The Free Lawyer

Christi Disparte, a dynamic in-house counsel, joins The Free Lawyer today to share her journey from a litigator in a law firm to an in-house counsel where she has found true fulfillment. Christi offers some powerful thoughts about how to find fulfillment and a healthy balance in the practice of law. She shares her insights on some of these topics: -How to effectively manage the stress of being a practicing litigator in a law firm -The gift of acceptance in handling those persons and situations that challenge us -Take daily breaks to relieve the stress (listen to learn Christi's special break activity!) -How our obstacles help us to grow and find our true calling -The importance of professionalism and being kind in our practice -Finding freedom by focusing on working to live instead of living to work -Important wellness practices to help us stay balanced, healthy, and happy.  Christi is in-house counsel at AuditBoard. Before joining the in-house ranks, Christi was a litigation associate, where she worked on complex civil litigation matters. Christi loves collaborating with others and enjoys being part of her company's success. Christi supports others by sharing self-care tips and her journey through the legal profession. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or by email at cdisparte@gmail.com.

We all know the importance of tolerance, don’t we? We all believe it’s a great value. Is your workplace genuinely tolerant? Can we make it better? And if so, how? Today I will chat about what tolerance is and isn’t, the benefits of having a genuinely tolerant workplace, and how we can improve our office setting to make it more inclusive and accepting. Here are some essential steps: 1. Lead by example. 2. Encourage open communication. 3. Be respectful to all. 4. Create an atmosphere where staff is listened to. 5. Hold everyone accountable, even the most powerful.  6. Set clear expectations. 7. Encourage all staff to seek help safely.  Please listen as I dive into each of these in more detail!

Being a litigator can be so challenging, can't it? This is particularly true in family law. Managing the emotions of our client, and dealing with an often contentious opposing counsel, can create not only stress for us individually but also an obstacle in resolving our case effectively.  Ryan Kniznik, an incredible family law attorney in Ontario, joins The Free Lawyer today to share his powerful insights into practicing law professionally and effectively while also finding personal fulfillment. Ryan offers hot tips on these topics: -The best way to manage the toxic attorney -The importance of calling opposing counsel to determine together what can be resolved and what is at issue -Respectfulness and professionalism as the keys to a successful practice.  -The benefits of early communication with the other side -How not to engage with the problematic lawyer who only wants to fight -The keys to building an effective relationship with opposing counsel -How to remove emotion from communications and achieve a positive solution for the client Ryan is a family lawyer in Ontario [Canada] who is resolution focused and can settle cases, whether addressing parenting or financial issues. He uses his experience gained from court appearances, mediations, and negotiations to help guide clients through the family law process, help problem-solve and generate solutions, and bring closure. Ryan aims to make the process smooth and less stressful by taking a client and goal-focused approach. Ryan can be reached through LinkedIn or at rkniznik@blaney.com work number: 416-593-3921

Have you ever felt overwhelmed at work? That you simply cannot handle anymore? Although you loved your profession, now you are tired of it and getting frustrated? Have you ever felt burned out? This is, unfortunately, not at all unusual. So many lawyers are overwhelmed, overworked, stressed out, and unhappy. We need to set boundaries between our professional and personal lives. How can we change this? In this episode, I explain why we feel this way, some warning signs, the consequences, and, most importantly, eight tips for successfully navigating these situations. We all have a right to be professionally fulfilled and have a satisfying personal life. Let's see how we can do that together.

Emily Logan Stedman joins us for this blockbuster episode! Practicing for six years in two large firms, Emily shares her powerful tips with young lawyers, including: -Her hot tips for the lawyer who is feeling overwhelmed- remember you are not alone, seek the fulfillment you crave, connect with your tribe, and know you always have choices!! -The importance of mentorship for young attorneys -How to set appropriate boundaries and find time for yourself -Be aware of the stress you feel and share it with your associates -Find fulfillment by focusing on finding solutions for your clients Born and raised outside Atlanta, Georgia, Emily Logan Stedman has called Milwaukee home since June 2013. She obtained her B.A. (Spanish and History) in 2008 from Wake Forest University. In 2010, she enrolled at the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating in 2013 and serving 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 as a Senior Associate at Husch Blackwell, where she practices commercial litigation. 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 where she posts regularly on the realities of being a Big Law associate and the need to destigmatize lawyer well-being.

Have you ever felt that you were not as good as other people think you are? Have you ever doubted your ability to achieve what you already have? Do you see yourself as unworthy or not good at what you do, even though others think you are? Have you ever felt you didn't belong? Or even, "what am I doing here?" I know I have struggled with some of those thoughts.  This is often labeled as "imposter syndrome." But trust me, if you have ever felt that way, you are not alone. It affects so many of us and causes us significant problems.  In this episode of The Free Lawyer, I will discuss the reality of imposter syndrome, what it is, its causes, how it affects us, and tangible tools to overcome it. Check it out!! Want to learn more about how you can break out of the prisons holding you back? Reach out to me at gary@garymiles.net, and check out my website garymiles.net.

Jenn Deal joins us today to share insights about managing the overwhelm and finding fulfillment as an attorney.  Jenn Deal is a lawyer (and former BigLaw partner) and a certified life coach. As a brand protection attorney, she handles contentious trademark, unfair competition, and false advertising matters. As a life coach, she helps high-achieving women who feel stuck, unfulfilled, and overwhelmed create careers and lives they love.  She shares her expertise on: -The importance of acceptance of those things we cannot control -How to become more self-aware of our thoughts and feelings -Determining your values, priorities, and chosen path as an attorney -Managing our thoughts to create tremendous success - How to determine what is most important to us and choosing a path to achieve it Jenn is an incredible leader, attorney, and coach. You will love hearing what she has to say! For more, visit www.jenndealcoaching.com or connect with Jenn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-deal-coaching/.

“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.” -Jack Kornfield Do you have days where everything gets under your skin and distracts you? Do you ever get stuck in your head thinking about issues other than the project you're working on? Or, do you have days where you are laser-focused, not easily rattled, and calmly go about productively solving your clients’ problems? The difference is mindfulness. In this episode of  The Free Lawyer, I will discuss what mindfulness is, how it makes a difference, the gifts of practicing law mindfully, and how to become more mindful in your law practice. Check it out!

Codi Shewan joins The Free Lawyer today. Codi is a speaker, trainer,  consultant, and, most importantly, author of the best-selling book, Everyday Legacy. For me and many others, Everyday Legacy was truly transformational. It encourages us through Codi's stories to treasure every moment, be grateful, be present with who matters to us, and begin today, creating our living legacy of how we wish to be known. Codi shares what inspired the book and how it has already started to change the lives of many who have read it.  What if your legacy isn't what you leave behind but something you create every day of your life? What if you started acting the way you want to be remembered - right now - and shared your unique gifts with the world? His message is simple yet powerful: In each moment, you can change yourself and those around you in profound ways. Codi inspires readers to redefine how they live and embrace the idea of living - not leaving - a legacy. Everyday Legacy shows us what it means to be deeply human, undeniably mortal - and how to choose a life that matters. This is a compelling episode!!

Do you ever find billing clients to be uncomfortable? Get tired of keeping time and meeting billable hour expectations? Are you interested in finding a better  way to practice law? Katherine Bromfield  is an innovative, successful and fulfilled family law attorney in Western Australia. Katherine joins The Free Lawyer today to share her thoughts about the many benefits of value-based pricing. She discusses the many problems the traditional hourly billing system causes for  attorneys- dissatisfied clients who do not know what the legal services will cost and have billing shock when the monthly bill comes; the lack of synergy between clients who are focused on the value they receive and the law firm who has a motivation to bill  more hours; the attorneys who are stressed by the hourly billing requirements; and collection issues for the law firm. Katherine explains how value-based pricing satisfies the client by providing the value they want at an agreed cost; creates synergy between the lawyer and client who both have a goal to efficiently and quickly resolve the client's issues; supports the wellbeing of lawyers  by providing an environment of less stress and greater fulfillment; and builds the law firm  which  is more purposeful and successful. Want to learn more about how this works? Have a listen! Katherine Bromfield is a family lawyer in Perth, Western Australia, and helps people to resolve the issues arising from separation and move on with their lives. She started her legal career at Legal Aid, then worked at several different private law firms before starting her practice as the Director of Bromfield Family Law. Family law disputes damage families, and Katherine seeks to reinvent the way clients experience family law so as to deliver outcomes that mitigate harm and protect their families. Now in her own micro virtual practice, Katherine has rejected the traditional business model of law and is embracing new and more flexible ways of delivering family law services so as to provide clients with a strategic pathway to realize their objectives while remaining in control of their matter and the associated costs. Katherine will speak about her success in applying value-based pricing and a strategic and project management style approach to each matter to re-align clients with lawyers and the business of law with the practice of law. Katherine will also tell you how this approach has helped her fall back in love with the practice of family law and how it continues to safeguard the well-being of her team. You can find Katherine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-bromfield-6aa717184/ Are you interested in learning more about value-based pricing? Here are some resources: Tim Williams https://www.ignitiongroup.com/propulsion-blog John Chisholm Consulting https://www.chisconsult.com/my-perspective/ Linked In – Legal Iconoclasts https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12637001/