The Free Lawyer

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, host Gary Miles interviews Frank Rekas, a financial expert and partner at Palm Wealth Partners. Frank shares insights on helping law firm owners simplify finances, minimize taxes, protect assets, and grow wealth using his NPG (Minimize, Protect, Grow) system. The discussion covers common financial blind spots, the importance of proactive planning, and practical strategies for attorneys to achieve financial clarity and confidence. Frank emphasizes a client-centered, honest approach and encourages lawyers to prioritize their financial well-being for long-term security and peace of mind.Law Firm Owners’ Financial Challenges (00:04:16) Top Financial Concerns for Law Firm Owners (00:05:32) Law Firm vs. Personal Budgeting (00:07:04) \The MPG System: Minimize, Protect, Grow (00:07:57) Common Financial Blind Spots (00:10:36) Benefits of Non-Retirement Investments (00:12:41) Working with Attorneys: Challenges and Benefits (00:13:44) Serving, Not Selling: Client-First Philosophy (00:14:50) Personalized Financial Planning (00:17:01) Law Firm Owners’ “Aha” Moments (00:18:25)Building Financial Confidence (00:20:24) First Steps for Overwhelmed Law Firm Owners (00:22:12) Commonly Missed Tax Strategies (00:23:31) Year-Round Tax Planning (00:25:03) Achieving Financial Confidence and Freedom (00:25:27) Advice for Stressed Law Firm Owners (00:27:21) Money Mindset and Family Background (00:29:40) 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 Miles unpacks the truth about what makes lawyers truly confident in the courtroom—and why arrogance always backfires. Drawing on more than 40 years of practice, he explains how humility, not intimidation or even perfectionism, leads to unshakable confidence and sustainable legal careers. Through personal stories of wins, losses, and lessons from mentors, Gary shows how being grounded in who you are frees you from constantly trying to prove your worth. He highlights daily practices: gratitude, active listening, and honest reflection—that help attorneys stay centered and client-focused. You will learn why humility builds stronger client relationships, earns respect from colleagues, and creates long-term sustainability in a legal career. For attorneys ready to shift from stress and self-doubt to confidence and fulfillment, this episode offers a proven path forward.Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a complimentary discovery call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Jennifer Kupferman, a former big law attorney turned psychotherapist specializing in lawyer well-being. They discuss common mental health challenges in the legal profession, such as anxiety, perfectionism, and chronic stress, and explore the stigma surrounding these issues. Jennifer explains her transition to therapy, the neuroscience behind anxiety, and introduces somatic therapy and EMDR as effective tools for lawyers. The conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for lawyers seeking support, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social connection.Jennifer Kupferman is a former Biglaw attorney, who’s now a psychotherapist in private practice in New York City. She specializes in working with lawyers across a range of issues including anxiety, depression, work stress, and building self-confidence. She’s also a regular contributor to the New York Law Journal on issues related to lawyer health and wellbeing, and a public speaker on these matters.Mental Health Challenges in Law (00:03:12)Isolation and Loneliness in Legal Profession (00:04:45) Why Work with Lawyers? (00:05:51) Thinking Like a Lawyer vs. Emotional Well-being (00:06:09) Stigma and Vulnerability in Law (00:07:29) Trends in Lawyer Mental Health (00:08:08) Generational Shifts in Work-Life Integration (00:08:54) Law Firm Resistance to Mental Health Initiatives (00:09:46) Neuroscience of Anxiety and Stress (00:10:49Why Anxiety Persists for High Achievers (00:13:12) Chronic Stress and the Nervous System (00:14:15) HBreaking the Stress-Zone Out Cycle (00:16:13) Therapeutic Approaches: Parts Work (00:17:05) IWhat is Somatic Therapy? (00:19:22)How Somatic Therapy Works (00:21:02) Evidence-Based Somatic Techniques (00:23:43)Introduction to EMDR Therapy (00:24:38) How EMDR Works in Practice (00:25:40) Addressing Skepticism about EMDR (00:27:53) Reframing Self-Criticism and Therapy Readiness (00:30:13) Signs It’s Time to Seek Support (00:31:44) The Importance of Connection (00:32:46)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

For too long, lawyers have believed the myth that confidence comes from grinding harder and working longer. This episode of The Free Lawyer reveals why exhaustion doesn’t create excellence. It quietly erodes it. Instead of faking confidence on the outside while questioning yourself on the inside, you’ll learn how to build unshakable confidence through balance. Gary shares the three pillars every lawyer needs: physical resilience, mental boundaries, and strong relationships. From daily reset rituals to setting client boundaries, you’ll discover practical strategies that make you clearer, calmer, and more effective in your practice. Confidence isn’t about pushing through burnout—it’s about creating a life and career that energize you instead of deplete you. By the end, you’ll see that being a confident lawyer doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself. Rather, it means showing up as your best, both in and out of the courtroom.Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a complimentary discovery call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Steve Steckler, a veteran marketing and leadership coach for lawyers and author of Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur. They discuss practical strategies for lawyers to overcome marketing challenges, emphasizing behavior change, authenticity, and relationship-building over traditional sales tactics. Steve shares insights on balancing legal work with business development, the impact of the billable hour, and leveraging AI tools. The episode offers actionable advice for lawyers to grow their practices, reduce burnout, and achieve greater personal and professional freedom.Steve is a seasoned marketing, career, and leadership coach with 20+ years of experience working with 100’s of partners, associates, and in-house counsel. He advises attorneys on advancing their careers and coaches them on taking actions that will help them reach their goals.  He helps lawyers to change their mindset when they are not advising clients.As an attorney who has dedicated his entire professional life to helping lawyers find more career satisfaction and achieve marketing success, Steve is “Counsel to Counsel.” What gets him excited is identifying ways to get intelligent professionals to embrace the change they want and then move past obstacles that are getting in the way.Unique Approach: Behavior vs. Mindset (00:03:08) Evolution of Legal Marketing and Coaching (00:05:21) Lawyer Personality Traits and Challenges (00:06:52) Key Behavior Changes for Lawyers (00:08:34) Client Success Story (00:10:01) Why Lawyers Struggle with Marketing (00:12:11) Authenticity in Marketing Activities (00:12:37) The “Yes, But” Disease (00:13:58) Leveraging Lawyer Traits Positively (00:15:55) The Platinum Rule (00:16:28) Building Authentic Relationships (00:17:23) Common Marketing Mistakes (00:19:24) Prioritizing Marketing Despite Busyness (00:20:38) Finding Authentic Marketing Strategies (00:21:54) Being of Service vs. Selling (00:23:30) Impact of AI on Legal Marketing (00:24:14) Key Takeaways from the Book (00:27:03) Monetizing Social Connections (00:28:57) Advice for Hesitant Marketers (00:31:05) Personal Freedom and Legal Practice (00:31:23)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

How do you transition from a terrified young lawyer to a confident legal professional? Gary Miles shares some of the top struggles of the legal profession, including high rates of psychological distress, loneliness, and the pressure of perfectionism. His transformation was not due to toughness or brilliance but to the guidance of mentors who believed in him. Gary explores various forms of mentorship, from formal coaching to natural peer relationships. A mentor's gift is the ability to help you see failure as an experience, give you permission to be human, and provide a safe space to share your fears. This episode offers a powerful message about the importance of community and support in building a successful legal career.Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a complimentary discovery call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Michelle Niemeyer, a former attorney turned coach, about her journey through legal burnout and her transition to helping lawyers reclaim fulfillment. Michelle shares how chronic stress and overcommitment led to health challenges, prompting her to prioritize self-care and develop her "Art of Bending Time" framework. She discusses the pitfalls of traditional work-life balance, the importance of clarity and energy management, and practical steps for overcoming burnout. Listeners are encouraged to embrace holistic well-being, set boundaries, and find joy both in and beyond their legal careers.Michelle Niemeyer is a speaker, coach and former attorney who teaches professionals how to bend time so they can stay sharp, productive and profitable – without burning out. After finding her way to burnout and back in her own high-performing legal career, Michelle created The Art of Bending Time, a framework that helps people connect the dots across work, life, and purpose to magnetize success and reclaim their joy. She helps businesses retain top talent, boost development, and keep their people energized and engaged – all while making the magic happen.Onset of Burnout & Volunteer Overload (00:05:18) Symptoms of Burnout & Misdiagnosis as Time Management Issue (00:06:29) Political Campaign & Financial Struggles (00:09:54) Financial Crisis & Law Firm Employment (00:13:04) Autoimmune Diagnosis as Turning Point (00:15:52) Rethinking Self-Care & Lawyer Wellness (00:17:57)Transition to Coaching & Health Focus (00:21:25) Final Legal Case & Full Shift to Coaching (00:23:42)Critique of Work-Life Balance (00:25:30) The Art of Bending Time Framework (00:29:15) Handling Internal & External Time Sucks (00:31:30) Gaining Ten Hours of Productive Time (00:33:32) Early Warning Signs of Burnout (00:35:06) Difference Between Time Management & Burnout (00:36:49) Applying the 80/20 Rule & Delegation (00:37:52) Connecting Work, Life, and Purpose (00:39:39) Advice to Her Past Self & Burned Out Lawyers (00:44:34) Hope for the Future of Lawyer Wellness (00:46:50) 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

Gary Miles shares how he mistakenly believed stress was the enemy of being a good lawyer. through 4 decades of practice, he learned how to make stress a tool for success. This episode explains the "vicious cycle" where stress impairs thinking, leads to poor performance, and kills confidence. True unshakable confidence isn't found in winning cases, but in mastering the daily stress of the legal profession. Listen for practical tools and a five-step system for building daily resilience, stress management hacks, and upgrading your practice.Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a complimentary discovery call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ

In this episode of The Free Lawyer, host Gary Miles interviews Shari Belitz, a litigation consultant and forensic psychologist. Shari shares how she helps civil defense lawyers and insurance professionals use psychological principles to improve trial outcomes. They discuss effective case framing, jury selection, and witness preparation, highlighting common mistakes and practical strategies. Shari explains how storytelling, mock trials, and understanding juror biases can shape verdicts, and offers tips for countering plaintiff tactics like the “reptile theory.” The episode provides actionable insights for lawyers seeking to enhance their trial advocacy through psychology.Shari Belitz, Esq., is a Nationally Recognized Litigation Consultant, Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author, Chief Executive Officer of Shari Belitz Communications LLC, Certified by the National Women’s Business Enterprise National Counsel (WBENC). She is also the founder of the educational subscription course, EnPSYCHLAWpedia®.Shari Belitz Communications, LLC is a litigation consulting company which helps civil defense lawyers and insurance professionals achieve favorable litigation outcomes using psychology. Shari conducts mock trials, prepares witnesses for depositions and trials, writes theme development reports for mediation and trial, and performs jury selection and other customized trial services.Shari is an attorney with over twenty years of experience in the legal profession. Prior to her litigation consulting career, she was an accomplished insurance coverage attorney at a law firm and litigation manager in-house at an insurance company where she handled complex mass tort lawsuits for Fortune 500 insured clients. During her legal career, Shari studied forensic psychology, including advanced jury science and research at the graduate level.Intersection of Law and Psychology (00:02:20) Transition to Litigation Consulting (00:03:35) Jury Instructions and Psychology (00:04:25) Corporate Litigation Experience (00:05:55) Creating Compelling Jury Narratives (00:07:44) Common Mistakes in Openings and Voir Dire (00:11:36) Voir Dire Strategies and Juror Types (00:14:22) Deposition and Witness Preparation (00:17:51) Managing Jury Bias Against Defendants (00:22:58) Using Present Tense in Openings (00:26:19) Insights from Mock Trials (00:27:16) Overcoming Confirmation Bias (00:28:46) Psychological Techniques for Witnesses (00:30:16) SReptile Theory in Litigation (00:33:22)Responding to Reptile Tactics (00:36:19) 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, lawyer Gary Miles reveals the most important lesson from his four-decade career: resilience is the secret weapon for lasting confidence and career satisfaction. He explains that success alone builds a fragile confidence that is easily broken by professional setbacks. Making resilience the true key to thriving in the legal profession. Resilience leads to professional growth and helps combat burnout, a major struggle in the industry. You will hear strategies for building this vital skill, including how to maintain perspective after a loss and create a process for mental recovery. Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a complimentary discovery call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ