives affirmations from others, and struggles with self-worth and perfectionism. Triggering Event (00:10:29) Bruce discusses a triggering event, a court decision that led him to the brink of suicide due to feelings of failure and self-blame. Preparation for Suicide (00:13:54) Bruce reveals his detailed plan to end his life, including buying a gun and preparing to carry out the act. Failed Suicide Attempt (00:15:46) Bruce attempts to end his life in a cemetery but is interrupted by a defective bullet and a chance encounter with a friend. Unplanned Intervention (00:20:52) Bruce reconnects with a friend, leading to a healing conversation and a shift in his mindset. The turning point (00:25:17) Bruce's realization and decision not to go through with the suicide, the police involvement, and his initial mental health treatment. Recovery and transformation (00:28:17) Bruce's recovery journey, the impact of mental health treatment, and his personal transformation. Faith and spiritual growth (00:33:18) Bruce's exploration of faith, the impact of scripture and devotionals, and the change in his perspective on mental illness and treatment. Overcoming stigma (00:37:58) Bruce's experience with stigma, his decision to go public, and the impact on his legal practice.  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles explores the essential role of personal branding for lawyers in today's competitive legal market. He defines personal branding as marketing oneself by highlighting unique skills and values. Gary outlines the benefits, such as building trust, improving reputation, and attracting ideal clients. He addresses common objections and mistakes, emphasizing authenticity and consistency. Gary provides a step-by-step guide to creating a personal brand, including self-assessment, crafting a message, and building an online presence. He encourages lawyers to embrace personal branding for career success and fulfillment. The Importance of Personal Branding (00:01:01)Discussion on how personal branding helps lawyers stand out in a competitive field. Defining Personal Branding (00:02:21)Explanation of personal branding as marketing oneself and defining unique skills and values. Benefits of Personal Branding (00:05:04)Overview of how personal branding builds trust, enhances reputation, and attracts ideal clients. Common Objections to Branding (00:09:15)Addressing fears lawyers have about authenticity, time commitment, and self-promotion in branding. Mistakes in Personal Branding (00:11:31)Common errors lawyers make, like lack of clarity and consistency in their branding efforts. Steps to Create a Personal Brand (00:12:48)A step-by-step guide on self-assessment, crafting messages, and knowing your audience. Final Thoughts on Branding (00:16:53)Emphasizing the importance of authenticity and strategic branding for lasting success. Would you like to talk about how to grow your practice? Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary welcomes Tina Brigley, a world-renowned coach and personal development expert. Tina shares her journey from being a special education teacher to becoming a coach, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and self-awareness. She discusses the pitfalls of wishing days away and the significance of being present. Tina highlights the need for lawyers to prioritize self-care, embrace discomfort for growth, and foster genuine relationships. She also addresses overcoming impostor syndrome and the value of seeking help. Tina Brigley is a TedX speaker and international coach who has trained over 1,500 coaches and reached thousands more through workshops and trainings. Tina has been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, USA Today,  and Global Woman, and has been on the cover of Biz X magazine and was the recipient of 4 Globee Disruptor business awards. From her beginnings as a special education teacher, Tina was one of the few coaches in the industry to hit multi-seven-figures in less than 2 years, demonstrating remarkable determination and strategic thinking. Today, she will share the strategies and mindset shifts that fueled her success and can do the same for you. Embracing Discomfort (00:03:10) Discussion on embracing discomfort and the importance of being present in the moment. Letting Go of Attachment to Results (00:05:08) Tina talks about overcoming the fear of losing and the importance of letting go of attachment to results. Success Comes from Effort (00:06:59) The discussion on success and learning from setbacks and victories in the legal profession. Critical Mindset Shifts (00:08:28) Tina shares the concept of breakthroughs and blind spots and their significance in achieving success. Self-Awareness and Action (00:10:37) The importance of self-awareness and taking action for personal and professional growth. Living Your Own Dream (00:11:14) Discussion on identifying and pursuing one's own dreams rather than living someone else's. Courage to Pursue Personal Values (00:12:50) Tina's personal experience of aligning her values with her career choices and the courage it takes to make such decisions. Identifying and Breaking Through Limits (00:15:44) The significance of coaching and breaking through limitations to achieve success and happiness. Prioritizing Personal Growth (00:19:55) The importance of prioritizing personal growth and self-love for a fulfilling life and career. Fostering Relationships (00:21:41) Importance of listening and communicating in fostering relationships in the legal profession. Active Listening (00:22:17) The challenge of active listening for lawyers and the importance of truly understanding the client's needs. Curiosity and Empathy (00:23:21) The impact of curiosity and empathy on deepening relationships with clients and understanding their needs. Personal Development for Lawyers (00:24:42) The advantages of personal development for busy lawyers and strategies to prioritize personal growth. Intention and Action (00:26:33) The significance of intention and action in creating time for personal development and growth. Internal Freedom (00:30:42) Understanding and creating internal freedom for a life of happiness and fulfillment despite the pressures of legal practice. Living in the Now (00:38:44) The importance of living in the present moment and leaving the past behind to focus on creating a better future. Completion Energy (00:39:43) The impact of completing emotional loops and avoiding conflict to reduce stress and achieve peace of mind. Receiving Help and Self-Care (00:42:37) Tina emphasizes the importance of seeking help and self-care for personal well-being and success.  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 podcast episode, host Gary discusses the significance of mindfulness in the legal profession. He delves into the stress and frustration prevalent in law, advocating mindfulness to improve focus, well-being, and success. Quoting Louis L'Amour, he emphasizes living in the present. Gary explains mindfulness principles and their benefits, such as mental clarity, reduced stress, and better work-life balance. Practical tips for mindfulness, including meditation and journaling, are provided. The episode concludes with the transformative impact of mindfulness. The impact of mindfulness in law (00:01:33) Discussion on how mindfulness can help lawyers manage stress, improve focus, and enhance resilience. Understanding mindfulness for lawyers (00:03:00) Defining mindfulness for lawyers and its role in improving focus, decision-making, and well-being. Fundamental principles of mindfulness (00:04:22) Exploring the fundamental principles of mindfulness, including present moment awareness and non-judgmental observation. Benefits of mindfulness for lawyers (00:08:31) Discussing the benefits of mindfulness, including enhanced mental clarity, reduced stress, and improved work-life balance. Tips to improve mindfulness (00:11:30) Providing eight tips to help lawyers improve mindfulness, including daily meditation and mindful time management. Embracing mindfulness for a balanced legal practice (00:18:46) Encouraging the practice of mindfulness for a more balanced, compassionate, and effective legal practice. Would you like to schedule a call to discuss how you can apply mindfulness in your law practice? Click this link: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Tracy Inscore, a California lawyer turned holistic energy practitioner. Tracy shares her journey from experiencing severe burnout and imposter syndrome to discovering holistic wellness practices. She discusses the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in managing stress and preventing burnout among lawyers. Tracy explains the mind-body connection and the importance of addressing root causes of stress rather than just symptoms. She outlines a three-step process for overcoming burnout and emphasizes the need for self-care and holistic practices in the legal profession. Tracy envisions a future where stress management techniques are integrated into legal education. Root cause of burnout (00:01:25) Discussion on the internal struggles and imposter syndrome leading to burnout. Realization of internal issues (00:02:23) Understanding that the problem lies within and the need for deep healing. EFT process and effectiveness (00:07:32) Discussion on how EFT works and its effectiveness in managing stress for lawyers. Mind-body disconnect and immediate feedback (00:10:56) Exploring the disconnect between mind and body and the immediate feedback mechanism of EFT. Burnout misconceptions and origin story (00:16:08) Challenging misconceptions about burnout and understanding the origin story's importance in overcoming burnout. Drive and subconscious influence (00:23:32) Tracy explains how subconscious influences can lead individuals, including lawyers, to pursue high-stress professions and the desire to change past emotional experiences. Effectiveness of EFT in managing stress (00:25:52) Tracy discusses how Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can address subconscious and nervous system responses to stress, leading to lasting change. Three-step process to overcome burnout (00:28:30) Tracy outlines a three-step process to address burnout, including taking the edge off, working on underlying issues, and creating a new path aligned with one's values. Holistic wellness in the legal profession (00:32:16) Tracy envisions the integration of holistic wellness practices, like EFT, in the legal profession to promote well-being and authentic healing.  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 struggling to manage stress in the legal profession? In this podcast episode, host Gary shares strategies for overcoming anxiety, strongly emphasizing self-care. He underlines the importance of regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and mental well-being activities, all crucial for your well-being. Gary also highlights productivity techniques like goal-setting, time management, and minimizing distractions. The importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance is also discussed. Mentoring is introduced as a valuable tool for support and perspective. The episode concludes with a powerful message: your well-being is paramount for professional success and personal satisfaction. The importance of self-care (00:01:10) Explanation of the significance of self-care in managing stress, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being, resilience, focus, productivity, and work-life balance. Tips for practicing self-care (00:02:32) Practical tips for incorporating self-care into daily routines include prioritizing self-care, mindfulness, physical activity, sufficient sleep, healthy eating, staying connected, practicing gratitude, and taking breaks. Productivity techniques (00:08:08) Methods for improving productivity include setting clear goals, time management, prioritization, efficiency, work-life balance, and building confidence. Setting Boundaries (00:15:21) The importance of setting limits to maintain a healthy work-life balance, managing stress, and tips for professionally asserting boundaries. Mentoring for stress management (00:18:54) The benefits of having a mentor in managing stress include listening, providing perspective, emotional support, sharing strategies, encouraging boundaries, offering feedback, and creating a vision. Do you struggle with stress in your professional life?  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 podcast episode, host Gary, a lawyer, welcomes Courtney Schulnick, a fellow lawyer and mindfulness teacher from Pennsylvania, to discuss the crucial role of mindfulness in managing stress in the legal profession. Courtney shares her journey with stress and anxiety, intensified by her responsibilities as a litigator and personal challenges. She explains how mindfulness helped her manage these issues and transition from being a student to being a mindfulness teacher. The episode underscores the significant benefits of mindfulness in reducing stress and anxiety, improving well-being, and enhancing professional performance. Courtney also offers practical mindfulness practices and addresses common misconceptions and skepticism among lawyers. Courtney Schulnick, Esquire, serves as Special Counsel in Marshall Dennehey’s Philadelphia office.  She has worked in its Casualty Department for nearly two decades, litigating cases in local, state, and federal courts. To better manage her anxiety and the stressors associated with litigation and life in general, she enrolled in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program offered at the Myrna Brind Center for Mindfulness at Jefferson in Philadelphia, PA. Courtney noticed how the practice of mindfulness increasingly enriched her life on both a professional and personal level. A desire to deepen her practice and share the gift of mindfulness with others encouraged her to complete the extensive teacher training at Jefferson, where she now teaches the MBSR Program. Courtney pursues her passion for helping people by teaching mindfulness so they can live more fully in the present moment and achieve excellent balance, vitality, and health. Perhaps her greatest teachers are her husband and three young boys, with whom she enjoys spending time and exploring their new hometown of Haddonfield, New Jersey.   Challenges of Being Present (00:08:19) The difficulty of being present and the self-created stress from not being fully engaged in the present moment. Benefits of Self-Compassion (00:13:32) Discussion on the importance of being kinder to oneself and the impact of self-compassion on stress levels. Personal and Professional Impact of Mindfulness (00:14:22) The personal and professional benefits of mindfulness in managing stress and anxiety, and the ability to respond thoughtfully in professional settings. Mindfulness Awareness and Self-Support (00:17:36) The role of mindfulness in creating self-awareness and self-support for attorneys dealing with stress and overwhelm. Transition to Teaching Mindfulness (00:20:08) Courtney's transition from being a student of mindfulness to becoming a mindfulness teacher and the inspiration behind it. On-the-Spot Mindfulness Practices (00:22:55) Examples of on-the-spot mindfulness practices, such as the three relaxing sighs, to help lawyers find ease and relaxation in high-stress situations. The challenges of mindfulness (00:25:33) Discussion about the challenges lawyers face in adopting mindfulness practices due to their demanding schedules and the misconception of not having time. The benefits of mindfulness (00:31:25) Exploration of how mindfulness can help lawyers reduce stress, anxiety, improve sleep, communication, and manage habitual patterns. Acceptance and response (00:34:02) The concept of acceptance and how mindfulness can help lawyers respond wisely to challenging situations, leading to better interactions and reduced stress.  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

Feeling the pressure of the legal profession? In this episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, our host Gary, a seasoned lawyer, tackles the pervasive issue of stress and its impact on lawyers' well-being and job satisfaction. Starting a two-part series, the first part uncovers the root causes of stress, such as billable hour requirements, client pressures, and internal competition. Gary shares his personal experiences, highlighting the severe impact of stress on mental health, relationships, and job performance. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own stress and assures them that there is support for managing it effectively. Background of Stress (00:00:02) Introduction to stress in the legal profession and the impact on well-being and job satisfaction. Primary Causes of Stress (00:01:09) Discussion of the main factors contributing to stress, including billable hour requirements, financial concerns, client pressures, heavy workload, conflicts with other attorneys, pressure of failure, high stakes cases, competition within the firm, and demands of partners. Impact of Stress (00:03:50) Exploration of the adverse effects of stress on mental health, relationships, physical health, happiness, and job performance. Tools to Manage Stress (00:15:12) Preview of the upcoming episode focusing on four primary tools for managing stress and encouraging listeners to reflect on their experiences with stress. Do you feel stress in your practice?  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call