The Free Lawyer

In this episode, Gary, a seasoned legal professional, delves into fear within the legal practice, offering insights and practical tips for overcoming it. He acknowledges many lawyers' internal struggles despite outward confidence, identifying common fears such as failure, judgment, and public speaking. The episode explores how fear impacts decision-making, stress levels, and job satisfaction. Practical steps for overcoming these fears include accepting them, seeking support, and visualizing success. Gary emphasizes that addressing fears can unlock confidence and creativity, ultimately leading to success in the legal field. Listeners are invited to connect for mentorship and guidance. Barriers Created by Fear (00:03:16) Gary explores common fears in legal practice, including fear of failure, judgment, uncertainty, inadequacy, public speaking, rejection, and conflict. Impact of Fear (00:07:01): Gary details how fear affects decision-making and leads to procrastination, overworking, self-doubt, reduced confidence, professional anxiety, increased stress, and burnout. Practical Steps to Conquer Fear (00:11:07) Gary provides 12 practical steps to conquer fear, each one a powerful tool in your arsenal. These steps include identifying fears, accepting feelings, seeking support, embracing uncertainty, visualizing success, eliminating excuses, learning from setbacks, preparing for success, facing fears head-on, staying present in the moment, and maintaining a positive mindset. 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," Gary is joined by Lisa Ross, a seasoned clinical director with over three decades of experience in education and counseling. Lisa, who currently serves as the Clinical Director of New Leaf Teletherapy, brings her wealth of knowledge to the discussion on mental health in the legal profession. Together, they delve into the prevalent issues of high stress and burnout rates among lawyers, the stigma around seeking help, and the importance of addressing mental health for overall well-being. Lisa shares practical strategies for coping with stress and differentiates between stress, anxiety, and burnout. They also touch upon substance abuse in the legal field, the significance of early counseling, and the role of self-care practices like sleep, nutrition, and exercise. The episode underscores the leadership's responsibility to promote mental wellness and the younger generation's advocacy for workplace mental health. Understanding Mental Health in the Legal Profession (00:01:49) The mental health challenges lawyers face include burnout, stress, and the importance of mental health being viewed as physical health. Stigma and Treatment of Mental Health Conditions (00:07:28) The stigma and challenges associated with seeking treatment for mental health conditions, including the comparison to physical health conditions. Differences Between Stress, Anxiety, and Burnout (00:08:30) The distinctions between stress, anxiety, and burnout and how they impact individuals differently. Coping Strategies for Stress, Anxiety, and Burnout (00:10:05) Strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and burnout, including self-awareness and logical analysis of thoughts. Aligning Values and Happiness (00:13:17) The importance of aligning personal values with professional choices to achieve happiness and fulfillment. Addressing Substance Abuse in the Legal Profession (00:16:20) Addressing substance abuse in the legal profession, including the impact on individuals and organizations, and strategies for creating a supportive culture. Leadership Initiatives in Firms (00:32:12) Discusses the concept of "communities of care" and the importance of leadership in promoting mental health initiatives in law firms. Dr. Lisa Ross is a dedicated advocate for employee mental health, with a career spanning over three decades in education and counseling. Motivated to address this pressing issue, Lisa currently serves as the Clinical Director of New Leaf Teletherapy, LLC, where she plays a pivotal role in managing and hiring therapists dedicated to providing counseling services across 25 states. Through her leadership, New Leaf Teletherapy has supported school districts, companies, and law firms seeking accessible and effective mental health care. In addition to her role at New Leaf Teletherapy, Lisa maintains a thriving private practice, offering personalized counseling services to clients seeking holistic mental health solutions. 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

Today, Gary talks about the massive problem of perfectionism.  Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. Aiming for excellence is crucial, but it's time to reassess our approach when perfection becomes an obsession.  He shares his journey with perfectionism, how it has affected him, and its signs and causes. He also describes its consequences for lawyers and provides 12 practical tools for overcoming it, promoting a healthier work-life balance and overall well-being. These tools are not just theoretical but have been proven effective in his own life and the lives of many other professionals. While perfectionism is often seen as a necessary trait in the legal profession, it's crucial to recognize its potential detrimental effects if left unchecked. However, realizing these effects can also motivate change, leading to a game-changing improvement in our professional lives. Remember, it's not about abandoning your pursuit of excellence. It's about finding a balance, a sweet spot that allows you to excel in your career while maintaining your well-being. This is the key to a fulfilling and successful 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 podcast episode, host Gary interviews Charlie Mann, founder of Law Firm Alchemy, on his unique approach to growing law firms through marketing and leadership. Charlie shares his theater background and how it informs his coaching style. They discuss law firm owners' challenges, such as communication and setting expectations, and delve into marketing strategies and the importance of work-life balance. Charlie introduces the seven stages of law firm leadership and the concept of "making the ask." The conversation also covers the influence of private equity and AI in the legal field, emphasizing the value of legal services beyond billable hours and the significance of aligning personal values with professional actions for a fulfilling career. Charley Mann works with law firm owners to build their entrepreneurial skillset, with a major focus on marketing and leadership. His company, Law Firm Alchemy, offers coaching and courses tailored to help firm owners exit a growth plateau or accelerate their current growth journey. Coaching Law Firms (00:02:26) Charlie discusses his coaching focus on unpacking the identity of law firm owners and building their entrepreneurial skill sets. Challenges of Law Firm Owners (00:07:53) Common obstacles law firm owners face when scaling their business, including absolutism and limited perspectives, are discussed. Marketing Strategies (00:12:12) Charlie explains his approach to marketing strategies for law firms, emphasizing the importance of a strong referral marketing plan and digital marketing analysis. Maintaining Work-Life Balance (00:16:25) Charlie's approach to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, emphasizing presence over balance and the importance of delegation and ownership responsibilities. Leadership Coaching (00:20:23) Charlie explains his coaching on the seven stages of law firm leadership, focusing on building better leaders and creating a positive work environment. Leadership and Communication (00:20:57) Charlie discusses the importance of making clear requests and radical candor in leadership, emphasizing the need for effective communication. Challenges in Leadership (00:24:37) Charlie highlights the challenges law firm owners face in leadership, including the need for courage and setting and enforcing expectations. Mindset and Imposter Syndrome (00:26:45) Charlie addresses the scarcity mindset, imposter syndrome, and the importance of reflecting on past successes to build confidence. 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 and lawyer Gary discusses the importance of embracing change for career and personal growth. He shares his own experiences, including overcoming alcoholism and making significant career shifts, to illustrate the benefits of change. Acknowledging common fears and obstacles, Gary offers strategies to overcome resistance, such as understanding fear, self-reflection, and seeking support. He encourages listeners to envision their ideal legal practice and take steps towards it, offering his support to those seeking to transform their careers and lives. The Power of Embracing Change (00:02:10) Exploring the impact of embracing change on professional growth and personal fulfillment in the legal profession. Gary's Major Transformations (00:06:08) Gary shares personal experiences of significant career transformations, including becoming a trial lawyer, getting sober, changing legal practice areas, and becoming a mentor. Hurdles in Embracing Change (00:12:20) We all face hurdles when it comes to change. Gary identifies the biggest ones that often prevent lawyers from embracing change, including fear of the unknown, comfort with the status quo, risk aversion, overwhelm, and lack of support. You're not alone in these struggles. Strategies to Overcome Resistance to Change (00:14:52) Gary equips you with strategies to navigate change effectively. From understanding fear and challenging negative thoughts to self-reflection, developing a clear vision, maintaining a positive attitude, practicing self-care, focusing on what can be controlled, and seeking support, these strategies will empower you to face your challenges head-on. Encouragement to Embrace Change (00:21:21) Gary encourages listeners to envision their ideal career and life, which in the legal profession could mean a practice that aligns with their values, allows for a healthy work-life balance, and provides opportunities for growth. He suggests overcoming limiting beliefs by challenging negative thoughts and seeking mentorship to support their goals. 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 of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Keeley Blanchard, a trial attorney who has shifted her focus to teaching and jury consulting. They explore the critical role of storytelling in trial work, particularly in opening and closing statements. Keeley shares her insights on the science of storytelling, emphasizing the need to frame stories to resonate with jurors' cognitive frameworks. She introduces a unique approach that identifies a villain to elicit moral outrage and empower the jury. She uses storytelling techniques to frame the client's story. The discussion also covers the challenges of presenting complex cases succinctly and the impact of verdicts on society. Keeley Blanchard spent two decades as a trial lawyer, trying over 70 cases to verdict during her career, all while obsessing over learning how to tell the most persuasive story. She now teaches and presents on trial skills for dozens of organizations nationwide and, in addition to LawStory, runs a grant-funded training program for public defenders. Keeley has spent years studying the brain science associated with storytelling, and has developed a signature story structure for trial stories, opening statements, and closing arguments. She uses that structure to help lawyers win more cases by telling creative and compelling trial stories. Her services include jury consulting, focus groups, client testimony preparation, and trial skills training.  Sign up for the LawStory newsletter here: https://lawstory.ck.page/25bc82cb6f 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, host Gary Miles, a lawyer with 45 years of experience, underscores the significance of mentorship for lawyers. He shares his journey, and the profound influence mentors had on his career. Addressing the everyday struggles lawyers face, such as isolation and self-doubt, Gary advocates for the pursuit of mentorship to foster confidence, clarity, and productivity. He confronts the hesitations lawyers might have about seeking guidance, reassuring them that it's a strength. Gary details the multifaceted role of mentors in providing support and fostering growth. He highlights the myriad benefits of mentorship, including enhanced well-being and professional satisfaction, and offers to assist lawyers in finding mentorship opportunities. Challenges Faced by Lawyers (00:04:32) Gary outlines common challenges faced by lawyers, including isolation, self-doubt, lack of clarity, accountability, and productivity. Hesitation in Seeking Mentorship (00:11:39) Gary discusses the reasons lawyers may hesitate to seek mentorship, such as fear, ego, and perceived lack of time. How a Mentor Can Help (00:14:03) Gary explains the various ways a mentor can support lawyers, including providing confidential listening, guidance, vision creation, clarity, confidence, accountability, and productivity. Transformation Through Mentorship (00:20:00) Gary emphasizes the transformative impact of mentorship, highlighting how it can lead to greater happiness, success, fulfillment, and work-life balance for lawyers. Would you like an opportunity to discuss how mentorship can support your growth? You can schedule a complimentary call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Sejal Thakkar, an expert in civility and workplace culture. They delve into the significance of civility in the legal profession and strategies for combating unconscious bias to create inclusive environments. Sejal recounts her transition from employment law to founding her consulting firm, TrainXtra, which aims to improve workplace cultures proactively. They discuss how biases, especially unconscious ones, affect workplace dynamics and the importance of self-awareness, open-mindedness, and ongoing education to address them. Sejal also highlights the role of leadership in promoting diversity and civility and the positive outcomes of her training programs on organizational culture. Sejal Thakkar is on a mission to educate and empower people to create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. She is an employment law attorney, a 2X TEDx speaker, and the founder and Chief Civility Officer at TrainXtra, where she helps leaders create positive, safe, and respectful workplaces through customized training and coaching. Sejal is also the Chief Culture Officer of Nobody Studios, a venture studio that aims to create 100 compelling companies. She is responsible for cultivating a people-first culture at Nobody Studios.  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this episode, Gary offers lawyers a lifeline in the billable hour battle. Recognizing the stress and inefficiency that can come with tracking billable hours, he shares strategies for reclaiming control over time and improving productivity and work-life balance. He delves into the detrimental effects of the billable hour system on lawyers' lives and presents a dozen tools to enhance time management and job satisfaction. These include prioritizing tasks, avoiding multitasking, and taking breaks. The host also underscores the liberating benefits of working more innovatively for a more fulfilling professional life. Developing a New Attitude Towards Time (00:04:44) Gary discusses the importance of changing one's mindset about time and taking ownership of daily activities. Analyzing Time Usage (00:05:54) Gary advises tracking daily activities for a week to understand time spent and identify areas for improvement. Prioritizing and Delegating (00:07:02) Tips on preparing a list of tasks, prioritizing them, and delegating non-essential work to others. Scheduling Daily Activities (00:08:16) The importance of planning and scheduling daily activities to improve focus and productivity. Grouping Similar Tasks (00:10:42) The speaker suggests grouping similar tasks to avoid distractions and enhance efficiency. Taking Breaks (00:12:47): Mini breaks are essential to recharge and enhance productivity during the workday. Saying No and Blocking Distractions (00:14:58) Gary discusses the empowering significance of saying no to non-essential tasks and blocking distractions to sharpen focus and reclaim control over time. Setting Time Limits to Projects (00:12:47) Advice on setting specific project time limits to enhance productivity and efficiency. Obtaining Support from a Mentor (00:16:08) Gary underscores the crucial importance of seeking guidance and support from a mentor to manage time and priorities effectively. Mentors foster a sense of community and help in the journey towards better time management. Would you like help in winning the billable hour battle? You can schedule a courtesy call here. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free You can watch this episode on YouTube here.

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Jeff Sterling Hughes, founder of Sterling Lawyers, a family law firm. Jeff discusses his journey from poverty to law, the firm's rapid growth, and the shift to focusing solely on family law. He shares the challenges and failures encountered, particularly with fixed-fee pricing, intake processes, and converting consults to clients. Jeff explains the firm's innovative approach to billing, moving from court-event-based fees to time-based fees, which improved efficiency and client satisfaction. He also touches on the importance of managing compassion fatigue and maintaining personal freedom. The episode offers insights into adapting to change, embracing technology, and the future of law practices.  Jeff Hughes is the CEO/Co-Founder of Sterling Lawyers, where he has taken his family law firm from ground zero to a powerhouse with 25 attorneys and $15 million in success. It's been a rollercoaster—9 business failures, 3 triumphs, and many lessons. He is the CEO at Sterling Lawyers, leading a dynamic team. He is not just practicing law but reshaping how family law clients are served. Rapid growth through online marketing (00:01:48) Jeff's success in quickly growing his firm to eight lawyers through effective online marketing strategies. Mistakes and pivoting (00:03:23) Initial mistakes in trying to serve various practice areas, leading to a pivot to focus exclusively on family law. Transformation and growth (00:04:47) The impact of focusing on family law, rebuilding operations, and transitioning to fixed fee pricing on the firm's growth. Fixed fee pricing strategy (00:07:24) Jeff explains the approach to fixed-fee pricing, including providing clients with three different fee quotes and managing payment plans. Client service and empathy (00:13:03) The firm emphasizes communication, empathy, and data-driven decision-making to enhance client service. 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