The Free Lawyer

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles, with 45 years of legal experience, explores the essential elements of building strong client relationships. He emphasizes managing client expectations, maintaining effective communication, providing exceptional service, and addressing client concerns. Gary advises lawyers to set clear expectations, communicate regularly, personalize services, and handle dissatisfaction professionally. By following these principles, lawyers can enhance client satisfaction and achieve greater success and fulfillment in their practice. Building Strong Client Relationships (00:01:05)Discuss enhancing client relationships through trust, exceptional service, and managing expectations. Managing Client Expectations (00:03:33)Exploration of strategies to set realistic expectations and understand client needs to avoid dissatisfaction. Effective Client Communication (00:09:50)Maintaining open communication, providing regular updates, and responding promptly to client inquiries are important. Providing Exceptional Service (00:13:47)Steps to personalize service, exceed client expectations and create a positive client experience. Handling Client Concerns (00:17:31)Strategies for addressing client dissatisfaction through active listening, professional responses, and proactive communication. 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 45 years of legal experience, converses with Heather Moulder, a former big law partner turned lawyer coach. Heather, a breast cancer survivor, shares her journey from a successful legal career to coaching lawyers for personal and professional fulfillment. Key themes include the importance of personal values, tailored marketing strategies, work-life balance, emotional intelligence, active listening, acceptance, and intentional decision-making. Heather emphasizes the power of a support system and overcoming isolation in the legal profession, offering practical advice for lawyers seeking a more fulfilling career. Heather Moulder is a former Big Law partner (and 18+ year practicing attorney) turned lawyer coach, and host of the Life & Law Podcast. After a battle with breast cancer, she traded in her multi-million dollar book of business to help lawyers build their ideal law practice around the life they actually want to live.Using a unique framework tailored to each client's strengths, values and needs, Heather supports attorneys to build a seven-figure legal practice without having to sacrifice themselves in the process. Her clients rave about how this personalized framework enables them to both 10x their performance and reenergize professionally. Life & Law Podcast: https://www.lifeandlawpodcast.comCoaching: https://www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermoulder/ Common Mistakes in Business Development (00:09:11)Heather identifies key mistakes lawyers make in business development, including incorrect assumptions. Connecting with Clients (00:10:46)Heather explains the need for lawyers to communicate in a way that resonates with clients' needs. Shifting Focus from Self to Client (00:11:03)She advocates for a mindset shift from self-promotion to focusing on serving clients effectively. Mindset Struggles in Business Development (00:12:30)Heather discusses lawyers' fears about reputation and how it affects their approach to business development. Overcoming Self-Promotion Fears (00:16:10)Heather shares strategies for lawyers to promote themselves authentically without feeling self-promoting. Finding Time for Business Growth (00:20:25)She addresses concerns about time management, offering insights on balancing business growth with a busy schedule. Marketing Strategies for Lawyers (00:21:32)She emphasizes starting with one marketing activity, like writing short LinkedIn posts, to build consistency. Aligning Skills with Values (00:22:37)The conversation focuses on aligning clients' skills and values to create effective marketing strategies. Balancing Work and Energy (00:27:09)They explore how to grow a business while maintaining balance and avoiding burnout. Intentional Time Management (00:29:10)The speakers discuss the importance of intentionally choosing how to use time for personal fulfillment. Acceptance as a Leadership Tool (00:34:29)Heather shares how accepting chaos can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership (00:36:54)The conversation shifts to the importance of emotional intelligence for effective leadership and self-awareness. Listening as a Leadership Skill (00:38:41)They discuss how becoming a better listener enhances leadership abilities and understanding of others. 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 continues his series on work-life integration, offering strategies for lawyers to manage stress and balance their professional and personal lives. Emphasizing flexibility over strict boundaries, Gary provides actionable advice on identifying priorities, effective time management, creating flexible work arrangements, focusing on self-care, and building a support network. He highlights the benefits of work-life integration, such as improved health, productivity, and relationships. Gary encourages lawyers to adopt these strategies to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life. What is Work-Life Integration? (00:01:10)Discussion on how work-life integration differs from work-life balance, emphasizing flexibility. Challenges of Work-Life Integration (00:02:25)Overview of the challenges lawyers face in achieving work-life integration. Benefits of Work-Life Integration (00:03:40)Exploration of the advantages, including improved health, productivity, and personal freedom. Identifying Priorities (00:04:58)Strategies for identifying personal and professional priorities and aligning them with core values. Effective Time Management Strategies (00:06:32)Tips on scheduling, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding multitasking for better efficiency. Creating Flexible Work Arrangements (00:09:04)Advice on negotiating flexible work schedules to balance personal and professional responsibilities. Focus on Self-Care (00:10:29)Importance of self-care practices in managing stress and maintaining health. Building a Support Network (00:12:56)The role of a supportive network in achieving work-life integration and personal 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 converses with Molly McGrath, founder of Hiring and Empowering Solutions. Molly shares her extensive experience in the legal field, focusing on reducing stress and enhancing fulfillment for lawyers. She discusses the importance of employee engagement, team empowerment, and leadership improvement. Molly introduces her 66-day business turnaround program, which aims to improve law firm operations and team dynamics. She emphasizes the need for clear communication, accountability, and small incremental changes to foster a positive work culture. The episode provides valuable strategies for law firms to enhance productivity and job satisfaction. Since the late nineties, Molly has coached, consulted, and directed presidents and founders of national organizations and over 5,000+ law firms in; executive-level leadership, continuous improvement, and team empowerment initiatives. Top 10% Podcaster - Hire and Empower Podcast 3x #1 Amazon Best Seller Published Author 16-year established legal blogger 27 years of specific skillset experience in conversation intelligence coaching, team development & leadership, employee empowerment, talent acquisition, revenue mapping, and action-based project management Disconnect Between Attorneys and Staff (00:03:28)Molly discusses the frustrations attorneys and employees face due to lack of communication. Impact of Stress on Clients (00:04:46)Molly explains how attorney stress affects client interactions and overall firm profitability. Solutions for Stress and Delegation (00:05:57)Molly emphasizes the importance of giving teams time and space to operate effectively. Employee Engagement Definition (00:12:44)Molly defines employee engagement and its significance in a law firm environment. Transforming Team Dynamics (00:13:49)Molly highlights how engaged team members contribute positively to the firm’s culture. Training Team Members (00:17:10)Molly discusses the importance of training staff to take ownership of their roles. Common Hiring Mistakes (00:19:09)Molly identifies critical mistakes law firms make in hiring and training staff. Better Hiring Process Suggestions (00:21:26)Molly offers solutions for improving the hiring process in law firms. Accountability and Employee Investment (00:23:31)Molly addresses concerns about employee accountability and investment in the firm's success. Culture of Accountability (00:24:42)Molly discusses the importance of accountability in law firms and how it's a core value. Defining Growth (00:25:02)Molly emphasizes the need for lawyers to clarify their definition of growth beyond financial metrics. Avoiding Burnout (00:26:12)Molly warns against adding practice areas without addressing existing stressors, which can lead to burnout. Effective Leadership (00:27:59)Molly shares strategies for law firm leaders to empower their teams and improve engagement. Two Millimeter Shifts (00:30:15)Molly explains the concept of making small, manageable changes instead of overwhelming transformations. Tracking KPIs (00:37:27)Molly discusses the importance of key performance indicators for all roles within a law firm. Improving Client Communication (00:41:17)Molly emphasizes the need for better communication processes to reduce client inquiries and misunderstandings. Engaging Support Staff (00:45:36)Molly highlights the significance of engaging support staff and their crucial role in law firm 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, a veteran attorney with 45 years of experience, explores the concept of work-life integration. He emphasizes the importance of blending professional and personal responsibilities to achieve a fulfilling life. Gary discusses the challenges lawyers face, such as long hours and high stress, and highlights the benefits of successful integration, including improved health and job satisfaction. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and teases the next episode, which will offer practical strategies for achieving work-life integration. Challenges of Work-Life Integration (00:04:04)He discusses common challenges lawyers face in achieving work-life integration, including neglecting personal life. Defining Work-Life Integration (00:05:31)Gary explains the concept of work-life integration, contrasting it with the traditional idea of work-life balance. Characteristics of Work-Life Integration (00:06:51)He outlines critical characteristics: flexibility, blending roles, and continuous adjustment in managing responsibilities. Obstacles to Work-Life Integration (00:09:18)Gary identifies key challenges lawyers encounter, such as long hours, high stress, and client demands. Benefits of Work-Life Integration (00:14:50)He emphasizes the benefits, including improved health, productivity, and personal relationships stemming from effective integration. 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 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