The Free Lawyer

Lawyer burnout and depression often stem from how we process past experiences. In this episode, discover how to reframe regrets, release mental burdens, and build a fulfilling legal career. Many lawyers unknowingly let past decisions, case outcomes, or career moves hold them back. By shifting your mindset and applying key strategies, you can turn past experiences into valuable lessons rather than obstacles. Learn how to overcome self-doubt, break free from negative thought cycles, and regain control over your professional happiness. Get the Values Alignment Guide⁠⁠⁠https://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, a seasoned attorney with over 40 years of experience, introduces Gwen Griggs, a former big law attorney and in-house counsel who co-founded her own law firm. Gwen discusses her journey from traditional legal roles to establishing a practice that emphasizes deliverable-based billing and project management. She highlights the limitations of the billable hour model and its conflicts with client needs. The conversation explores innovative approaches to legal services, focusing on efficiency, transparency, and client satisfaction. Gwen's insights offer practical strategies for lawyers seeking a more fulfilling and client-centered practice.Gwen Griggs, co-founder of ADVOS legal and ADVOS Pro, has a background in Big Law and C-suite roles. In ADVOS legal, she and her partner built a new model, that – instead of hours - measures what matters to the client, team, and owner. The innovative approach - solving a problem worth solving, the sustained success, and the impact on the community, earned ADVOS legal recognition by GrowFL as a Florida Company to Watch.Built from the lessons learned in business and ADVOS legal, ADVOS Pro’s created training, coaching and a community helping law firm owners build practices they love that love them back. Gwen is passionate about the world-changing impact of entrepreneurs - especially when those entrepreneurs lead law firms. She has been honored to serve on boards of organizations supporting entrepreneurs and is a frequent speaker on leadership, innovation, and alternative business and pricing models.Discussion on Freedom in Law (00:01:30)Challenges of the Billable Hour Model (00:02:07)Developing a New Law Practice Model (00:08:03)Explaining Deliverable-Based Billing (00:08:58)Project Management in Law (00:11:22)Client Communication and Pricing (00:12:40)Managing Client Communication (00:17:13)Client Satisfaction with the Model (00:20:00)Billable Hour Conflicts (00:21:43)Efficiency and Profitability (00:22:47)Technology and AI Adoption (00:23:18)Client Relationships and Trust (00:26:25)Engagement Letters and Ethics (00:29:57)Coaching Program Overview (00:30:00)Client Satisfaction Metrics (00:33:36)Transforming Legal Practice (00:34:59)Addressing Resistance to Change (00:36:41)Importance of Holistic View (00:40:02)Finding Ideal Clients (00:41:07)Creating a Better Legal Model (00:43:27)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

In this episode, Gary Miles talks about how stress, burnout, and depression are plaguing the legal profession. Drawing from his own journey of over four decades in litigation, he reveals why tying your self-worth to case wins, client praise, and external validation only deepens the cycle of stress. Instead, you'll learn how to:Set boundaries: discover practical strategies to manage your time, protect your personal space, and establish clear client communication protocols.Cultivate inner joy: embrace daily gratitude, mindfulness practices, and hobbies outside the law to build a resilient inner reservoir of happiness.Build resilience: reframe challenges as opportunities, maintain a supportive network, and create habits that sustain your professional and personal growth.Get the Values Alignment Guide⁠⁠⁠https://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, with 46 years of legal experience, discusses burnout with Rachel Boehm, an expert on sustainable high performance. They delve into the pervasive issue of burnout in the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, self-care, and redefining success. Rachel shares her "ARMOR method," which includes Acceptance and Awareness, Relationships, Optimization, and Renewal. She highlights the detrimental effects of negative self-talk and the need for positive self-compassion. The episode offers practical strategies for lawyers to manage stress, prioritize well-being, and maintain high performance sustainably. Rachel Boehm, is a leading authority on burnout and sustainable high performance. She empowers decision-makers to protect themselves and their teams against the direct and indirect costs of burnout and workplace stress. Her services include private coaching, manager and business unit training, and firm-wide burnout assessments, ultimately enhancing employee engagement, performance, health, and retention, and client satisfaction. She holds a national board certification in health and wellness coaching and is a PhD candidate focused on business psychology and worker well-being.  Recognizing Burnout (00:06:24)Steps to Recovery (00:06:29)Self-Talk and Self-Compassion (00:07:30)The Armor Method (00:08:13)Acceptance and Awareness (00:09:25)Relationships and Environment (00:10:19)Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset (00:11:01)Energy Optimization (00:11:45)Understanding Burnout Misconceptions (00:14:05)The Success Paradox (00:16:23)Redefining Success for Lawyers (00:18:38)Understanding Internal Motivation (00:21:35)Average Lifespan Reflection (00:22:02)Importance of Self-Care (00:23:39)Micro Breaks for Lawyers (00:25:00)Measuring Readiness for Change (00:26:40)Emotional Intelligence Overview (00:29:10)Handling Aggressive Attorneys (00:30:52)Recognizing Burnout Symptoms (00:34:45)Seeking Support for Burnout (00:37:23)Guilt and Burnout in Law (00:39:21)Setting Healthy Boundaries (00:41:54)Sustainable High Performance (00:43:43)Understanding Sustainable Performance (00:44:48)Evidence-Based Approaches to Burnout (00:45:59)The Armor Method Explained (00:46:23)Importance of Self-Awareness (00:47:36)Positive Psychology Approach (00:48:03)Visualization and Performance (00:48:43) 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

Do you struggle to say “no” to clients, partners, or colleagues without feeling guilty? Many lawyers fall into the people-pleasing trap, leading to exhaustion, stress, and blurred boundaries. In this episode, you'll learn how to set clear professional limits, communicate them effectively, and handle pushback without second-guessing yourself. Listen now to take control of your time, reduce stress, and build a practice that works for you.Get the Values Alignment Guide⁠https://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 Miles interviews marketing expert Michael Lourie, founder of Driver Media Worldwide. They discuss the crucial role of LinkedIn in law firm marketing, emphasizing its potential for branding, visibility, and lead generation. Michael highlights common mistakes lawyers make on LinkedIn, such as not updating profiles, and stresses the importance of maintaining an active presence. They also explore the benefits of outsourced marketing support, measuring ROI, and the future impact of AI on legal marketing. Michael offers practical advice for improving online presence and underscores the importance of balancing work and personal life. Michael Lourie has been in marketing and sales for over 30 years and he founded Driver Media Worldwide because he saw the need for a nimble, responsive, out-sourced marketing team that could assist small-to-medium sized law firms and professional services firms with EVERYTHING regarding LinkedIn, marketing, PR and communications. LinkedIn's Potential for Lawyers (00:01:42)Common LinkedIn Mistakes (00:03:16)Networking Efficiency (00:04:23)Time Management for Lawyers (00:05:12)Measuring Marketing Success (00:06:46)LinkedIn Ads Overview (00:08:09)Targeted Advertising Benefits (00:10:26)Branding Importance (00:12:43)Supporting Smaller Firms (00:14:50)Building Client Relationships (00:16:20)Finding Authentic Voice on LinkedIn (00:18:20)Website Updates for Law Firms (00:20:05)Lead Generation Strategy (00:20:10)Importance of Website (00:21:09)Lead Generation Roadblocks (00:22:10)Measuring Marketing Success (00:23:21)Future of Legal Marketing (00:25:11)First Steps to Improve Marketing (00:26:38) 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

Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind in your legal career while everyone else seems to be moving faster and achieving more? In this episode, I break down the comparison trap and share the Freedom Framework—a powerful strategy to shift from envy to empathy, track your personal milestones, and align your practice with your values. You’ll learn how to redefine success on your own terms, stop measuring yourself against others, and build a fulfilling legal career with confidence.Get the Values Alignment Guidehttps://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 converses with Stephanie Grober, Marketing and Public Relations Director at Horowitz Agency. They delve into the evolving landscape of legal marketing, emphasizing the need for law firms to adapt their strategies to stay relevant. Stephanie highlights the importance of content marketing, AI integration, and cross-selling within firms. She offers practical advice for attorneys seeking national recognition, stressing the significance of continuous marketing efforts. The episode concludes with insights on balancing professional success and personal freedom, encouraging lawyers to engage with marketing professionals for sustained growth and visibility. Stephanie is the Marketing and Public Relations Director at Horowitz Agency delivering strategic integrated marketing and public relations services to leading law firms and professional services firms with a results-oriented mindset. Common Marketing Mistakes (00:04:13)Importance of Content Marketing (00:06:50)Public Relations Strategies (00:08:12)Maintaining Media Visibility (00:11:12)Measuring ROI in Marketing (00:12:27)Examples of PR Success (00:14:13)Balancing Promotion Strategies (00:15:43)Handling Multiple Practice Areas (00:16:30)AI in Legal Marketing (00:17:53)Crisis Communications (00:19:48)Distinguishing Law Firms (00:22:03)Reevaluating Messaging (00:23:34)Emerging Trends in Legal Marketing (00:24:07)Getting Publicity as an Attorney (00:25:19)Marketing Activity Strategy (00:25:33)Leveraging Published Content (00:26:54) 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

Struggling with approval seeking and fear of judgment? In this episode of The Free Lawyer, host Gary Miles shares how to break free from self-doubt and move from anxiety to authenticity in your legal career. Discover practical strategies to build confidence, set boundaries, and embrace true professional freedom. Learn how to silence external pressure and achieve fulfillment on your terms. 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 lawyer with 46 years of experience, converses with Elena Deutsch, the founder of "Women Interested in Leaving Law" (WILL). Established in 2017, WILL aims to help women lawyers achieve fulfilling careers and lives. The discussion delves into the unique challenges of mindset, setting boundaries, and community support. She shares success stories and practical advice, encouraging women lawyers to align their careers with their personal values and aspirations. Elena Deutsch, MPH is committed to helping lawyers create careers and lives they love. She founded WILL in 2017 after seeing many women lawyers give their whole lives overto work, leaving them depleted and unfulfilled. She’s helped over 100 lawyers create careers that include freedom, flexibility and fulfillment, either in law or out. Her work has been featured in The American Lawyer, Bloomberg Big Law Business, Above the Law, and The Wall Street Journal.She regularly leads workshops for organizations such as the DC Bar, NY County Lawyers Association and the New York City Bar Association. Challenges Faced by Women Lawyers (00:04:45)Financial Concerns in Leaving Law (00:05:31)Helping Lawyers Avoid Trauma (00:09:24)Mindset Shifts in Clients (00:10:00)Unique Strengths of Women Lawyers (00:11:42)Fear of Losing Income (00:13:31)Aligning Values for Fulfillment (00:15:30)Breaking Through Career Barriers (00:17:16)Dealing with External Judgments (00:19:09)Importance of Community in WILL (00:21:17)Women Supporting Women (00:21:40)Inspiration from Success Stories (00:22:32)Boundary Setting Framework (00:27:14)Effective Communication of Boundaries (00:28:45)Clients Choosing to Stay (00:32:24)Impact on Families (00:34:08)Independent Coaching Benefits (00:34:49) 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