The Free Lawyer

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary converses with Tony Smith, an experienced attorney specializing in small business advising, intellectual property, and emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and blockchain. Tony shares his professional journey from working at Stryker to founding his own law firm. He discusses his fascination with Bitcoin, the importance of legal foundations for startups, and strategies for managing imposter syndrome and control in the legal profession. The episode offers valuable insights for lawyers on navigating stress, achieving balance, and embracing resilience in their practice.Tony's Professional Journey (00:01:36)Discovery of Bitcoin (00:02:17)Understanding Bitcoin and Blockchain (00:03:16)Bitcoin Network Security (00:05:31)Mining Bitcoin and Energy Use (00:08:13)Transition to His Own Law Firm (00:10:20)Reputation in Cryptocurrency (00:10:48)Current Law Practice (00:14:05)Supporting Startups (00:14:39)Foundational Legal Documents (00:15:51)Managing Imposter Syndrome (00:16:33)Letting Go of Control (00:18:06)Master of My Own Domain (00:20:37)Managing Urgency and Importance (00:21:22)Living in the Present (00:22:26)Resilience Through Medical Challenges (00:23:17)Dealing with Health Scares (00:24:10)Bouncing Back from Setbacks (00:28:56)Finding Work-Life Balance (00:31:05)Tony Smith is a seasoned attorney with deep expertise in intellectual property law, blockchain strategy, and emerging technologies. As General Counsel at Zuber Lawler, Tony provides critical legal guidance at the intersection of innovation, compliance, and corporate growth. With nearly two decades of legal experience—including senior roles at firms like Xsolla and Stryker—he brings a pragmatic, future-forward approach to legal strategy.Tony is especially focused on helping companies leverage blockchain and smart contracts to streamline operations and protect digital assets. His legal acumen and tech fluency make him a go-to resource for businesses navigating the evolving regulatory landscape of cryptocurrency, decentralized technologies, and intellectual property law.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

Negative thoughts silently sabotage lawyers’ confidence, performance, and long-term career satisfaction. This episode reveals the three most damaging mental habits that plague even the most accomplished attorneys: self-doubt, perfectionism, and comparison. Gary Miles shares personal stories and real-world examples to highlight how inner criticism can be more damaging than any opposing counsel. Learn practical, evidence-based strategies to reframe self-talk, build resilience, and approach high-stakes situations with clarity and confidence. External success doesn't erase internal doubt — taking control of your mindset is essential to thriving in your legal career. Whether you're a new attorney or a seasoned litigator, this episode offers the tools to reclaim your self-worth and transform your professional experience. Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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, a seasoned lawyer, converses with Cecilia Poullain, a certified executive coach and former finance lawyer. They delve into the unique challenges women face in the legal profession, highlighting issues such as perfectionism and self-doubt. Cecilia shares her journey from law to coaching, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, confidence-building, and effective communication. She offers practical strategies for women to navigate firm life, develop client relationships, and foster supportive networks. The episode underscores the significance of community and vulnerability in leadership, aiming to empower women to thrive authentically in their legal careers.Cecilia is a certified executive coach and a former finance lawyer, qualified in Australia, the UK, and France. After a successful legal career spanning several countries, she now dedicates her work to supporting women lawyers on their journey to partnership—and beyond.Through her one-on-one coaching, her Pathway to Partnership program, and the Firm Women breakfasts she hosts in Paris, Cecilia helps women build confidence, navigate the complexities of firm life, and grow strong client relationships. She’s passionate about empowering women to lead and to shape a more inclusive and dynamic legal profession.http://www.ceciliapoullain.com/free-guidehttp://www.ceciliapoullain.com/Emotional Side of Law (00:05:25)Overcoming People-Pleasing (00:06:04)Transforming Adversity into Strength (00:06:55)Cecilia's Stage Fright Experience (00:07:16)Building Self-Confidence (00:08:20)Challenges for Women Lawyers (00:11:55)Gender Dynamics in Law (00:12:31)Interruptions in Meetings (00:13:31)Finding Women's Voices (00:15:12)Navigating Professional Expectations (00:17:41)Empowering Women Lawyers (00:19:50)Community Support (00:20:38)Handling Courtroom Challenges (00:21:31)Using Humor in Court (00:22:07)Complexities of Firm Life (00:23:31)Client Development Strategies (00:24:27)Overcoming Perfectionism (00:26:03)Role-Playing and Self-Trust (00:26:27)Understanding the 'Little Gap' (00:28:47)Focusing on Wins (00:30:26)Defining Career Goals (00:31:33)Community Building in Law (00:34:28)Authenticity and Vulnerable Leadership (00:38:22)Future of Women in Law (00:40:55)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

You've won the cases, billed the hours, and earned the recognition, but somehow, it still feels hollow. In this episode, Gary Miles explores the success paradox so many lawyers face: why external accomplishments and validation don’t lead to lasting satisfaction. If you're stuck in the achievement trap, constantly chasing the next win but never feeling fulfilled, you're not alone. This episode shares how to break free from the pressure to perform and start building a practice that aligns with your values. Redefine success on your terms and become more effective in your career. Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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," the host, Gary Miles, a seasoned litigator with 45 years of experience, converses with Shoshanna French, an intuitive leadership coach and founder of Simple Spirit and Shoshanna French Consulting. Shoshanna, who has worked with NFL leaders, Broadway stars, and CEOs, discusses the integration of intuition into legal practice. The episode highlights the challenges lawyers face in balancing intuition with analytical skills, the importance of mindfulness, and practical strategies for improving intuitive decision-making. Shoshanna emphasizes the importance of aligning with core values and overcoming imposter syndrome to achieve professional and personal fulfillment.Defining Intuition (00:02:52)Challenges Lawyers Face with Intuition (00:03:34)Gut Feelings vs. Intuition (00:04:13)Valuing Intuition Alongside Logic (00:05:10)Practical Uses of Intuition (00:06:26)Recognizing Patterns Among Lawyers (00:09:22)Analysis Paralysis in Lawyers (00:11:48)Three Parts of Intuitive Decision Making (00:12:23)Mindfulness and Quieting the Mind (00:14:36)Finding What Quietens the Mind (00:15:02)Connecting with Intuition (00:17:02)Intuitive Leadership and Work-Life Balance (00:19:33)The Comparison Trap (00:22:13)Acceptance and Control (00:22:15)Intuitive Decision-Making (00:23:24)Building Client Relationships (00:25:23)Managing Imposter Syndrome (00:27:16)Aligning with Purpose (00:29:08)Body as a Pendulum (00:31:51)Basic Intuitive Practice (00:34:43)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

Even the most accomplished lawyers can find themselves stuck in the comparison trap. Scrolling through LinkedIn late at night, watching colleagues post win after win, and feeling like they’re somehow falling behind. In this episode, Gary Miles unpacks why these constant comparisons are quietly sabotaging your confidence, performance, and peace of mind. You'll hear five actionable strategies to break free from the pressure of measuring your career against others, and instead, build a legal path that actually aligns with your values. From redefining success to building authentic professional connections, Gary shares how to reclaim joy and fulfillment in your law practice. Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 speaks with John Kormanik, a certified professional coach and former trial lawyer, about the challenges lawyers face, including stress, burnout, and misconceptions about success. John, author of "Break the Law," shares his journey from practicing law to coaching, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and setting boundaries. They discuss the five lies lawyers tell themselves, such as equating busyness with success and the need to be available 24/7. John offers practical advice for overwhelmed lawyers, encouraging them to focus on personal fulfillment and redefine their metrics for success.John Kormanik, Esq., is on a mission to help attorneys reclaim their purpose, energy, and impact. As a Certified Professional Coach, former trial lawyer, and author of Break the Law, John brings decades of experience from the courtroom to the coaching space, guiding attorneys to say “no” to burnout and “yes” to a legacy they’re proud of by realizing their potential and optimizing their life.With 20+ years as a practicing attorney—including time as a Deputy Attorney General, law firm partner, and firm owner—John understands the unique pressures of the legal profession. Today, he coaches lawyers on reengineering their mindset, optimizing their systems, and rediscovering the joy in their work and life.When he’s not coaching exceptional attorneys, you’ll find John experiencing the world with Michelle, his wife of more than thirty years, riding his mountain bike, or walking his yellow Lab, Olive.Website: https://www.johnrkormanik.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrkormanik/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrkormanikcoaching/Importance of Self-Reflection (00:05:21)Uncomfortable Quiet (00:05:37)The Key to Clarity (00:06:40)Lie #1: Grinding for Success (00:07:29)Lie #2: Busy Equals Success (00:07:48)Lie #3: 24/7 Availability (00:08:28)Managing Client Expectations (00:10:14)Lie #4: Money Equals Happiness (00:11:47)Lie #5: Asking for Help is Weakness (00:13:28)Value of Coaching (00:14:20)Evaluating Work Challenges (00:16:07)Setting Boundaries (00:17:48)Lawyers' Exhaustion Patterns (00:20:59)Understanding External Stressors (00:23:00)Recognizing Work Addiction Signs (00:24:50)Lawyer Identity vs. Profession (00:26:11)Potential Realized, Life Optimized (00:27:02)Value Beyond External Metrics (00:30:25)Finding Satisfaction in Law (00:33:26)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

Setbacks, career challenges, and resilience aren’t just buzzwords. They are daily realities for lawyers. In this episode, Gary Miles shares how to overcome setbacks without letting them define your character, confidence, and career. You’ll learn the 3 critical questions to ask after a loss, how to reframe failure as growth, and why resilience is the true skill that separates thriving attorneys from struggling ones. Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ Audio versions of the episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-free-lawyer/id1614507857Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5I6vBFWhM7beVJIRuBBxgU?si=01ce3fecac31443d

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary converses with Lani Medina, a corporate and M&A attorney, Air Force veteran, and founder of Lani Law LLC. Lani shares her journey from a senior associate at a law firm to starting her own practice. She discusses the challenges of this transition, her philosophy of "feel good lawyering," and the importance of aligning one's practice with personal values. Lani also highlights her cultural background, military experience, and the role of technology in her practice. The episode emphasizes finding joy and fulfillment in the legal profession through compassion and integrity.Lani Medina is a corporate and M&A attorney, Air Force veteran, and founder of Lani Law PLLC—a boutique law firm that delivers high-level legal counsel with a human touch. A Bronx native and proud Puerto Rican, Lani helps entrepreneurs and mission-driven companies navigate complex deals with clarity, compassion, and confidence.She brings 15+ years of experience, including Big Law and in-house roles, and is building a network to support socially conscious startups through accessible, feel-good lawyering.Challenges at the Law Firm (00:01:55)Fear and Anxiety in Transition (00:03:10)Cultural Background's Influence (00:04:24)Lessons from Military Service (00:05:44)Seeking Coaching (00:06:38)Breakthrough Moments in Coaching (00:07:51)Business Planning Process (00:08:32)Overcoming Fear of Leaving (00:09:27)Feel Good Lawyering Philosophy (00:10:54)Human Side of M&A Transactions (00:11:50)Advice for Stuck Lawyers (00:12:44)Mindset Shift to Business Owner (00:14:15)Using AI in Legal Practice (00:14:57)Redefining Success (00:16:07)Promoting Feel Good Lawyering (00:17:41)Investing in Yourself (00:19:41)Mindset Over Environment (00:20:39)Surprises in Coaching Relationship (00:21:27)Impact of Lani Law on Personal Life (00:22:20)Future Aspirations for Lani Law (00:23:28)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

Loneliness and isolation are silently sabotaging the success of highly competent lawyers. In this episode, Gary Miles speaks to how the legal profession’s competitive culture and long hours create a dangerous cycle of isolation that damages both personal well-being and professional performance. Gary shares why isolation leads to impaired judgment, increased anxiety, and burnout. You’ll learn practical strategies to build meaningful professional connections, create support systems, and protect your mental health while thriving in your legal career. Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.garymiles.net/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ Audio versions of the episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-free-lawyer/id1614507857Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5I6vBFWhM7beVJIRuBBxgU?si=01ce3fecac31443d