The Free Lawyer

Laura Frederick is our guest today. Laura has a background in Big Law and as in house general counsel, but courageously opened her own firm and has created a How To Contract Platform to help other legal professionals learn how to effectively navigate the contract world. Laura addresses so many important topics: -How we learn from the challenges in our life -How we can manage fear in our life -How to choose our own path in the legal profession -How to use LinkedIn to grow your network and your business -How to create personal freedom in your own life Laura Frederick is the Founder and CEO of How to Contract, which helps lawyers and professionals learn how we draft and negotiate contracts in the real world, and Managing Attorney at Laura Frederick Law, PLLC, a boutique law firm based in Austin, Texas that helps companies buy, sell, and license technology products. Laura worked on commercial contracts throughout her career, including 11 years in law firms including Big Law firms like Morrison & Foerster, and 14 years as in-house counsel at cutting-edge technology and energy companies like Tesla. After working for others her whole career, she decided in 2019 to work for herself and opened her solo law practice. Then in August 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, Laura started sharing what she knew about contracts in daily contracting tips on LinkedIn. The idea to post every day started as a 30-day challenge. She started adding to each post a self-made funny cartoon that quickly become her trademark. With the success of her tips on LinkedIn, Laura published a collection of 91 tips in November 2020 in the Amazon bestseller, “​​Practical Tips on How to Contract: Techniques and Tactics from an Ex-BigLaw and Ex-Tesla Commercial Contracts.”  Several law schools use Laura’s book to teach practical contract skills to their students. She also launched the How to Contract training business. Thousands of lawyers and professionals have signed up for her training membership or events. Then in January 2022, Laura hosted a first-of-its-kind virtual conference called the How to Contract Conference featuring 14 practicing lawyers, each sharing their contract insights and techniques. Laura continues posting daily contract tips and cartoons on LinkedIn. She shared recently that in the two years since she started posting daily contract tips, her posts had been seen 9,200,000 times. She continues to find other ways to share her expertise. She’s publishing an expanded edition of her book in September 2022 featuring over 300 tips, each with one of her signature silly cartoons. She also is planning the next big practical contract training event for February 2023. Are any of you suffering from burnout and a difficulty in setting boundaries? If so, obtain my free tips on how to set boundaries and avoid burnout here: https://www.garymiles.net/burnout

Have you ever been asked to do something for someone, said yes, and then resented that you had to do it? Has someone ever complained to you about something, and you said "I'm sorry," when you did not actually think you did anything wrong? If so, you may encounter what is commonly called "people pleasing." In itself, it is not a bad thing, but it can lead to frustration, resentment, and losing connection with who we really are. Many of us have suffered from people-pleasing. I know I have. In episode 29 of The Free Lawyer, I will explain what people pleasing is, describe 9 symptoms of people pleasing, and discuss the 9 negative effects of it, Next week, we will chat about how to break out of the prison of people pleasing.  Are any of you suffering from burnout and a difficulty in setting boundaries? If so, obtain my free tips on how to set boundaries and avoid burnout here: https://www.garymiles.net/burnout

Do any of you encounter someone who is always blaming, has to win at all costs, has to get his way?  And if crossed, lashes out, or gives the silent treatment? Do any of you work in a toxic workplace? Ever have problem clients who are never happy and always attacking? If so you may be encountering someone with narcissistic personality disorder or who exhibits low emotional intelligence, and you will greatly benefit from this episode.  We are joined today by Lynn Catalano who literally has written the book on this topic, Wrecking Ball Relationships, which is incredibly helpful to any of us who encounter narcissism. Lynn discusses in depth: -What is narcissism and how does it present itself -What are the primary characteristics of narcissism -How the narcissist responds when he does not get his way -How to respond to the narcissist best -How to identify and manage the narcissists we encounter in the legal profession -What is a toxic workplace and how to survive in it Lynn is an author, speaker, coach, attorney and survivor of narcissistic abuse, who helps people reframe their thinking in every aspect of their lives; from the workplace to their personal life, becoming an agent of change. One of the greatest skills a person can develop is the ability to navigate difficult people. Lynn helps people learn to identify toxic relationships and gives them the tools to overcome these relationships. Your emotional intelligence is the key to building better, healthier relationships. Lynn will explore how to make emotional intelligence part of your everyday practice and learn how it benefits all of our relationships, teamwork, and collaboration. Lynn also teaches groups how to read the room, how to build rapport and acclimate quickly in any situation. Lynn is the author of the book “Wrecking Ball Relationships: How to Identify, Live With or Leave the Narcissist in Your Life,” available now on Amazon. Lynn lives in Western New York along the Canadian border with her husband, 2 daughters, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and a 16-year-old turtle. Lynn loves to travel, hunt for antiques, watch movies and play word games. Are any of you suffering from burnout and a difficulty in setting boundaries? If so, obtain my free tips on how to set boundaries and avoid burnout here: https://www.garymiles.net/burnout

Mistakes happen, right? Deadlines get missed, papers get filed wrong, an important call is not returned. Those can of course be problems, but the bigger problem is how we respond to it. Do we play the blame game? Or do we take productive steps to understand what happened and to correct it? One of the major problems facing law firms and other offices today is the toxic workplace. A major factor is a culture of blame in those firms. That can be remdied! In Episode 27 of The Free Lawyer podcast, I will explain what the blame game is; why no one wins; why we play the blame game, and give tangible steps to avoiding blame and handling the situation responsibly. Are any of you suffering from burnout and a difficulty in setting boundaries? If so, obtain my free tips on how to set boundaries and avoid burnout here: https://www.garymiles.net/burnout

Jeffrey Cunningham joins the podcast today to share some critical thoughts about how to protect yourself and your law firm from potential malpractice claims and grievances. Jeff is a partner in the firm of Goldberg Segalla and a true expert in the field of risk protection for law firms. Jeff provides important advice on; - The key items to have in your retainer agreements - The biggest risk factors for law firms - The benefits of having outside general counsel to your law firm - The importance of getting expert advice on how to protect yourself from claims and grievances - How to maintain the important attorney-client privilege when discussing potential claims with your counsel This is an episode to be listened to by every attorney! Jeff is originally from Albany, NY and currently lives in Stamford, CT with his wife and two sons. He graduated from Fordham Law School and obtained his undergrad degree from The Citadel. He serves as 'turn-key' outside General Counsel for law firms. His mission is to provide the same protection big law firms use to solo, small and mid-sized firms, all protected by the attorney-client privilege. For over a decade he has defended lawyers sued for legal malpractice or facing ethics issues. His approach is based on simple risk management, education and response planning. In addition to attorneys, Jeff defends accountants, brokers, and other professionals in a wide range of professional liability matters in New York and Connecticut State and Federal Courts. Are any of you suffering from burnout and a difficulty in setting boundaries? If so, obtain my free tips on how to set boundaries and avoid burnout here: https://www.garymiles.net/burnout

Have you ever felt angry at someone for something they did to you and feel powerless to stop it or change it? And that feeling keeps coming back, and festering? Resentments are one of the most insidious and harmful negative emotions we feel. But many, even most of us, experience them, and often without knowing or understanding it. In this episode of The Free Lawyer, I will be explaining what a resentment is, how it affects us, and give you seven tangible tips to overcome your resentments and free yourself from the pain we cause ourselves. Are any of you suffering from burnout and a difficulty in setting boundaries? If so, obtain my free tips on how to set boundaries and avoid burnout here: https://www.garymiles.net/burnout

On  this week's episode of The Free Lawyer, we are joined by the incredible Scott Simmons. Scott is a toolbox for turning lawyers into rainmakers. After a successful career in law where he faced similar situations to the lawyers of today, he discovered a love of coaching and training that has seen him coaching young professionals on how to build their own careers, as well as more senior executives to become rainmakers.   Scott shares some helpful advice on how to grow your law practice including: -Avoiding burnout and the importance of talking about it -The difference between marketing and business development -How to focus on the needs of the client, helping them to find solutions to their problems -The benefits of value based billing -How to stop billing at the end and then chasing clients for payment - How to best market our services --Managing changes in the legal landscape -The Importance of PRECISION selling Scott is the Director of Legal Balance. He offers bespoke training, coaching and leadership courses to professionals at all stages of their career and developed The BD Breakthrough Blueprint©, a two-day training course, to facilitate this. Scott has spent the last 10 years coaching and training lawyers and regularly writes and speaks on the subject of professional services business development. Scott is a husband and father and also an avid film lover, so do not be surprised when he includes a BD analogy relating to ‘Jaws’ or ‘When Harry Met Sally’ into any training or coaching session.  Want to get in touch with Scott? Contact Details scott.simmons@legalbalance.co.uk www.legalbalance.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottsimmonsbdm/ Are any of you suffering from burnout and a difficulty in setting boundaries? If so, obtain my free tips on how to set boundaries and avoid burnout here: https://www.garymiles.net/burnout

How serious are you about achieving your dreams? Are you willing to do what is necessary to earn the promotion, go for the raise, or seek a new and better job? What is your biggest professional goal? Why haven't you accomplished it yet? For most of us, the answer is fear. Fear limits us from achieving what we really want. If we do not strive for a professional goal because we are "afraid," we will never accomplish it. So why not try? The problem is that our fear can often be unknown and very powerful. We sometimes succumb to it without even knowing. How you respond to fear is precisely what differentiates you from all the others, and sets you on your path to success.  In this edition of The Free Lawyer newsletter, I disucss what fear is, and how it affects us; and give you 12 tangible steps to overcome your fear and move closer to the dreams of your life. Are any of you suffering from burnout and a difficulty in setting boundaries? If so, obtain my free tips on how to set boundaries and avoid burnout here: https://www.garymiles.net/burnout

Steve Fretzin, four time author, podcaster, and legal development coach, joins The Free Lawyer to talk about: -How to be a confident, authentic and skilled rainmaker -Building your own book of portable clients -The importance of effective consulting relationships with your clients - How to do what you love to do for others -Creating your own personal and financial freedom This is a can't miss episode! Driven, focused and passionate about helping attorneys to reach their full potential, Steve is regarded as the premier coach, skills trainer and keynote speaker on business development for attorneys. Over the past 17 years, Steve  has devoted his career to helping lawyers master the art of business development to achieve their business goals and the peace of mind that comes with developing a successful law practice. In addition to writing four books on legal marketing and business development, Steve has a highly-rated podcast BE THAT LAWYER, and has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s, and Entrepreneur.com. He has appeared on NBC News, WGN Radio and has written articles for Attorney at Law Magazine, the National Law Review, the American Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association. You can also find his monthly column in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Are any of you suffering from burnout and a difficulty in setting boundaries? If so, obtain my free tips on how to set boundaries and avoid burnout here: https://www.garymiles.net/burnout

Seems like a contradiction, doesn't it? Get uncomfortable and be free? When I was young, I always wanted to have a comfortable life. To be safe, to have a relaxed, easy life. That's what some people call our "comfort zone." But is it really enough? Are we really satisfied in our comfort zone? In this Episode, I will explain the comfort zone, what it is, and why it works for many of us. But some people find it boring and incomplete. Some of us want something better, where we can grow, have a more exciting and fulfilling life, pursue our dreams.  I will share some tangible tips for you to follow in becoming free and accepting the fact that being uncomfortable is a good thing. I am now coaching attorneys, entrepreneurs and professionals how to enjoy personal freedom and be more successful. Would you like to learn more? Please visit www.garymiles.net and sign up for a free discovery call. Be well, be safe and be free!