The Free Lawyer

In this podcast episode, host Gary discusses the significance of mentorship in the legal profession, drawing from personal experiences and his book "Breaking Free: A Journey to Personal and Professional Freedom." He highlights professionals' mental challenges and how mentorship can provide support, guidance, and encouragement. He explains common fears about seeking a mentor and outlines the benefits, such as increased confidence and accountability. He also offers advice on choosing a mentor and shares the positive impact of coaching on lawyers' growth. The episode ends with a call to invest in mentorship for growth and success. Challenges in seeking mentorship (00:08:01) Gary addresses the common roadblocks lawyers face in seeking mentorship, such as fear, self-sufficiency, vulnerability, ego, time constraints, and financial concerns. Benefits of having a mentor (00:11:30) Gary outlines the ways a mentor can benefit lawyers, including providing a confidential listening ear, guidance, vision creation, clarity, confidence, and accountability. Selecting a mentor and gifts of mentorship (00:15:05)  Gary discusses the criteria for selecting a mentor, including experience, good listening skills, and compatibility. Additionally, he highlights the gifts of working with a mentor, such as motivation, resilience, growth mindset, emotional stability, and greater success. Would you like to schedule a complimentary call to discuss how Gary can help you? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call 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 interviews Mysty Blagg, a North Carolina attorney with a healthcare and compliance investigation background. Mysty discusses her transition from the medical field to law, seeking a career with more flexibility to balance work and family life. She shares her struggles with stress and the importance of mindfulness and hobbies like gardening and golf for maintaining work-life balance. Mysty also talks about her podcast, "The Zealous Advocate," which offers insights for lawyers on advocacy, mental health, and technology. She emphasizes the value of learning from failure, the importance of listening skills, and the support she receives from her law firm. Listeners can find Mysty's podcast on Spotify and connect with her on LinkedIn or through her law firm, Shipman and Wright LLP. Mysty Blagg helps healthcare professionals and companies achieve their strategic goals through her legal representation. She is a second-career healthcare advocate who brings over twenty years of prior healthcare industry experience into law practice.  Her clients benefit from her unique and valued perspective from her previous careers as a healthcare compliance investigator, Medicaid appeals specialist, and a registered dental hygienist. She leverages her experience as a Medicaid healthcare compliance investigator to assist clients in maintaining an effective compliance program, responding to government investigations and audits, and complying with healthcare fraud and abuse laws such as the False Claims Act, Anti-kickback Statute, and Stark Law.  In addition, Mysty assists clients with various other healthcare transactional matters, including contract drafting and review. Mysty spends time with her three children, husband, and golden retriever playing on the beach in her free time.  She also enjoys playing golf and listening to local bands. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free Some highlights of this episode: Balancing Work and Family (00:01:49) Misty's strategies for maintaining work-life balance with a challenging legal career and a family. Meditation and Stress Management (00:03:36) Misty's approach to stress management and the importance of intentional activities like meditation and golf. Overcoming Mindset Obstacles (00:06:32) Misty's insights on overcoming self-doubt and reframing thoughts in the practice of law. Finding Fulfillment in Legal Practice (00:10:38) Misty's motivations and alignment of her legal career with her values and goals. Problem-Solving Methodology (00:12:25) The importance of being a good listener and making many telephone calls to solve clients' problems. Big Firm vs. Small Firm Experience (00:15:07) Benefits and drawbacks of working in a big firm versus a small firm based on Misty's experiences. Advice for Young Lawyers (00:17:34) Misty's suggestions for young lawyers in navigating their legal careers and prioritizing life goals over money.

In this podcast episode, Gary Miles addresses the significance of aligning one's legal practice with personal values. He acknowledges the challenges lawyers face, such as burnout and inauthenticity, and offers practical steps for lawyers to identify and integrate their values into their work. Gary emphasizes the benefits of this alignment, including greater fulfillment and better client relationships. He concludes by encouraging lawyers to reflect on their values and pursue a meaningful and fulfilling career. The problem of misalignment with values in legal practice (00:02:08) Discussing the issue of lawyers not aligning their legal practice with their personal values and the resulting consequences. Consequences of misalignment with values (00:03:14) Exploring the negative effects of practicing law without aligning with personal values, such as burnout and lack of fulfillment. Steps to determine professional values (00:04:37) Providing a process for lawyers to identify and prioritize their most important professional values. Importance of aligning practice with values (00:09:38) Highlighting the benefits of aligning legal practice with personal values, including increased fulfillment and authenticity. Creating alignment between practice and values (00:12:09) Outlining six steps for lawyers to align their legal practice with their most important values. 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 interviews Emily Stedman, a partner at a major Midwest law firm, who shares her path to partnership and her dedication to helping lawyers manage stress and achieve a balanced life. She discusses overcoming self-doubt, anxiety, and imposter syndrome and stresses the importance of mental health practices like therapy and meditation. Emily advocates for open dialogue on well-being in the legal community and underscores the need for law firms to support mental health initiatives. The episode offers insights into maintaining professional and personal well-being in the demanding field of law. Born and raised outside of Atlanta, Georgia, Emily Logan Stedman has called Milwaukee home since June 2013. She obtained her B.A. cum laude (Spanish and History) in 2008 from Wake Forest University. Next, she taught 5th Grade in Buckeye, Arizona, as a 2008 corps member with Teach for America. In 2010, she enrolled at the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating in 2013 magna cum laude and having served as Editor-in-Chief of the Mississippi Law Journal. From 2013-2016, Emily clerked for Judge Pamela Pepper, now Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In 2016, she joined Midwest Big Law as an associate at Quarles & Brady. Since November 2020, she has worked at Husch Blackwell, where she is a commercial litigation partner within the technology, manufacturing, and transportation strategic business unit. It was joining Big Law that brought on an increase in anxiety and low mood in Emily. After seeking solace with colleagues, therapy, and meditation, she began talking more openly about the need to improve well-being in the law. This started with programming while president of the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin, then as a committee chair for the Wisconsin Taskforce on Lawyer Well-Being. Most recently, she has built a platform on LinkedIn and now Twitter/X, where she posts regularly on the realities of being a Big Law attorney and the need to destigmatize lawyer well-being. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free Overcoming obstacles and self-doubt (00:02:16) Emily talks about the obstacles, self-doubt, and second choices she encountered in her academic and professional journey. Managing self-doubt and anxiety (00:06:01) Emily and Gary discuss strategies for managing self-doubt and anxiety, including therapy, meditation, and self-compassion. Finding alignment and fulfillment (00:11:42) The conversation focuses on aligning legal practice with personal values, making career decisions, and the importance of being true to oneself. Maintaining mental health and balance (00:20:06) Emily discusses effective strategies for maintaining mental health, including therapy, meditation, organization, and time management. Systems and Routines (00:24:07) Emily discusses the need for systems and routines to manage workload and pressure, emphasizing the importance of flexibility. Maintaining Mental Health (00:26:20) The impact of mental health on individual and client performance, and the negative effects of stress and anxiety in the legal profession. Coping Strategies (00:29:32) Emily shares coping strategies for overwhelmed lawyers, including taking breaks, prioritizing tasks, and regrouping to find peace and balance. Handling High-Stress Cases (00:31:29) Emily discusses managing stress in commercial litigation, dealing with difficult opposing counsel, and maintaining a reasonable posture and position. Community and Mentorship (00:35:02) The critical role of mentorship and community in supporting lawyers through the stresses of the legal profession.

In today's episode, Gary dives into the "Law of Attraction," discussing in detail how our mindset can affect our results. He explains the law of attraction and whether it is "real." He discusses the importance of visualization, affirmations, and a positive mindset. Most importantly, he analyzes the benefits of a positive mindset in your practice and provides nine steps for changing your thoughts and utilizing the law of attraction to create the success you deserve. The law of attraction (00:00:02) Explains the concept and its potential impact on mindset and outcomes in legal practice. The power of positive thinking (00:02:17) Explores how positive thinking, visualization, and purposeful intention can harmonize with talents and efforts to create special results. Is the law of attraction real? (00:03:43) Discusses the controversy and lack of scientific evidence surrounding the law of attraction, while acknowledging its potential motivational value. Examples of the law of attraction (00:05:01) Shares personal examples of how thoughts directly affect results, such as learning to ride a bike and playing golf. Pitfalls of the law of attraction (00:07:15) Highlights the need for effort, planning, and resilience, and advises against blaming oneself when negative outcomes occur. Gifts of the law of attraction (00:09:34) Emphasizes the benefits of maintaining a positive mindset, setting clear goals, visualization, stress management, and better client relationships. How to change thoughts using the law of attraction (00:13:26) Provides nine steps to change thoughts and visualization, including gratitude, mindfulness, goal-setting, positive affirmations, and seeking support. Embracing the potential of the law of attraction (00:20:15) Encourages integrating positive energy, focused intention, and mindful visualization into legal practice to elevate oneself and shape desired outcomes. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this podcast episode, host Gary interviews Sharif Gray, a personal injury attorney from Virginia, who shares his path from VMI valedictorian to law school, military service, and his current legal practice. Gray discusses the influence of his godfather and the film "A Few Good Men" on his career choice, his dedication to helping people through personal injury law, and the significance of a major case victory. He also talks about the challenges young lawyers face, including gaining trial experience and managing student debt, while emphasizing the importance of passion and authenticity in the legal field. Gray reflects on the personal fulfillment he derives from making a difference in clients' lives and the freedom that comes with running his own practice. First Major Jury Verdict (00:15:31) Sharif's million and a half dollar trip and fall case, the intentional framing of the case, and the confidence gained from the successful trial. Keys to Being an Excellent Plaintiff's Trial Attorney (00:17:33) The importance of framing the case, capitalizing on defense missteps, and positioning the plaintiff as a victim of the defendant's actions. Building a Practice and Developing Business (00:19:38) Sharif's diverse strategies for business development, including referrals, digital presence, networking, and creating a broad net for opportunities. Challenges faced by young lawyers (00:21:48) Sharif Gray discusses the financial burden of law school debt and the limited options for gaining trial experience as a young lawyer. Sharif is a trial lawyer and a partner at Blackburn, Conte, Schilling & Click. He tried cases as a United States Army JAG Officer and as a Drug and Vice Prosecutor, served as a Federal Judicial Law Clerk at a trial court, and now takes cases to trial as a personal injury and criminal defense lawyer. There is nothing more professionally exciting for Sharif than preparing for and going to trial. And there is no greater privilege for Sharif than getting results for his clients.  Sharif cares deeply about his work and the people he represents. His record is evidence of this: in the Army, he successfully defended hundreds of soldiers at trial, in adverse administrative proceedings, and under investigation; as a prosecutor, he pursued justice for victims and earned a reputation among judges and defense attorneys for being persuasive and fair; and as a personal injury lawyer, he has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.  Sharif graduated valedictorian and as a distinguished military graduate from the Virginia Military Institute. Among other honors, his class elected him to serve as a prosecutor on VMI’s Honor Court, where he prosecuted honor offenses and first discovered his love for trial work.  Sharif received his law degree from the University of Virginia. During law school, he served on the Virginia Journal of Criminal Law’s Managing Board; led an Army Reserve Drill Sergeant Unit; and clerked for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Solicitor General’s Office.  Sharif earned his masters of law degree in trial advocacy from the Temple University Beasley School of Law, which has consistently been ranked as the nation’s top trial training program for more than twenty years.  Sharif also graduated from the Gerry Spence Method — the premier training for trial lawyers who represent people.  Away from work, Sharif enjoys spending time with his wife and son, learning songs on his acoustic guitar, playing on a kickball team, and working out each morning at a CrossFit gym.  Sharif also operates RVA Personal Injury Lawyers and UCMJ Trial Lawyers, and he co-hosts the RVA Trial Lawyers Podcast. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this podcast episode, host Gary discusses the importance of living in the present for achieving personal freedom and professional success. They introduce their book "Breaking Free," offering insights and tools to help listeners embrace the power of now. The episode focuses on the benefits of mindfulness and present-moment awareness, particularly for lawyers dealing with high stress. Practical advice is given on how to cultivate a present-focused mindset, which can lead to better relationships, decision-making, and productivity. Personal anecdotes reinforce the message, encouraging a transformative journey towards embracing the present. Living in the Present (00:01:09) Importance of focusing on the present moment for personal freedom and happiness. Challenges of Living in the Present (00:02:18) The difficulties of living in the present in a high-stress profession, such as law. Benefits of Living in the Present (00:03:33) The positive impact of living in the present, including stress reduction and improved well-being. Professional Effectiveness (00:10:46) How living in the present enhances professional effectiveness, communication, and decision-making. Tools for Living in the Present (00:15:17) Practical tools and strategies for staying present in daily life and work. 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 interviews Rachel Clar, founder and CEO of Interconnected Us, a company providing an online community and peer mastermind groups for women lawyers. They discuss Rachel's career transition from law to real estate development, and her passion for creating a supportive space for women lawyers. Rachel highlights the challenges women lawyers face, including self-doubt, work-life balance, and societal expectations. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and delegating tasks effectively. Rachel also shares how her company helps women lawyers find their community, and the positive impact this has on their careers.  Challenges women lawyers face (00:08:48) Rachel discusses the unique challenges women lawyers face, including being mothers and the socialization to play nice in the professional environment. The importance of boundaries for women lawyers (00:10:31) Rachel discusses the significance of setting boundaries for women lawyers and how it can be a game changer for their success and well-being. Challenging the lack of a clear path to success for women lawyers (00:13:17) Rachel shares the story of a junior partner in a law firm who is struggling with the lack of guidance on how to advance in her career, highlighting the need for boundaries in challenging the system. Delegating and the fear of letting go (00:16:05) Rachel talks about the challenges lawyers face when it comes to delegating tasks and how it relates to boundaries, growth mindset, and the importance of creating talent in others. Delegating and Boundaries (00:18:56) Rachel and Gary discuss the connection between delegating and boundaries, and how it impacts leadership and coaching. Rachel Clar, Esq. is Founder and CEO of Interconnected Us, which is an online private community for female lawyers to meet in confidence and ask the questions they need answered to get off the hamster wheel of endless "productivity" and start making it rain. Interconnected Us offers a monthly membership option, and peer-to-peer mastermind groups where women lawyers meet regularly with their cohort (those who work in a similar work environment (i.e. BigLaw associates, Solo firm owners, etc.) bimonthly to discuss private challenges that are harder to address in public. Before founding Interconnected Us, Rachel worked in the real estate development sector, developing affordable housing and solar arrays. Her professional experience in developing business relationships, combined with her personality style and deep inner healing work, give her a unique perspective which she uses to create inclusive, welcoming spaces for women lawyers to ask, and get answers, to the questions they need to advance professionally. Rachel is passionate about helping progressive women lawyers envision the lives they want and then strategize alongside their peers to make their vision become a reality. Rachel calls herself a "Compassionate Disruptor" and feels a responsibility to use her voice to shift the status quo. In 2022, she joined the ABA Law Practice Division's Women Rainmakers Committee, and in 2023 she was appointed to join the ABA Law Practice Division's Client Development Committee. She is a committed, lifelong learner, community leader and community builder. Connect with Rachel through LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelclar/.  Learn more about how Interconnected Us can help you grab the steering wheel of your legal career at https://www.interconnectedus.com. You may order your copy of Breaking Free here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPKSQ59R

In this podcast episode, lawyer and author Gary Miles discusses the critical role of goal-setting for lawyers. He introduces his book "Breaking Free," which addresses overcoming mental barriers to success. Gary emphasizes the benefits of goal setting, including direction and stress reduction, while acknowledging common obstacles like overwhelm and unrealistic expectations. He offers a series of questions to aid lawyers in setting practical goals. He outlines ten steps to achieve them, stressing the importance of aligning goals with personal values for authenticity and satisfaction in one's legal career. Gary encourages lawyers to set goals for personal and professional growth intentionally. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free Benefits of Goal Setting (00:03:47) Exploration of the benefits of goal setting, including direction, motivation, accountability, stress reduction, long-term vision, and stress reduction. Hurdles in Goal Setting (00:06:22) Identification of potential roadblocks to goal setting, such as overwhelm, lack of clarity, unrealistic expectations, lack of accountability, perfectionism, and short-term focus. Critical Questions for Goal Setting (00:10:43) Key questions to consider when setting goals, including career objectives, obstacles, areas for improvement, strengths and weaknesses, and values alignment. Aligning Goals with Values (00:16:24) The importance of aligning goals with personal values for authenticity, motivation, clarity of purpose, informed decision-making, resilience, well-being, reduced burnout, and long-term satisfaction. Steps for Goal Setting (00:20:30) Ten steps for setting goals, including reflecting on the past year, defining long-term objectives, identifying areas for improvement, setting specific goals, establishing deadlines, seeking support, anticipating challenges, aligning with values, holding oneself accountable, and maintaining work-life balance.

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, host Gary interviews Mike Ashabraner, a financial coach known as the "Redneck Coach". Despite a challenging upbringing and financial setbacks, Mike shares how he turned his life around with the help of a mentor. They discuss the importance of networking, collaboration, and mentorship in achieving success. Mike, who grew up in a trailer park, now helps others achieve financial independence. He emphasizes the power of LinkedIn in building authentic relationships and the role of coaching in growing professionally. The episode concludes with a discussion on the power of collaboration over competition. The importance of mentorship and collaboration (00:08:56) Mike emphasizes the significance of having mentors, coaches, and surrounding oneself with brilliant people for success. The power of personal branding (00:16:20) Mike explains how having a strong personal brand, like being the "redneck coach," can set someone apart and attract the right audience. The importance of branding (00:17:42) Discussion about how branding helps to establish identity and attract the right clients. Authenticity in branding (00:18:25) Emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and not trying to be different just for the sake of it. The power of LinkedIn (00:20:52) Exploring the benefits of using LinkedIn to build authentic and mutually beneficial relationships for business growth. Collaboration and Building Relationships (00:27:33) Gary and Mikle discuss the importance of collaboration, building relationships, and helping others without expecting anything in return. They highlight the benefits of networking and how it leads to opportunities and trust. Mike Ashabraner grew up poor, in the foothills of Kentucky.  He was taught the importance of a good education and work ethic, and always had a knack for bringing people together. Despite these admirable qualities, in 2010 he found himself in the tough spot many Americans have faced…bankruptcy.  He immediately reached out to a financial advisor, who quickly became a mentor, and helped him turn his life around.  He even encouraged him to leverage his own experience to become a financial coach and help others.  That business rapidly grew, and Mike found himself at the center of another major epiphany.  People were enthralled by his ‘down to earth advice’ and endearing ‘redneck’ persona.  Every day he woke up to messages from strangers who had become fast friends, expressing gratitude for his guidance and inspiration.  That’s actually how he became known as the Redneck Financial Coach.     Today, Mike serves as an unconventional advisor who helps established entrepreneurs grow their net worth through his network. His Redneck Coach title is the perfect description for his straight shootin’ strategies and down to earth advice.  He’s recognized for pioneering a lively and loyal online community called the Hounds of Business, and has created the Hound Pack Principles that give his clients immediate access to an instant community.  He’s a multi-certified financial advisor known for helping his clients fund their future and multiply their money.  And of course, he’s world famous for his camouflage cap and cool country proverbs that leave crowds calling for an encore.   Mike Ashabraner Social Media Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/redneck1/ https://www.youtube.com/@houndsofbusiness https://www.redneckfinancialcoach.com You may order your copy of Breaking Free here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPKSQ59R