The Free Lawyer

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

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