The Free Lawyer

In this podcast episode, host Gary interviews Miriam Airington-Fisher, the founding partner of Airington Law, a women-led law firm in Virginia. They discuss Miriam's transition from a trial lawyer to an entrepreneur, her challenges as a single mother starting her practice, and how she managed to grow her firm while maintaining a work-life balance. Miriam shares her journey from taking any case that came through the door to strategically building a business supporting her clients and her team. The episode also touches on the importance of setting boundaries, the concept of "mom guilt," and leadership in law firms. Miriam's book, "Mom's a Lawyer," is highlighted as a resource for those looking to start their law firm. Miriam Airington-Fisher is the founding partner of Airington Law, a women-led law firm based in Virginia specializing in immigration, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Miriam is the author of Mom’s A Lawyer: How to Start a Firm and Take Control of Your Life, a guide for women law firm owners based on her experience starting and growing a firm while raising three children. In addition to managing the daily operations of the law firm, Miriam coaches other women law firm owners. She consults with law firms on attracting and retaining ‘lawyer mom’ talent through family-friendly workplace culture. Transition to Entrepreneurship (00:05:02) Miriam explains her transition to entrepreneurship, starting her own law practice, and the challenges she faced. Starting a Law Practice (00:06:20) Miriam discusses her fears and challenges when starting her own law practice and how she managed them. Growth and Vision for the Firm (00:10:08) Miriam shares the growth and vision for Arrington Law, focusing on quality representation and employee-friendly operations. Learning to Run a Business (00:12:35) Miriam discusses the importance of understanding business skills and resources available for lawyers to become successful business owners. Client Service and Team Culture (00:14:18) Miriam emphasizes the importance of client service and the positive team culture at Arrington Law. Balancing Work and Family (00:19:03) Miriam explains how she balances raising children, managing her firm, and setting boundaries for a healthy work-life balance. The challenges of being a lawyer mom (00:21:40) Balancing work and family life, flexible work arrangements, and managing the practice of law as a mom. Overcoming mom guilt and setting boundaries (00:22:48) Challenges of mom guilt, changing traditional boundaries, and setting boundaries professionally with clients, judges, and managing partners. Leadership and business lessons (00:27:45) Leadership insights, treating people with respect, and the challenges and responsibilities of running a law firm. 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 tackles the pervasive issue of self-doubt among lawyers. The episode explores self-doubt's various forms, including imposter syndrome and perfectionism, and its detrimental effects on well-being and professional performance. Gary offers practical advice and discusses strategies like positive self-talk and mentorship to combat these challenges. He empowers listeners to believe in themselves and utilize the discussed tools to succeed in their legal careers. Understanding self-doubt (00:02:17) Defining self-doubt and discussing its common manifestations, such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, fear of failure, comparison, lack of support, and isolation. Effects of self-doubt (00:03:29) Exploring how self-doubt affects confidence, decision-making, stress levels, burnout, and overall well-being. Strategies to overcome self-doubt (00:10:15) Presenting practical tools and strategies, including self-reflection, positive self-talk, celebrating small wins, seeking feedback, visualization, building a support network, mindfulness, well-being, accepting imperfection, and mentorship. The importance of mentorship (00:21:20) Emphasizing the significance of mentorship in overcoming self-doubt and building self-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" podcast, host Gary interviews Jon Cumberworth, a fractional COO specializing in supporting law firms. Jon not only discusses the importance of leadership, firm culture, and aligning business practices with core values, but also provides practical strategies to overcome these challenges. He addresses the common issues faced by law firms, such as the lack of business training and talent retention, and highlights the transformative power of clear goals, strong communication, and effective client intake processes. Jon's advocacy for open communication and collaboration is not just a theory, but a proven method that has helped numerous law firm owners achieve personal freedom by empowering their teams. Jon's primary focus is helping service-based businesses define and implement frameworks and systems that help them achieve their revenue, profit, and leadership development goals. He has over 19 years of experience in international and domestic business operations and leadership. His accomplishments range from working my way up in a global sales team to becoming General Manager in Dubai for an 8-figure steel supply and manufacturing business to negotiating the successful acquisition of a bootstrapped company he co-founded. Identifying Law Firms' Challenges (00:05:56) Challenges faced by law firms in talent acquisition, client acquisition, and accountability, leading to the need for external expertise. Importance of Firm Culture (00:07:15) Discussion on the need for positive firm culture, aligning with the values and purpose of the employees, and the evolving business dynamics. Developing Firm Culture (00:08:51) Strategies for law firms to develop a positive culture, emphasizing the importance of core values, mission, and aligning team members with these values. Essence of Good Leadership (00:11:11) The essence of being a good leader in a law firm, focusing on clarity, purpose, and values to guide decision-making and empower team members. Developing Clarity in Law Firms (00:13:01) Methods for law firms to develop clarity, including setting frameworks, annual and quarterly planning, and regular one-on-one meetings for accountability. Efficiency in Law Firm Management (00:14:56) How fractional COO services help law firm owners handle administrative tasks efficiently, empowering staff with targeted missions and KPIs. Challenges and Solutions for Law Firms (00:18:12) Identifying hiring and retaining talent, client acquisition, and intake as primary challenges for law firms, with strategies to address these issues. Hiring Based on Core Values (00:19:51) Emphasizing the importance of aligning hiring processes with core values to filter candidates and identify those who fit the firm's culture. Encouraging Communication and Collaboration (00:21:08) Creating a culture of open communication and collaboration, including asking questions and conducting tests to assess alignment with values and work approach. Building Trust and Team Engagement (00:22:36) John discusses the importance of building trust and creating a safe environment for team members to voice their opinions. Fostering Growth and Ideal Culture (00:24:21) John advises law firm owners on fueling growth while maintaining an ideal culture, emphasizing the significance of sincere core values and team alignment. 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 and lawyer Gary Miles addresses the issue of isolation within the legal profession. He explores how lawyers often feel lonely and disconnected, even when surrounded by others, and the adverse effects this has on their health and work. Gary discusses the industry's stigma around mental health and the reluctance to seek help. He then provides solutions, such as mindfulness, journaling, therapy, peer support, and mentorship, urging lawyers to prioritize their well-being and foster meaningful connections to combat isolation.  Impact of Isolation (00:10:58) Gary discusses the detrimental effects of isolation on lawyers' mental and physical well-being, work performance, fulfillment, and relationships. Strategies to Overcome Isolation (00:15:02) Gary provides practical techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, therapy, peer support, and mentorship to overcome isolation in the legal profession. Empowering Legal Community (00:20:17) Gary emphasizes the importance of breaking free from isolation, seeking support, and building connections to enhance well-being and resilience in the legal profession. 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, the host, Gary, is joined by Ronnie Deaver, a renowned legal marketing expert with a proven track record of helping law firms grow their practice. Together, they delve into practical strategies, emphasizing the crucial role of marketing, intake, and sales in converting leads into clients and driving revenue. Key topics include optimizing Google Business Profile, leveraging Google Ads, offering paid consultations, and employing narrative sales techniques. They also stress the importance of data tracking to enhance marketing efforts and share inspiring success stories of law firms that have expanded through these strategies.  Ronnie, the innovative founder of NoBull Marketing, is a true trailblazer in the legal marketing field. With over a decade of experience in marketing, he has generated over 650,000 leads and $150 million in new client revenue for law firms. His revolutionary Elite Business Development System for Law Firms, consisting of Marketing Mastery, Perfect Intake, and the Sales Blueprint, has transformed law firms into revenue powerhouses. A respected speaker at significant industry events, including the American Bar Association and the National Association of Divorce Professionals. Driven by a belief that business is a lesson in virtue, he dedicates his success to supporting his family and improving the lives of law firm owners. 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, Gary addresses the critical issue of mental health in the legal profession, sharing his battle with addiction and offering insights for recovery and wellness. He discussed the high incidence of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse among lawyers, attributing it to the profession's inherent stress and competitive nature. The host recounts his struggle with alcohol and the journey to recovery and presents five fundamental principles to aid others facing similar challenges, underscoring the message of hope and the importance of seeking help. Challenges of Mental Health in the Legal Profession (00:02:03) The speaker discusses the prevalence of mental health issues, addiction, and struggles faced by lawyers and introduces the five tips for recovery. Causes of Mental Health Challenges (00:03:20) The speaker highlights the causes of mental health challenges in the legal profession, including stress, competition, lack of support, and stigma. Effects of Mental Health Challenges (00:04:36) The impact of mental health issues and substance abuse on individual lawyers, law firms, and the legal profession is discussed, including impaired performance and ethical concerns. Personal Story of Addiction and Recovery (00:14:08) The speaker shares a personal story of addiction, struggles with alcohol, and the journey to recovery, emphasizing the transformative power of recovery programs. Keys to Recovery and Wellness (00:19:41) Five essential keys for finding hope and freedom from addiction, substance abuse, depression, or stress are presented, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and support. 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 engages in a conversation with Larry Williams, a patent attorney from Cincinnati, delving into the challenges that legal professionals face. They underscore the significance of work-life balance and mental wellness, discussing the pressures of law school and the legal field, the repercussions of burnout, and the necessity of setting boundaries. Larry introduces his 'Guide to a Simple Life' workbook, a practical tool designed to assist lawyers in aligning their careers with personal values. They also explore the role of mentorship, with Larry advocating for mentors outside one's practice area to avoid conflicts of interest. The conversation extends to the evolving legal landscape post-COVID, the importance of therapy for lawyers, and the trend of attorneys leaving firms to work independently for better work-life balance. They urge lawyers to define their success and prioritize their well-being. Larry is a chemical patent attorney who has seen the inner workings of many law firms. Through various career moves, he noticed a general sense of unease with the culture of modern legal practice. He also saw many great attorneys choose to leave the profession because they share that unease.  Larry knows attorneys serve an important role in society, so he is on a mission to fight for change within the profession. He posts on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryforchemip/) regularly about attorney work-life integration and law firm culture. You can also download his Guide to a Simple Life Workbook at fourvirtuescoaching.com. 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 discusses the negative effects of busyness on our professional and personal lives. He explores the reasons why we feel compelled to be busy and the problems it can cause, such as physical and mental health issues, decreased productivity, and damaged relationships. To escape the prison of busyness, Gary provides eight practical tips, including evaluating how we spend our time, setting goals, and practicing self-care. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional with our time and aligning our actions with our goals and values. Gary encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and create a life of freedom and happiness by breaking free from the trap of busyness. Do you want to learn more about how to break out of the busyness trap? You can set up a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

In this podcast episode, host Gary interviews Shaun Jardine, a UK lawyer and value-based pricing expert. Shaun discusses his dissatisfaction with the billable hour system and advocates for value-based pricing, which aligns legal fees with the value provided to clients. He shares his experiences and insights on implementing this model, including offering clients pricing options and ensuring price certainty. Shaun also addresses challenges such as resistance within law firms and the need for cultural change. Additionally, the impact of AI on legal services and traditional billing is explored. Shaun promotes his book on value-based pricing as a guide for lawyers interested in this approach. Shaun is unashamedly and unapologetically a disruptor. As a lawyer and former law firm CEO of a top 250 UK law firm which employed over 240 people , he has a unique insight into what makes law firms tick. Shaun founded Big Yellow Penguin (BYP) in 2021 with the aim of encouraging and helping lawyers and law firms to move on from the 20th century and adopt practices, including value pricing, which will make their futures more secure, both financially and operationally, and enjoy practising their craft again. Shaun has recently finished writing his first book  ‘Ditch The Billable Hour’ !  which was published in January 2024. And yes….he has addressed legal conferences dressed as a penguin……… Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own 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 underscores the vital role of leadership within the legal profession. He critiques the common neglect of leadership skills in law and describe the negative traits sometimes seen in legal leaders. He outlines the challenges facing the legal sector, such as diversity, mental health, and adapting to change. He details the key attributes of a good leader, including integrity and empathy, and provides actionable steps for lawyers to become effective leaders. The episode concludes with a call to action for lawyers to commit to developing strong leadership skills to positively influence their practice and the wider legal community. Leadership in the Legal Profession (00:00:02) Importance of leadership, qualities of a leader, and challenges faced in the legal profession. Critical Role of Effective Leadership (00:02:43) Reasons why good leadership is critical in the legal profession and the essential qualities of a good leader. Problems with Leadership in the Legal Profession (00:05:55) Challenges and problems faced by lawyers, firms, and the legal profession in terms of leadership. Essential Attributes of a Good Leader (00:10:25) Qualities and skills required to be a good leader in a law firm or department. Steps to Becoming an Effective Leader (00:13:17) Critical steps and strategies to develop effective leadership abilities in the legal profession. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own 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