The Free Lawyer

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary converses with Emil Abedian, a CPA specializing in accounting and tax services for solo and small law firms. Emil shares his journey from Sweden to California and emphasizes the importance of understanding financial management in legal practices. He discusses common financial challenges, such as cash flow issues and inefficient billing practices, and offers solutions like regular financial reviews and prompt invoicing. Emil also highlights the significance of viewing a law practice as a business, embracing technology, and engaging in effective tax planning to ensure sustainable growth and success.Emil Abedian is the CEO and Founder of Counsel CPAs, an accounting firm dedicated exclusively to supporting solo and small law firms across the United States. With 20 years of experience, beginning in Sweden and advancing in Los Angeles, Emil has gained an in-depth understanding of the distinct financial challenges that law firms face—challenges that extend beyond conventional accounting solutions. Emil identified a gap in the industry early on, realizing that many law firms were missing out on valuable billable hours and strategic financial guidance due to traditional compliance-only accounting approaches. He established Counsel CPAs to fill that gap, offering not just tax services but a proactive, year-round advisory model tailored specifically to the law firm sector.Counsel CPAs is designed to relieve law firm owners of the financial burdens that can stifle growth and profitability. Emil and his team provide comprehensive services, including tax planning, CFO-level financial guidance, and operational insights, enabling their clients to focus on delivering legal expertise rather than managing financial complexities. Emil’s approach emphasizes the role of the CPA as a strategic business ally, committed to understanding each client’s unique goals and partnering with them to achieve sustainable success. This collaborative, hands-on model underscores Emil’s dedication to fostering long-term client relationships and delivering value that extends beyond annual tax returns.Mindset Shift for Lawyers (00:04:13)Common Financial Pitfalls (00:05:31)Billing Practices (00:07:48)Engagement with Clients (00:08:56)Breaking the Overwhelm (00:09:58)Key Financial Metrics (00:11:06)Partner-Like Relationship (00:12:42)Financial Blind Spots (00:13:58)Improving Cash Flow Systems (00:16:22)Financial Habits of Successful Firms (00:17:48)Starting a Law Practice (00:19:15)Understanding Investment in Systems (00:20:52)Seeing Your Firm as a Business (00:21:55)The Importance of Investing (00:22:14)Technology and Automation Benefits (00:24:45)Utilizing Practice Management Software (00:25:06)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

Lawyer burnout is real, and the pressure of professional expectations can feel overwhelming. But what if the key to success is not working harder, but working smarter? In this episode, Gary Miles shares how to improve decision-making skills, manage client relationships effectively, and set boundaries to build a sustainable, fulfilling legal career.Listen for:Why burnout is so common in the legal fieldHow to balance client relationship management without sacrificing your well-beingStrategies to improve decision-making skills under pressureThe power of patience in a high-stakes careerGet 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 Sonal Chandler, founder and CEO of Minerva Consulting, about the critical importance of cybersecurity for small to mid-sized law firms. They discuss common vulnerabilities such as weak passwords and lack of multi-factor authentication, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift towards security awareness. Sonal provides practical steps for protecting client data and integrating AI into legal practices. The episode underscores the significance of training, risk management, and fostering a supportive environment for cybersecurity initiatives, aiming to help law firms navigate the evolving digital landscape confidently.Sonal Chandler is the Founder and CEO of Minerva Consulting, a WBENC-certified consulting firm that helps small to mid-sized organizations with: Cyber risk management and compliance AI readiness & integrationThrough Minerva Consulting, Sonal provides fractional vCISO services, including risk assessments, information security program development, and compliance readiness. The firm also conducts Intro to AI workshops and helps businesses embrace AI to drive efficiency and innovation.With experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, boutique consulting firms, and startups, Sonal takes a business-focused approach to cybersecurity and AI, ensuring organizations can implement these technologies without unnecessary complexity.Beyond her consulting work, she hosts Minerva Meets, a podcast exploring the intersection of business, cybersecurity, and AI, and shares insights through her blog, Mind Spark.Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Law Firms (00:01:14)Creating a Culture of Security Awareness (00:03:03)Practical Steps for Protecting Client Data (00:04:41)Importance of Cybersecurity (00:05:45)Building Information Security Programs (00:06:53)Challenges of Digital Transformation (00:08:18)Transforming a Law Firm's Cybersecurity Approach (00:10:43)Addressing Remote Work Security Challenges (00:15:53)Integrating AI into Law Practices (00:17:32)Balancing Efficiency and Ethical Obligations (00:20:27)Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness (00:22:04)Advice for Overwhelmed Lawyers (00:23:48)Setting Clear Objectives (00:24:50)Choosing the Right Solutions (00:25:47)First Steps in Cybersecurity (00:26:06)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

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