The Free Lawyer

In this podcast episode, Gary Miles, a lawyer and author, discusses the necessity for lawyers to step out of their comfort zones to achieve growth. He shares his own journey, offers practical advice, and highlights the dangers of complacency in the legal field. Gary provides ten tips for expanding one's professional horizons and underscores the benefits of embracing challenges. He concludes by encouraging his listeners to pursue their passions and offers his support for those seeking to break free from their comfort zones for personal and professional advancement. Understanding the comfort zone (00:02:18) Gary discusses the concept of the comfort zone, its characteristics, and the inhibitions it poses to personal and professional growth. Problems of staying in the comfort zone (00:03:38) The negative impact of staying within the comfort zone for lawyers, including stagnation of skills, missed career opportunities, and burnout, is highlighted. Benefits of breaking out (00:07:27) Gary emphasizes the powerful benefits of breaking out of the comfort zone, leading to personal and professional growth, enhanced skills, and increased satisfaction. Steps to break out (00:10:04) Gary provides ten tangible tips for lawyers to step out of their comfort zones, including setting growth goals, expanding professional networks, and seeking mentorship.

In this episode of the Free Lawyer podcast, general counsel Brittany Leonard discuss the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment in a legal career. Brittany shares her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of aligning career goals with personal well-being and happiness. She talks about the challenges of self-doubt and the importance of resilience, advocating for a healthy work environment and leadership that respects and supports team autonomy. The conversation also covers effective communication, the value of authenticity, and the courage to embrace discomfort for growth. Brittany's insights aim to help lawyers find satisfaction in their careers by aligning with what truly brings them joy. Building Confidence and Networking (00:19:57) Brittany discusses building confidence and networking online, sharing her own experiences and tips for finding like-minded individuals. Importance of Confidence and Mindset (00:22:55) Brittany emphasizes the importance of confidence and a positive mindset, sharing her personal struggles and transformation. Challenging Yourself and Self-Comparison (00:24:39) Brittany highlights her journey from rock bottom, discussing the pitfalls of comparing oneself to others and the importance of self-growth. Self-Awareness and Mindfulness (00:28:37) Gary and Brittany delve into the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in personal and professional growth. Motivation and Encouragement (00:29:18) Brittany encourages listeners to seek happiness in their careers, offering advice on overcoming struggles and seeking support. Personal Freedom (00:30:28) Brittany defines personal freedom as the ability to work on her own terms, free from micromanagement, and feeling valued and supported. Brittany is General Counsel at Civix where she manages a global company and its subsidiaries.  Her passion is seeing businesses thrive and helping facilitate those successes. She provides legal advice and strategic leadership including in APAC and EMEA regions encompassing a diverse spectrum of responsibilities from intellectual property and tech deployment, data privacy, marketing, product development, employment, M&A, negotiations, and everything in between.     She is also a content creator posting regularly about transforming the industry through career happiness. She recently turned her brand into a consulting company where she helps companies and law firms hurdle the challenges of networking to build client relationships with confidence.  You can follow her journey on LinkedIn where she was nominated a top Legal Influencer:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-leonard-b3a7b2a4/ 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, legal veteran Gary Miles shares his insights on achieving contentment in the legal profession. With 45 years of experience, he discusses the challenges lawyers face, such as stress and high workloads, and offers 12 practical tools for finding joy and satisfaction in their careers. These include self-care, time management, and cultivating gratitude. Gary encourages lawyers to prioritize mental health and work-life balance and to seek support from mentors.  Benefits of being contented in law practice (00:02:27) Discusses the benefits of contentment, including improved mental health, enhanced productivity, better client relationships, and work-life balance. Obstacles to finding professional contentment (00:06:19) Identifies barriers such as high workload, stress, demanding clients, lack of autonomy, isolation, perfectionism, financial pressures, and competitive environment. Tools to find contentment in law practice (00:10:13) Provides 12 tools for finding contentment, including self-care, time management, mentoring, communication skills, mindfulness, setting realistic goals, reflection, letting go of others, and practicing gratitude. 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 episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Brigitte MacDonald, a certified coach and former employment lawyer, about the unique challenges faced by legal professionals. Brigitte discusses the high-pressure, isolating, and competitive nature of the legal field, which often leads to stress and a loss of purpose. They explore how coaching can support lawyers in finding fulfillment, creating a sense of connection and teamwork, and accessing their creativity. Brigitte emphasizes the importance of self-care, understanding one's strengths, and setting boundaries to manage work-life balance. The conversation also touches on the role of coaching in providing clarity, accountability, and confidence to help lawyers thrive personally and professionally. Brigitte shares her insights on personal freedom and how she assists lawyers in achieving it through her coaching practice. Challenges Faced by Lawyers (00:02:23) The challenging and isolating environment of the legal profession, lack of camaraderie, and disconnection from purpose. Lawyers' Desire for Connection and Collaboration (00:06:05) Lawyers' yearning for connection, collaboration, and supportive teamwork, and the impact of adversarial relationships on their well-being. Coaching to Recognize Strengths (00:13:23) The process of helping lawyers recognize their strengths, articulating their strengths, and providing evidence to help them become aware of their unique abilities. Reconnecting with Purpose (00:16:56) Supporting lawyers in reconnecting with their purpose, understanding their values, and finding fulfillment to combat burnout and lack of purpose. Impact of Coaching on Everyday Action (00:23:03) The impact of coaching on decision-making, clarity, and bandwidth, leading to easier decision-making and increased accountability. Clarity and Accountability (00:23:59) Discussion on how coaching helps lawyers gain clarity and accountability in achieving their goals. Brig is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through the Co-Active Training Institute, an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and has advanced training in mental fitness coaching through Positive Intelligence (www.positiveintelligence.com). Prior to becoming a coach, Brig spent over 11 years working as an employment lawyer and consultant at one of the largest corporate law firms in Africa. She is an accredited mediator, corporate facilitator, and trainer and has worked in legal innovation, knowledge management and design thinking/human centred design. Brig blends her experience in professional services, coaching, creative problem solving and innovation, to partner with clients to make meaningful shifts. Brig is passionate about bringing more humanity (empathy, creativity and connection) into the practice of law. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles discusses the importance of finding fulfillment in one's law practice. He acknowledges the common challenges lawyers face, such as stress and burnout, and presents an eight-step process aimed at creating a more satisfying career. Gary emphasizes aligning work with personal values, building positive relationships, and practicing self-care. He highlights the benefits of a fulfilling career, including increased job satisfaction and better performance. Gary's passion for helping lawyers achieve personal freedom in their work is evident as he offers guidance and support to his listeners. Challenges in Legal Practice (00:02:07) Gary highlights the challenges faced by lawyers, including billable hours, stress, lack of autonomy, and financial pressure. Negative Impact of Unfulfilling Work (00:04:32) Gary discusses the consequences of not finding fulfillment in legal practice, such as burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and personal and financial problems. Creating Fulfillment in Legal Practice (00:11:01) Gary outlines an eight-step process for finding fulfillment in legal practice, including finding meaning, aligning with values, building positive relationships, and practicing gratitude. Benefits of Fulfillment in Legal Practice (00:17:16) Gary discusses the benefits of finding fulfillment in legal practice, including improved motivation, job satisfaction, performance, and relationships, leading to greater success. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free  Would you like to discuss how to find fulfillment in your career? You can schedule a complimentary discovery call here:https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

In this episode, Gary interviews Kevin Davis, a seasoned medical professional and health coach. Kevin discusses his shift towards functional medicine, emphasizing the importance of identifying and treating the root causes of health issues rather than just symptoms. He advocates for resistance training and prioritizing protein intake to combat muscle loss with age. Kevin also highlights the significance of the four pillars of health—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and prayer—for managing stress and achieving overall well-being. He shares practical advice for busy professionals to incorporate healthy habits into their schedules, such as meal prepping and short, effective workouts. Kevin's approach is personalized, offering different tiers of online coaching to cater to individual needs, from basic exercise apps to comprehensive one-on-one programs with lab work and continuous monitoring. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their health and manage stress, regardless of their busy lifestyle. Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits (00:03:31) Challenges of incorporating healthy habits into a busy professional's schedule and strategies for meal prepping. Managing stress in a high-pressure job (00:06:48) Understanding and managing stress, the importance of a manageable life with stress, and the four pillars of health. Addressing sleep issues (00:10:32) Managing sleep disruptions due to stress and the role of continuous glucose monitoring in improving sleep. Four pillars of health and overall well-being (00:13:42) The significance of nutrition, exercise, sleep, and prayer for overall well-being and health management. Nutrition and dietary principles (00:15:14) Consistent dietary principles, emphasizing whole foods, limiting processed foods, and prioritizing protein. Incorporating Exercise into Busy Schedules (00:20:11) Recommendations for incorporating resistance training and exercise, including bodyweight exercises, exercise bands, and utilizing an exercise app for busy professionals. Balancing Strength Training and Cardiovascular Health (00:22:27) The importance of prioritizing resistance training for muscle mass and the potential drawbacks of long-distance running, along with suggestions for improving cardiovascular health. As an expert with over twenty-five years of experience treating patients, fifteen of which were as the owner of his own clinic, Kevin Davis is intimately familiar with the challenges facing an aging population. His commitment to continuous education and his deep, personal interest in genetics, as well as natural medicine, are a wellspring of proven methodologies that Kevin prescribes for disease prevention and anti-aging treatment and intervention.    Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this podcast episode, Gary Miles, a seasoned lawyer turned coach, addresses the critical issue of wellness in the legal profession. With 45 years of experience, he understands the high stress and demands lawyers face and offers guidance on maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health. He presents alarming statistics on the prevalence of mental health issues among lawyers and provides 12 practical tools to help manage stress and improve work-life balance. Gary advocates for self-care, mindfulness, and professional support, underscoring the importance of wellness for a successful and fulfilling legal career. He invites listeners to reach out for mentorship and emphasizes the value of a balanced, healthy lifestyle for lawyers. The effect of stress on the legal profession (00:05:32) Statistics on the wellness challenges lawyers face and the impact of stress on mental, emotional, and physical health. Primary causes of the wellness issue in the legal profession (00:08:35) High stress levels, long working hours, heavy workloads, competitive environment, client expectations, lack of support, and mental health stigma. Why wellness is essential for lawyers (00:11:26) The importance of mental and physical health, productivity, work-life balance, reducing burnout, and client relationships. Defining wellness for lawyers (00:15:16) Improving work-life balance, managing stress, fostering a positive mindset, and practicing regular self-care. Tools for wellness for lawyers (00:16:37) Mindfulness, nutrition, regular exercise, maintaining boundaries, organizing the day, avoiding multitasking, taking time off, healthy sleep routines, practicing acceptance, seeking social support, and getting professional help when needed. Wellness and the Legal Profession (00:27:53) The importance of wellness for lawyers, its impact on advocacy, decision-making, and profession's success. Stress and Overwhelm (00:29:14) Discussion on stress, the need for balance, and steps to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life. 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, Sarah Soucie Eyberg, a solo legal practitioner, shares her journey of starting her own practice and finding work-life balance. She discusses the challenges of the legal field during the economic downturn of 2011, her transition to solo practice, and the importance of aligning work with personal values. Sarah also addresses the impact of privilege in law, the lack of focus on mental health, and her personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and substance use. She emphasizes the need for transparency and support for mental health in the legal profession. Additionally, Sarah talks about her fulfilling role as a coach for her children's sports teams and how she manages her various responsibilities by prioritizing and setting boundaries. She creates personal freedom by living in alignment with her values. Aligning work with personal values (00:13:06) The significance of creating a mission, vision, and values for the firm, and the impact of aligning work with core values. Preventing burnout and recognizing privilege (00:16:32) The importance of aligning work with personal values to prevent burnout and recognizing the impact of privilege in career choices. Mental Health in Legal Practice (00:20:41) Discussion on the significance of mental health in legal practice, personal experiences, and the impact of depression, anxiety, and substance use. Challenges of Work-Life Balance (00:25:31) The impact of workaholism, perfectionism, and stress in the legal profession, and the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. Addressing Mental Health in the Legal Profession (00:28:43) Efforts by bar associations, the fear of stigma, and the need for candid discussions on mental health and substance use in the legal profession. Transparency and Recovery (00:34:30) The importance of transparency in discussing alcoholism and mental health, the impact of secrecy, and the need for support and understanding. Starting a Law Firm (00:38:40) Encouragement and advice for lawyers considering starting their own law firms, emphasizing the importance of vision, values, and client-centered service. Sarah Soucie Eyberg is a solo practitioner in the area of Social Security Disability law. She specializes in this area because it allows her to help chronically ill and injured people get the benefits to which they are entitled. She approaches the practice of law with an emphasis on client service, her goal in every client interaction is to ensure the client feels heard and validated, and that their questions are addressed.     Not satisfied with simply being a member, Sarah serves in leadership roles in nearly every organization of which she is a member. She currently serves on the councils of the MSBA’s New Lawyers Section, Social Security Disability Section, Practice Management and Marketing Section, and also serves as an Assembly At-Large Representative to the MSBA Executive Council. In addition, she served as District Justice for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International for eight years. In this position she mentors all the chapters and also organizes and presents leadership conferences twice per year. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this podcast episode, Gary Miles, a legal coach and author, shares ten tips to help lawyers achieve success and happiness in their careers while mitigating stress and burnout. He addresses the common challenges in the legal field, such as client demands and heavy workloads, and offers guidance on aligning one's career with personal values, seeking fulfillment in law, and being present and grateful. Miles encourages lawyers to remember their initial motivations, focus on making a positive impact, and seek support from peers. He assures listeners that a rewarding legal career is attainable with the right approach. 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, host Gary welcomes Erin Gerner, founder of Powerhouse Lawyers, to discuss her transition from big law to creating a company aimed at empowering female lawyers. They explore Erin's journey, the gap between legal education and practical lawyering, and the challenges faced by women in the legal profession. Erin shares her experience with imposter syndrome and the pivotal role her coach played in guiding her to support other female lawyers. Erin discusses the benefits of coaching, setting boundaries, managing overwhelm, and the transformative power of retreats and community for personal and professional growth. Erin emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to gain clarity in life and career aspirations, and how community and connection can lead to thriving in the legal field. Erin is a former attorney turned life coach empowering women in law through community and connection. Challenges in the legal profession (00:00:41) The overwhelming experience of being unprepared in the legal profession, lack of mentorship, and the impact of these challenges on young lawyers. Empowering female lawyers (00:02:44) The foundation and purpose of Powerhouse Lawyers, focusing on mentorship, community, and the unique challenges faced by female lawyers. Overcoming imposter syndrome (00:04:26) Erin's struggle with imposter syndrome and how a coach inspired her to empower female lawyers, highlighting the role of coaching in personal and professional growth. Recognizing superpowers (00:07:20) The importance of recognizing one's talents and abilities, overcoming imposter syndrome, and utilizing strengths to succeed in the legal profession. Establishing boundaries (00:09:42) The significance of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and the impact of boundaries on personal and professional well-being. Managing overwhelm (00:11:28) Strategies for managing overwhelm, including brain dumps, time management, and organizing tasks to reduce work-related stress. The impact of retreats (00:14:00) The transformative effect of retreats on female lawyers, providing a space for reflection, learning, and creating an action plan for personal and professional growth. Worthiness and capability (00:17:34) Exploring the concepts of worthiness and capability, healing self-doubt, and building confidence through self-affirmation and recognizing achievements. Becoming the CEO of your life (00:19:38) Practical steps to prioritize joy, gratitude, and self-care, emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's life and career. Finding Joy in Life (00:21:41) Discusses the importance of finding joy, setting priorities, and making time for personal fulfillment. Mindset Obstacles for Women Lawyers (00:22:07) Addresses common mindset obstacles faced by women lawyers, such as feeling incapable and getting stuck in the "how." The Power of Asking "Who" (00:23:24) Explains the shift from asking "how" to asking "who" in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. Advice for Struggling Women Lawyers (00:25:29) Provides advice for women lawyers struggling to find happiness and fulfillment in their careers. Empowerment through Community and Connection (00:28:22) Discusses the transformative impact of community and connection in empowering women lawyers. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free