The Free Lawyer

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Kurt London, managing partner of London Parker Injury Law. Kurt shares his unique journey into personal injury law, including his transformative experiences in Russia and Kazakhstan, and a motorcycle accident that deepened his empathy for clients. He discusses the rapid growth of his firm, emphasizing the importance of personal branding, client empathy, and work-life balance. Kurt also highlights strategies for managing a law practice across multiple states and the significance of creating a supportive work environment. His story serves as an inspiration for lawyers seeking fulfillment and professional success.Kurt is the managing partner of London Harker Injury Law which serves the states of Utah, Montana, Arizona, Nevada, and California. Kurt is originally from Southern California andgraduated with his Juris Doctorate from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.  After graduating, Kurt worked as an attorney for the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center, a chapter of the Innocence Project, to correct wrongful convictions in Utah, Wyoming, and Nevada. Afterwards Kurt practiced personal injury for Robert J. DeBry & Associates and then for Craig Swapp & Associates. Kurt is a board member of the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center. He is also a member of the Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Arizona Trial Lawyers Association, and Utah Association of Justice where he serves on the Board of Governors and is a member of UAJ’s Legislative Affairs Committee. To learn more visit www.londonharker.com.Personal Experience with Motorcycle Accident (00:03:09)Motivation to Enter Personal Injury Law (00:04:02)Prioritizing Client Interests (00:05:02)Building a Personal Brand (00:06:39)Importance of Brand Building for Attorneys (00:07:21)Kurt's Approach to Client Relationships (00:08:48)Marketing Strategies for a New Firm (00:10:09)Learning from Other Firms' Strategies (00:11:44)Empathy in Client Representation (00:13:43)Handling Cases Across Multiple States (00:15:12)Co-Counsel for Litigation (00:16:59)Challenges of Multi-State Practice (00:17:25)Overcoming Law Firm Challenges (00:18:10)Balancing Work and Family (00:18:58)Early Work Hours (00:19:44)Staff Appreciation Strategies (00:21:04)Creating a Supportive Firm Culture (00:22:59)Defining Personal Freedom (00:23:27)Utilizing LinkedIn for Branding (00:24:49)Building Authenticity in Branding (00:26:40)Advice for Stuck Lawyers (00:28:36)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

Perfectionism is often worn as a badge of honor in the legal field, but what if it's actually fueling your burnout? In this episode, Gary Miles shares the hidden role fear plays in the practice of law and how perfectionism quietly erodes confidence, clarity, and connection. Drawing from over four decades in trial law, Gary shares personal stories of high-stakes wins, devastating setbacks, and the mindset shifts that transformed his career. This episode helps lawyers understand why lawyer burnout persists even in the most successful careers, and how redefining success can bring both freedom and fulfillment. Plus, Gary offers seven practical tools to stop letting fear drive your decisions and start showing up with bold, grounded advocacy. 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 Miles interviews Dan Schneiderman, a personal injury trial attorney who recently opened his own practice. Dan, from a family of medical professionals, shares his journey from a deputy district attorney to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, strategic career planning, and work-life balance. The discussion highlights Dan's transition challenges, his calculated approach to starting his firm, and the value of coaching in overcoming imposter syndrome. The episode offers insights into managing stress, maintaining productivity, and achieving fulfillment in the legal profession.As the owner and founder of Schneiderman Trial Attorneys, Mr. Schneiderman’s primary practice involves representing plaintiffs involved in personal injury disputes through mediation, arbitration, or trial in both state and federal court. Mr. Schneiderman’s clients are typically individuals that have been injured or wronged due to the fault of another, and are in or anticipate litigation for personal injury-related matters. Mr. Schneiderman’s specialty areas include matters involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, catastrophic injury and wrongful death. As a trial attorney, Mr. Schneiderman has handled numerous complex, high-stakes civil and injury cases, achieving millions in results for my clients through trial, arbitration, and settlement in state and federal court. For his work, Mr. Schneiderman has been rated by Super Lawyers magazine as being in the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40 years old, receiving the Rising Stars Award for his performance in civil litigation each year since 2016. Mr. Schneiderman has and continues to work towards providing his clients with an open and transparent attorney-client relationship, an effort that has earned him a “5 out of 5” star average client review and rating of “10/10” on the attorney review website. When he’s not trying to get into a courtroom, you can usually find Dan trying to get to the beach for a surf, hanging out with his wife Vicki, two kids, and their two pets (a crazy cat and an English Bulldog), trying to invent or 3D print something in his garage, golfing, trying to write, fishing with his pops, or laying in the hammock in the backyard.Importance of Mentorship (00:10:52)Reflections on Wins and Losses (00:13:07)Control Over Professional Life (00:14:06)Seeking Coaching (00:17:01)Value of Support in Legal Profession (00:19:50)Lessons from Past Experiences (00:21:36)Calculated Launch of a New Firm (00:22:00)Defining Success and Personal Goals (00:22:37)Work-Life Balance Challenges (00:24:42)Email Management and Productivity (00:25:45)Crisis Management in Law (00:27:44)Imposter Syndrome Among Lawyers (00:29:05)Comparing Personal Growth (00:30:36)Finding Purpose in Legal Work (00:31:16)Creating Client Relationships (00:35:12)Vision for the New Firm (00:36:46)Value of Coaching and Mentorship (00:38:37)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

Perfectionism might look like dedication, but in reality, it’s one of the biggest drivers of lawyer burnout. In this episode, Gary Miles unpacks how the constant pursuit of flawlessness: endless document reviews, fear of feedback, and hesitancy to delegate—quietly erodes your confidence, time, and relationships. You’ll hear why perfectionism often begins long before your legal career and how it gets reinforced by law school, client expectations, and the high-stakes nature of legal work. We end with 5 practical strategies to break free from perfectionism and start operating from a place of strength, rather than stress.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, a seasoned attorney with 46 years of experience, converses with Annette Choti, founder of Law Quill, a leading legal digital marketing agency. Annette shares her journey from practicing law to starting her own agency, emphasizing the importance of ethical marketing. They discuss the predatory nature of some marketing agencies and provide guidance on choosing reputable partners. Annette outlines key questions lawyers should ask potential agencies and stresses the necessity of a strong online presence. The episode offers valuable insights for lawyers to effectively market their services and grow their practices.Annette Choti, Esq. graduated from law school 25 years ago, and is the founder & owner of Law Quill, a legal digital marketing agency. She wrote the bestselling book Click Magnet: The Ultimate Digital Marketing Guide For Law Firms, and hosts the podcast Legal Marketing Lounge. She is a sought-after keynote and CLE speaker throughout the United States and Canada. She founded Click Magnet Academy, where she has taught thousands of professionals how to leverage the LinkedIn platform to grow their business and network. Most importantly, she used to do theatre and professional comedy, which is not so different from the legal field if we are all being honest. Understanding Predatory Marketing (00:05:45)Choosing the Right Agency (00:07:52)Key Questions for Agencies (00:10:29)Goals and Expectations (00:12:13)Evaluating Agency Performance (00:14:37)Guidance on Lead Conversion (00:17:04)Understanding Client Value (00:18:05)Holistic Business Approach (00:20:03)Importance of Business Development (00:21:46)Creating an Effective Digital Marketing Plan (00:22:39)Branding Essentials for Lawyers (00:23:07)Example of Effective Branding (00:24:01)Building a Strong Online Presence (00:25:03)Active Participation on LinkedIn (00:25:23)Strategies Beyond Initial Steps (00:26:05)Navigating Marketing While Practicing Law (00:26:45)Importance of Digital Marketing for Referral-Based Lawyers (00:27:22)First Steps for Growing a Law Practice (00:28:57)Investing in Marketing for Growth (00:30:02)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 successful attorneys quietly wrestle with self-doubt. This episode, explores why imposter syndrome shows up most in high-achieving, conscientious lawyers. Perfectionism, high-stakes cases, and constant comparison feed the fear of being “found out.” You'll hear real stories from the courtroom, plus seven practical strategies to break free from the internal pressure to prove you're “legit.” From building your evidence file to resetting your mindset and leaning on trusted colleagues, this episode is your roadmap out of the imposter trap. 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠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 interviews Jess Sargus, an accomplished lawyer, undefeated MMA competitor, and high-performance coach. They explore the intersection of law and personal development, focusing on mental skills necessary for success in high-pressure environments. Jess shares her journey in law and athletics, emphasizing a growth mindset, mindfulness, and practical habits like meditation, reading, journaling, and recognizing moments of joy. She offers actionable tips from sports psychology and neuroscience to help lawyers manage stress and enhance performance. The episode underscores the importance of balancing professional demands with personal well-being.Jess Sargus is the high-performance coach, speaker, and workshop leader behind The Legal Athlete. Through her talks, workshops, and coaching, Jess helps high-achievers to think, execute, and win like elite athletes. Drawing from her Ivy-League legal education and over 22 years of experience in law, business, and combat sports, Jess knows how to thrive in high-stakes arenas where the pressure is constant. Now she helps her lawyer and executive clients master high-stakes pressure, not just endure but thrive in the long game, and achieve extraordinary results—without burnout.Her background is as unique as her coaching approach. A certified Mental Performance Mastery coach, Jess also has held executive legal and business roles at law firms, a unicorn startup, and at Marvel Studios and Disney over her two-decade-plus legal career. She’s also an undefeated former boxer and MMA fighter, and a former professional combat sports manager who has launched the careers of UFC pros and championship boxing contenders.Using a powerful blend of science, sports psychology, and neuroscience, Jess equips overachievers with the mindset, strategies, and resilience to dominate their field, win more for their clients and businesses, and build fulfilling, sustainable careers and lives.MMA Background (00:09:12)Training Others in Combat Sports (00:09:28)Diverse Legal Experience (00:10:15)Current Coaching Approach (00:10:19)Balancing Law and Personal Life (00:12:35)Mental Skills for Lawyers (00:15:26)Growth Mindset (00:15:26)Focusing on the Present (00:18:36)Curiosity in Learning from Setbacks (00:19:30)Small Habits of Excellence (00:21:45)Importance of Movement (00:22:03)Mental Quiet and Meditation (00:23:41)Meditation Practice (00:24:35)The Challenge of Presence (00:25:47)Importance of Reading (00:27:18)Journaling Benefits (00:28:38)Glimmer Practice (00:30:14)Noticing Positivity (00:31:38)Sports Psychology Tip (00:34:04)Neuroscience Hack (00:36:05)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

Perfectionism and people pleasing are often rooted in childhood experiences. They can quietly shape the way lawyers show up in their careers. Gary Miles shares his own journey from bullied student to high-achieving attorney, revealing how early wounds led to a relentless drive for approval and flawless performance. Gary breaks down how these invisible patterns impact client relationships, decision-making, and even your ability to feel fulfilled in success. If you've ever struggled with setting boundaries, feared not being "good enough," or felt pressure to be everything to everyone, this conversation will hit home. Listen for practical ways to shift your mindset, reframe your past, and practice law from a place of strength and authenticity.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 the video version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," the host welcomes listeners and introduces Remzi Kulen, a national expert in immigration law. Remzi shares his journey from Turkey to the U.S., his passion for immigration law, and his 20 years of experience in the field. He discusses the evolution of immigration law, the impact of the current administration, and the importance of providing accurate information to clients. Remzi also highlights his social media presence, particularly his YouTube channel, where he shares valuable insights on immigration law. The episode emphasizes the challenges and rewards of navigating the immigration process.Remzi has represented thousands of individual and corporate clients in immigration matters across the U.S. His expertise includes nonimmigrant work visas, employment-based and family-based permanent residency applications, as well as structuring foreign investments in the U.S. He has successfully obtained approvals for EB-1 extraordinary ability applications, EB-2 National Interest Waivers, and EB-5 green card investment projects. In addition to his legal practice, Remzi has a strong social media presence where he shares updates on immigration law. He has been a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004 and regularly attends the SelectUSA Investment Summit. Remzi earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Marmara University School of Law in 1998 and graduated with distinction from Tulane Law School’s LLM program in 2000. He has been a member of the New York Bar since 2001. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, playing soccer, and table tennis.Motivation for Immigration Law (00:02:51)Evolution of Immigration Practice (00:03:31)Fulfillment in Immigration Work (00:04:45)Impact of the Current Administration (00:06:13)Key Developments for Businesses and Individuals (00:08:07))Foreign Investment Process (00:11:30)Social Media Presence (00:13:31)Managing Client Stress (00:19:33)Personal Stress Management (00:22:00Choosing Positivity (00:23:55)Managing Stress in Law (00:24:21)Balancing Interests (00:24:54)Rewarding Immigration Case (00:25:33)Frustrations of Immigration Law (00:27:36)Future of Immigration (00:28:27)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

Feeling exhausted but seeing underwhelming results at the end of your workday? In this episode, Gary Miles shares how the constant cycle of busyness is sabotaging your billable hours. You'll learn the simple, but powerful shift that transforms frantic days into focused, high-productivity sessions. We’ll explore time tracking habits, focused work blocks, and a step-by-step system that helps you reclaim your time, energy, and results. If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start working with purpose, this episode will show you exactly where to start.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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠