The Free Lawyer

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary welcomes Melanie Lippman, a New York-based image coach and personal branding strategist. Melanie discusses her transition from a corporate executive to her current role, emphasizing the importance of personal branding, self-trust, and visibility for lawyers. She highlights common challenges attorneys face, such as self-doubt and perfectionism, and offers strategies to build confidence and a personal brand that aligns with their authentic selves. The conversation also covers the significance of a strong LinkedIn presence and the evolving landscape of the legal profession post-pandemic.Melanie Lippman is a New York-based Image Coach and Personal Branding Strategist who helps attorneys and law firms transform their lawyers into high-profile rainmakers through strategic visibility and executive presence.With 10 years as a corporate executive and trainer, Melanie understands the power of positioning and influence. She works with top firms—including Ropes & Gray, Pillsbury, and Cantor Colburn—to ensure their attorneys stand out as trusted industry leaders. Through a strong personal brand, she helps lawyers build credibility, attract high-value clients, and establish authority on LinkedIn, speak on panels, and create content that drives business growth.With a background as a stylist turned neuro-coach, Melanie teaches attorneys how to align their presence with their expertise—so they are seen, heard, and recognized as leaders in their field.Understanding Neuro Coaching (00:03:50)Influence of the Past (00:05:42)Building Self-Trust and Visibility (00:06:50)Overcoming Mental Blocks (00:08:02)Second Guessing and Self-Doubt (00:09:44)Creating a Personal Brand (00:13:32)Authenticity in a Conservative Profession (00:16:17)LinkedIn as a Personal Branding Tool (00:18:22)Importance of Personal Connection (00:19:11)Mistakes Lawyers Make on LinkedIn (00:20:30)Building a Personal Brand (00:22:21)Overcoming Self-Promotion Fears (00:24:00)Quiet Excellence in Female Attorneys (00:24:41)Shifting Focus to Client Service (00:25:20)Impact of Remote Work on Professional Presence (00:28:10)Cost of Inconsistency in Branding (00:29:48)Evolving Importance of Personal Branding (00:32:35)Ideal Clients and Their Needs (00:35:00)First Steps to Building a Brand (00:37:29)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

Most lawyers tie their happiness to case outcomes, client feedback, and partner approval. But what if that’s the very thing keeping them stuck? In this episode, Gary Miles shares why true happiness isn’t found in wins or praise, but in mastering one powerful mindset shift: internal ownership. There are three pillars every lawyer needs to build a fulfilling, sustainable practice—regardless of external chaos. You'll learn how to set boundaries that actually protect your peace, build resilience without burning out, and find joy that doesn’t depend on anyone else’s opinion. If you’ve ever felt like success came at the cost of your sanity, this episode is your permission slip to do things differently.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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary talks with Pat Patino, an attorney running a multi-state virtual bankruptcy practice and host of "The New Fangled Lawyer" podcast. They explore the challenges lawyers face in creating a sustainable and fulfilling practice. Pat shares his journey of shifting from outdated habits to a more empowering approach, emphasizing work-life balance, setting boundaries, and prioritizing well-being. They discuss strategies for managing client expectations, reducing stress through effective communication, and finding joy in legal practice. The episode encourages lawyers to align their work with personal values for greater fulfillment. Patrick Patino is an attorney that owns a multi-state virtual bankruptcy practice, Patino Law Office LLC. But that only tells part of the story. He hosts a podcast, The Newfangled Lawyer, to highlight the kaleidoscope of lawyer stories. He has a passion for writing and speaking about lawyer well-being and designing a legal practice that reflects that life you want to live. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, writing poetry, and cloud gazing. Challenges in Legal Practice (00:02:07)Experimenting with Practice (00:03:20)Morning Routine (00:05:32)Email Management Strategies (00:07:36)Shifting Mindset on Urgency (00:09:08)Choosing Clients Wisely (00:10:53)Curating Client Experience (00:12:09)Incremental Changes in Practice (00:14:00)Exploring New Practice Areas (00:15:46)Maintaining a Sustainable Practice (00:16:49)Pausing for Reflection (00:18:27)Challenges to Lawyer Well-Being (00:21:18)Technology's Role in Law (00:22:26)Busyness as a Badge of Honor (00:25:08)Leisure and Inefficiency (00:26:16)The Importance of Thoughtfulness in Law (00:27:12)Letting Go of Outdated Habits (00:27:36)Empowering Clients (00:29:32)The Balance of Chaos (00:31:09)Creating a Family-Friendly Practice (00:32:41)Setting Boundaries (00:34:51)The Trade-Offs of Autonomy (00:35:47)Taking Small Steps for Change (00:38:14)Reframing Time as a Gift (00:40:08)Creating Rituals Over Goals (00:41:40)Self-Reflection and Awareness (00:43:48)Finding Enjoyment in Law (00:45:49)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

This episode of The Free Lawyer, Gary Miles unpacks the hidden epidemic of isolation within the legal profession and how it quietly erodes confidence, clarity, and well-being. Drawing from his own experience as a managing partner and mentor, Gary reveals how even the most successful attorneys often suffer in silence. He challenges the myths of self-sufficiency and shows why asking for help is actually a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Listen for real stories of lawyers who went from burnout to breakthrough with the right support. 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," the host welcomes Lindsey Busfield, a leading SEO expert and Vice President of Optimize My Firm. They discuss the often complex relationship between law firms and marketing agencies, emphasizing the importance of trust and results over long-term contracts. Lindsey explains how her company operates without binding agreements, focusing on client success through relevant content, authority building, and client reviews. She also touches on the impact of AI in legal marketing and shares practical advice for evaluating marketing agencies. The episode concludes with insights into balancing professional and personal life.Lindsey Busfield is one of the leading SEO experts in legal SEO and content marketing. As the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and partner at Optimize My Firm, Busfield is behind some of the nation’s most powerful law firm websites.While a dozen or so SEO agencies can tout the same accomplishments, Busfield has become an industry disrupter by revolutionizing the client-law firm relationship. Rather thank locking clients in with long-term contracts and overpromising results in time, Busfield’s company has completely done away with contracts…which attorneys surprisingly love.Busfield is also the host of her own podcast, the Personal Injury Marketing Minute which has been applauded as one of the Best Legal Podcasts of 2024 by Attorney At Law Magazine. Client-Centric Business Model (00:01:51)Demystifying Google (00:03:56)Content's Role in SEO (00:05:42)Building Authority Through Reviews (00:06:35)AI's Impact on SEO (00:07:58)Content Marketing and SEO (00:08:59)Human-Created Content vs. AI (00:09:46)Success Story of a Law Firm (00:12:38)Entrepreneurial Family Background (00:14:50)Scaling a Business (00:17:03)What Sets Optimize My Firm Apart (00:19:24)Building Long-Term Relationships (00:20:55)Addressing Marketing Concerns (00:21:13)Asking the Right Questions (00:21:55)Understanding Marketing Metrics (00:23:51)Choosing a Marketing Agency (00:25:54)Balancing Professional and Personal Life (00:29:23)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

In this episode, Gary Miles shares how a simple yet powerful practice, gratitude, can help lawyers reconnect with the purpose behind their work. With burnout, stress, and pressure running high in the legal profession, it’s easy to lose sight of why you became a lawyer in the first place. Gary walks through practical gratitude routines you can weave into your morning, midday, and evening to bring more clarity, peace, and fulfillment into your day. Whether you're overwhelmed, underappreciated, or just going through the motions, this episode will help you get grounded and find meaning again. Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary, a seasoned attorney with 46 years of experience, welcomes Jacob Molina, an entrepreneur and founder of Story Leads. Jacob specializes in helping legal professionals build personal brands and attract high-value clients through strategic content creation and personal branding, particularly on LinkedIn. The discussion covers Jacob's journey from digital marketing to ghostwriting for lawyers, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in the legal profession. Jacob shares insights on crafting engaging LinkedIn profiles, targeting the right audience, and leveraging AI in content creation. The episode highlights the significance of authenticity and vulnerability in connecting with clients.Jacob Molina is an entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in digital and tech. He founded Storyleads.io to help lawyers develop personal brands and attract high-value clients through strategic content creation and personal branding. His ghostwriting services have helped lawyers increase LinkedIn engagement, secure clients through direct messages, land speaking opportunities, and gain media coverage. Jacob specializes in empowering legal professionals to stand out in a competitive market and grow their practices.Content Creation Process (00:05:49)Success Metrics (00:07:30)Identifying Compelling Stories (00:08:30)Client Success Story (00:09:50)Viral Content Impact (00:11:42)Storytelling's Role in Law (00:12:10)Balancing Vulnerability and Professionalism (00:14:44)Using AI in Content Creation (00:15:51)Generating Quality Leads (00:17:24)Building Trust Through Storytelling (00:18:09)Content Approval Process (00:19:08)Prospecting on LinkedIn (00:20:11)Target Audience Identification (00:20:51)Engaging Business Owners (00:21:45)Metrics for LinkedIn Success (00:23:32)Profile Visits as Indicators (00:24:10)Efficient Content Creation (00:25:44)Future of LinkedIn Marketing (00:26:36)Unique Storytelling in Content (00:27:54)Getting Started on LinkedIn (00:28:32)Engagement through Comments (00:29:42)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

In this episode of The Free Lawyer, Gary Miles explores the hidden cost of over-control in a legal career and how letting go can actually lead to greater success. Drawing on 45 years of courtroom experience, Gary shares real stories and practical strategies for reducing stress and reclaiming clarity through mindful focus. You’ll learn how to master what you can control, reframe setbacks, and let go of what drains your energy. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply want to elevate your practice, this episode offers tools to thrive with less stress and more impact.Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

In this insightful episode of The Free Lawyer, host Gary Miles welcomes Lawrence Eichen, a New Jersey attorney, speaker, and consultant specializing in imposter syndrome. Lawrence shares his personal journey with imposter syndrome as a former programmer who transitioned to law, offering valuable strategies to help lawyers identify and overcome this common challenge that affects even the most accomplished legal professionals.Key Topics Covered: Definition of imposter syndrome and why it's particularly prevalent in the legal profession The connection between perfectionism and imposter syndrome How imposter syndrome limits lawyers' potential and affects performance in negotiations and trials Practical strategies for managing and overcoming imposter syndrome Why imposter syndrome often doesn't diminish with experience or success - and may actually intensifyTakeaways for Lawyers: Reframe negative self-talk: Instead of "fake it till you make it," say "I'll handle it" Document achievements to reference during moments of self-doubt Don't suffer in silence - share your feelings with trusted colleagues Asking for help is a sign of maturity, not incompetence Practice self-compassion while working through imposter syndromeLawrence D. Eichen, Esq. is an attorney, speaker, and consultant. As an attorney, Mr. Eichen’s experience includes litigating a wide variety of civil and criminal matters.Additionally, he has served for over 20 years as a mediator for the Dispute Resolution Program in Morris County, NJ. He has litigated and negotiated well over 1,000 cases during his 30-year career.As a speaker, Mr. Eichen delivers engaging presentations to associations, organizations, and educational institutions on Mastering the Art of Negotiation; Defeating Imposter Syndrome; and Mastering the Art of Powerful Presentations.As a consultant, he provides advanced training to businesses and organizations, and private coaching to professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs. Mr. Eichen is a certified Rethinking Impostor SyndromeTM coach.He is also the owner of FirstClassCLE.com, an approved provider of Continuing Legal Education courses by the New Jersey Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education. He provides CLE courses to attorneys on negotiation and other areas of the 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

Embracing change, lawyer adaptability, resilience, and change management are essential for thriving in today's fast-evolving legal profession. In this episode, Gary Miles reveals powerful strategies that transform change from a source of stress into a competitive advantage. Listen for practical methods to overcome resistance, enhance flexibility, and future-proof your law practice.Get the Values Alignment Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠