The Free Lawyer

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

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, host Gary explores team building, leadership, and empathy in the legal profession with guests Isabelle Fortin and Melissa Robinson-Winemiller. Isabelle, a team leadership strategist with a military background, underscores the significance of team congruency and effective leadership. Melissa, an empathy and emotional intelligence expert, stresses the importance of empathetic leadership in creating a positive work culture. The conversation not only addresses the leadership challenges in law and the benefits of empathy but also provides practical steps for leaders to enhance team dynamics and employee well-being. After serving nearly ten years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Isabelle was surprised to find a lack of true teamwork and cohesion in the corporate world.  This motivated her to study what makes military teams so cooperative and high-functioning.  She discovered that the key to great teams is tapping into each individual's strengths, allowing everyone to excel in their roles and maximize contributions.  Now, Isabelle helps team leaders and members understand their deep motivations, strengths, and potential blind spots. She also gives workshops and conferences on optimizing the human elements to build thriving teams. Isabelle's bigger mission is to impact as many teams as possible positively. She's seen how a supportive environment where people feel genuinely valued can be transformative, creating a positive ripple effect in all areas of their lives. Melissa took the plunge as an empathy and EQ coach and consultant after losing a career in music to unempathic leadership and has never looked back.  Her goal was to discover how to create better leadership with the single element most leaders in her experience dismissed: EQ through empathy.  How serious is she?  Serious enough to bring 30+ years of leadership experience to the fore.  Serious enough to pursue a second doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership with a dissertation focus on Empathy in Leadership.  Serious enough to have an MBA and Master of Data Analytics to be able to back up her arguments with data-driven proof and sound business cases.  Serious enough to bolster all of this with certifications in Change Management (ACMP/Prosci), the Society for Human Resource Management (CP), and Cornell University (DEI&J).  Yes, she has experience, expertise, AND education.  Add to this decades as a coach and public speaker, and she’s created the perfect blend to counsel current and emerging leaders in navigating these turbid waters.  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 equipped to handle the pressures of the legal profession? In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary, a lawyer, delves into the critical importance of resilience in navigating challenges like high workloads, client expectations, and work-life balance. Discover nine essential resilience characteristics, including adaptability, perseverance, and emotional regulation. Learn about the consequences of lacking resilience, such as stress and decreased productivity, and explore practical strategies for developing resilience, like maintaining a positive mindset and building a support network. Embrace resilience for personal and professional growth. Challenges Faced in Legal Practice (00:02:15) Discussion of various challenges faced in the legal profession that require resilience, such as unexpected setbacks and heavy workloads. Characteristics of Resilience (00:05:00) Explanation of the essential characteristics of resilience, including adaptability, perseverance, and self-confidence. Consequences of Lacking Resilience (00:06:33) The impact of lacking resilience on physical and mental health, productivity, and relationships. Resilience and Thriving in the Legal Profession (00:10:18) How resilience helps lawyers to cope with stress, overcome challenges, maintain mental health, and improve performance. Developing Resilience (00:12:52) Ten practical tools for developing resilience, including maintaining a positive mindset, practicing stress management, and seeking support when needed. Do unexpected challenges set you back? If so, I can help.  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here.

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Melanie Herschorn, a publicist and award-winning journalist. Melanie shares her unconventional journey from Hollywood PR to journalism and eventually to helping lawyers write and publish their books. She explains her passion for making legal expertise accessible and offers practical advice for lawyers on how to find time to write. Melanie highlights the benefits of authoring a book, such as enhanced credibility and client acquisition, and discusses her company's comprehensive approach to publishing and promotion. She also addresses overcoming imposter syndrome and focusing on marketing over book sales. Melanie Herschorn wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. As a publisher and book marketing strategist for attorneys of boutique law firms, she’s on a mission to support and empower them to share their message with those who need to hear it most. Her experience as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist, and long-time entrepreneur gives Melanie a unique 360-degree view to guide her clients to create brand awareness, sell books, bolster client acquisition, and position themselves as subject matter experts. Her new book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is out now. Overcoming Time Constraints (00:07:56) Strategies for lawyers to find time for book writing, emphasizing gradual progress and utilizing existing content for book creation. Benefits of Authoring a Book (00:10:23) The positive impact of writing a book on client acquisition, thought leadership, media opportunities, and client retention. Creating Additional Income Streams (00:13:21) Exploring how a book can lead to online programs, speaking engagements, teaching opportunities, and other revenue sources for lawyers. Magic Equation for Publishing and Promotion (00:17:33) Emphasizing the importance of promoting a book for thought leadership and leveraging the book's content for marketing efforts. Challenges in Publishing (00:18:44) Melanie's experience with a hybrid publisher, leading to the importance of trust and creative control in the publishing process. Monetary Expectations and Visibility (00:21:26) Highlighting the primary goal of a book for thought leadership and credibility, rather than focusing solely on book sales and royalties. The mission beyond yourself (00:23:34) Advising on finding a mission beyond oneself to overcome imposter syndrome and fear of putting oneself out there. Overcoming imposter syndrome (00:24:21) Encouragement and support to help lawyers and writers overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt. The freedom of accomplishment (00:25:57) The sense of freedom and accomplishment after completing a challenging task, like writing a book, with the support of a coach. Motivations and results of writing a book (00:28:12) Discussing the motivations of lawyers to write a book and the positive outcomes and impacts on their professional lives. Elevating confidence and setting oneself apart (00:29:08) The impact of writing a book on elevating confidence, setting oneself apart as an authority, and gaining professional opportunities. Discovering the magic within (00:30:37) Encouraging individuals to explore their unique strengths and potential for writing a book, with personalized support and guidance.  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

Have you ever wondered how effective communication can transform your legal career? In this podcast episode, Gary Miles, a lawyer, delves into the crucial role of communication in the legal profession. Gary addresses common communication challenges lawyers face, such as interruptions and misunderstandings, and outlines the negative impacts of poor listening. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, active listening, empathy, and professionalism. Gary offers practical strategies for improving communication skills, including being mindful, seeking feedback, and understanding cultural differences. He highlights the ongoing nature of learning and refining communication skills for legal success. The importance of effective communication (00:01:11) Gary discusses the significance of effective communication for lawyers and the struggles they face in being good communicators. Obstacles to effective communication (00:02:23) Gary explores the obstacles to effective communication, including control of the agenda, assumptions, ego interference, time constraints, prejudgment, impatience, and emotional barriers. Problems caused by poor listening (00:11:11) Gary explains the problems that arise from being a poor listener, such as misunderstandings, hurt feelings, distrust, and hampered communication. Importance of effective communication for lawyers (00:13:50) Gary outlines the reasons why effective communication is crucial for lawyers, including improving client relationships, courtroom success, negotiation skills, building trust, persuasion, conflict resolution, and building reputation. Critical elements of communication for lawyers (00:16:41) Gary highlights the essential keys to being a good communicator, including clarity, active listening, empathy, professionalism, transparency, confidence, timeliness, and accuracy. Steps to becoming a better communicator (00:19:30) Gary provides eight steps to becoming a better communicator as a lawyer, emphasizing awareness, open-mindedness, active listening, clear and concise language, empathy, feedback, non-verbal communication skills, preparation, and mindfulness of cultural differences. Would you like to improve your communication?  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call to discuss it? You can do so here.

In this episode, Gary introduces Dan Warburton, a consultant helping law firm owners increase profits and reduce workload. Dan shares his journey from being inspired by his father's business to becoming a sought-after consultant. He discusses the importance of building companies that don’t rely solely on the owner's physical work and emphasizes leveraging a team of associates. The conversation covers effective delegation, mentorship, and clear communication, providing practical strategies for law firm owners to increase profitability, reduce workload, and achieve a better work-life balance. The concept of leveraging in law refers to the practice of using your existing resources, such as staff, to generate more profits. In this episode, we discuss how law firm owners can effectively leverage their staff to increase profitability and reduce workload, and the common hesitancy of law firm owners to delegate work. Supporting and valuing associates (00:12:43) The importance of valuing and supporting associates personally and professionally. Core strategy for financial growth (00:13:59) Dan's strategy of shifting focus from billable work to increasing associates' billable hours and accountability. Elevating Client Services (00:21:09): Dan discusses the challenge of delegating work to long-term clients and how to elevate their services. Transitioning to Delegated Work (00:22:02) Dan explains how to transition clients to work with delegated team members and build trust with the clients. Effect of Micromanaging on Law Firm Owners (00:23:13) The negative impact of micromanaging and being stuck in the daily grind on the professional and personal life of law firm owners. The Law Technician's Valley of Doom (00:23:47) Dan describes the situation where law firm owners feel trapped due to their firm's reliance on them and the lack of options. Transformative Changes in Professional and Personal Life (00:24:59) The positive changes experienced by a law firm owner after successfully delegating work, including reduced workload and increased personal time. Tailoring Delegation Strategies for Different Firm Sizes (00:26:45) How delegation strategies are tailored based on the law firm's size, focusing on structuring the chain of command and increasing profits. First Step Towards Profitable Delegation (00:28:08) Dan recommends scheduling regular one-on-one calls with key team members and becoming their mentor to succeed at what matters to them. Dan Warburton specializes in enabling law firm owners to increase their profits while reducing their workload dramatically, and he has an extraordinary track record for doing so. From working with Dan, a law firm partner, one of his US clients took his firm from being valued at $3.5 million to over 8.5 million dollars in less than 12 months. A UK client of his increased her firm's revenue by over 400% in 6 months, and another went from billing £13K to over £80K per month in less than a year. These are just a snapshot of the results his clients achieve, but not only this; they all gained something else in common: they each became able to work less than half the hours per week than they did before and transform their lifestyles by gaining lots of free time to focus on what matters to them whether this be more business development or time with their family. Warburton does this by showing his clients how to profitably delegate away their workload and empower their teams to handle larger work volumes than ever. This enables the law firm partners to transition from technicians to someone who predominantly owns their business. It creates time to solve all the inefficiencies in their companies that they previously neglected due to heavy workloads.  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