The Free Lawyer

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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠

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