The Free Lawyer

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles interviews RJon Robins, a coach for small law firms. They discuss the challenges small law firm owners face, particularly in managing the business side of their practice. RJon emphasizes the importance of outsourcing tasks, separating personal identity from business, and avoiding false economies. He also highlights the need for clear role definitions, identifying profit leaks, and developing a focused marketing strategy. The episode provides valuable insights and practical tips for small law firm owners to improve efficiency, profitability, and work-life balance. RJon Robins is an 8-figure entrepreneur, licensed attorney, and bestselling author. He founded How To Manage A Small Law Firm at his kitchen table while flat broke in 2009; he has since achieved 8,000% revenue growth and now has over 600 of the fastest-growing small law firm owners in the country as members. Operating in multiple countries, RJon works in the business about 90 days a year and spends 170 workdays launching new and profitable business ventures. He speaks to thousands of law firm owners annually, helping them define the meaning of profit and break free from the mindset that they need to suffer to build a profitable business. Challenges for Small Law Firm Owners (00:02:54)Lack of Business Training in Law School (00:03:30)Misconceptions About Law Firm Management (00:06:21)Understanding the Business of a Law Firm (00:09:04)Defining the Business of a Law Firm (00:10:33)Profitability Tips for Law Firms (00:13:24)Time Management and Delegation (00:14:31)Tracking Time Effectively (00:17:31)When to Expand Legal Staff (00:19:25)Cost of Doing Low-Value Work (00:21:41)Outsourcing Solutions (24:21)Understanding Costs (24:32)Stop Doing Low-Value Tasks (26:33)Three Key Tips for Lawyers (27:44)Identifying Revenue Growth Challenges (28:58)Fixing Marketing Strategies (30:03)Defining 'Emergency' (30:05)Client Prioritization (31:39)Defining Job Roles (34:32)Cost Efficiency Through Definition (35:42)Marketing Focus (37:12)Importance of Niche Marketing (38:25)Case Studies of Success (42:50)Working On vs. In the Business (44:32)Choosing a Business Model (46:35) 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

Align your legal practice with core values, set actionable goals, and boost visibility in 2025. In this episode, I discuss the importance of aligning your work with what truly matters to you. Learn how to turn setbacks into growth opportunities, create SMART goals, and build a network that enhances your practice's success. Whether you're aiming for professional fulfillment or expanding your client base, this episode offers actionable steps for lawyers looking to thrive in the new year. 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 Miles, a seasoned attorney with nearly 46 years of experience, engages with Charlene Gisele, a former lawyer turned high-performance coach and burnout prevention advisor. Charlene shares her personal journey from a high-pressure legal career to focusing on well-being and burnout prevention. Key themes include recognizing signs of burnout, managing guilt through mindfulness, and the importance of emotional resilience. Charlene emphasizes the need for self-care and offers practical strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance. The episode provides valuable insights for legal professionals seeking to transform stress into success. Charlène Gisèle is a former lawyer turned High-Performance Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and award-winning Keynote and TEDx Speaker. She is the host of The Charlene Gisèle Show podcast and leads the Wednesday Wellness Society, both dedicated to empowering professionals worldwide. Charlène is sought-after Burnout Advisor to world-leading organizations and her signature Burnout Prevention and High-Performance Game programmes have been praised by international media. Her methods help driven professionals optimize their well-being while sustaining peak performance. Workaholism and Burnout (00:04:45)Addiction to Work (00:05:51)Behavioral Patterns of Addiction (00:06:16)The Guilt of Non-Work (00:09:10)Recognizing Burnout (00:10:34)Escape to Inner Peace (00:11:31)Understanding Burnout (00:12:36)The Difference Between Doing and Being (00:13:08)Struggles with Presence (00:14:53)Sustainable Practices for Presence (00:15:51)Early Signs of Burnout (00:17:45)Recognizing Denial (00:19:12)Mindset Shift for Success (00:20:07)Balancing Work and Recovery (00:20:20)Understanding Guilt in Mind Management (00:22:38)Flexing Your Mind for Emotional Control (00:24:00)Practical Meditation Techniques (00:25:56)Building Emotional Resilience (00:26:47)Finding Positive Equivalents for Emotions (00:28:26)Common Misconceptions About Burnout (00:30:00)The Importance of Honesty in Self-Assessment (00:31:34)Seeking External Help for Overwhelm (00:33:16)Overcoming the Stigma of Seeking Help (00:34:57) 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, I’ll show you how clarifying your values can help you avoid goal-setting mistakes and set meaningful career goals that align with your true purpose. Discover the Values to Vision Framework to set strategic planning and time management goals that lead to both success and fulfillment in your legal career. Whether you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode offers practical steps to create a career you love by aligning your goals with what matters most to you. 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, the host, a seasoned lawyer with 45 years of experience, aims to support and uplift struggling lawyers. The guest, Tracey Bromley Goodwin, a certified ADHD and executive functioning coach, discusses the impact of ADHD on lawyers. She explains common symptoms and challenges, such as disorganization and procrastination, and offers strategies to manage them effectively. Tracey emphasizes recognizing strengths, shifting mindsets, and improving communication to enhance productivity and well-being. The episode provides valuable insights and practical solutions for lawyers dealing with ADHD, fostering hope and empowerment in their professional lives. Tracey Bromley Goodwin is a sought after 7x certified coach specializing in ADHD and executive functioning who combines neuroscience with personal and professional experience. She has helped law firms boost productivity by improving organizational, time management, and communication skills. She also fosters better collaboration between lawyers and paralegals, while creating personalized systems to enhance both performance and morale.With over 20 years of experience, Tracey combines her intuition, creativity, and coach training to help clients develop tailored strategies for their unique challenges. Tracey loves working with the ADHD mind as there are so many qualities that often lay dormant and can be harnessed for unbelievable success. Clients praise her unique ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives and guide them to effective solutions. Discussion on Isolation (00:01:29) Understanding ADHD (00:02:40) Lawyers and ADHD Traits (00:04:39) Symptoms of ADHD in Lawyers (00:05:58) Procrastination and Urgency (00:07:28) Hope for Change (00:08:54) Strategies for Overcoming ADHD Challenges (00:09:50) Leveraging Strengths (00:10:35) Mindset's Role in Coaching (00:14:30) Communication Challenges (00:16:30) Success Story of Improved Communication (00:17:40) Positive Changes from Coaching (00:20:20) Addressing Efficiency and Productivity (00:21:47) Evolution of Coaching Strategies (00:23:03) Distinguishing Anxiety from Intuition (00:25:12) Understanding Hyperfocus (00:26:52) Strategies for Change (00:27:39) 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 podcast, Gary Miles shares actionable strategies to overcome lawyer burnout. Learn how networking with peers, keeping a progress journal, and applying the 80/20 rule can help you regain balance and productivity in your legal career. Discover how these methods can reduce stress, improve focus, and reignite your passion for practicing 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

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles converses with Leslee Cohen, managing partner of All Rise Legal. Leslee recounts her journey from big law to founding her own firm, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, flexibility, and supportive workplace culture. She discusses the challenges of client acquisition, maintaining competitive fees, and the significance of financial literacy. Leslee also highlights mentoring young attorneys and building strong client relationships. Her story underscores that lawyers can achieve a fulfilling and successful legal practice with strategic planning, dedication, and a focus on client needs. Leslee Cohen is the founder and Managing Partner of AllRise Legal Counsel.  AllRise concentrates its transactional practice on securities and startup law, corporate finance, technology law, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate law. It represents clients across many industries, from consumer products to technology companies, healthcare businesses, and real estate firms.  Leslee started her practice at a Wall Street firm in 1992, spent 13 years honing her skills at a large firm based in Chicago, and left to form AllRise in 2010. AllRise was founded on Leslee’s desire to work with earlier-stage and smaller businesses. Each of its attorneys is big firm-trained and experienced.  Leslee has been named by Illinois Super Lawyers as a Top 100 Lawyers in the State of Illinois and Top 50 Women Lawyers in the State of Illinois, corporate finance and securities, every year since 2010, a Leading Lawyer in mergers & acquisitions, securities and venture finance every year since 2007, the Advocate of the Year by the Small Business Advocacy Council in 2019, an Enterprising Woman of the Year by Enterprising Women Magazine in 2023 and, most recently, an Entreprenista Top 100 in 2024.  Career Shift (00:02:10)Wall Street Experience (00:02:33)Moving Back to Chicago (00:03:02)Starting Her Own Firm (00:04:02)Key Elements of Success (00:04:33)Finding a Niche (00:05:34)Networking Strategy (00:06:01)Client Referrals (00:07:58)Balancing Expertise and Service (00:10:21)Mindset Shift (00:12:01)Training New Lawyers (00:12:02) Contract Review Methodology (00:13:07)Billing Practices (00:14:04)Common Mistakes in Starting a Firm (00:15:27)Handling Unexpected Challenges (00:17:05)Learning Business Fundamentals (00:18:35)Advice for Aspiring Firm Owners (00:19:16)Vision and Culture in Law Firms (00:20:49)Creating a Flexible Work Environment (00:22:02)Team Availability and Support (00:23:06)Transitioning from Big Law (00:24:03)Fostering Team Communication (00:25:15)Finding Personal Balance (00:26:17)Mentoring Younger Attorneys (00:29:01)Competing with Larger Firms (00:30:56)Maintaining Client Relationships (00:33:52)Advice to Younger Self (00:37:01)The Importance of Coaching (00:38:30) 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 mindset shifts for attorneys. Tools include the Eisenhower Matrix and grounding techniques to tackle burnout and create a balanced, fulfilling legal career. Despite persistant issues of stress and burnout in the legal profession, a balanced and fulfilling legal practice is achievable. Listen to this episode for actionable strategies like time blocking, the Eisenhower Matrix, mindfulness practices, and grounding techniques. 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 Miles and guest Nicolle Kopping-Pavars discuss the importance of mindfulness, kindness, and civility in the legal profession. As a mindfulness instructor and law school professor, Nicolle shares her insights on the challenges lawyers face, such as isolation and disconnection from their core values. She emphasizes the benefits of mindfulness practices, conscious communication, and self-awareness in reducing stress and fostering a supportive legal environment. Nicolle also highlights the significance of authenticity and compassion in building trust with clients and colleagues. The episode encourages lawyers to embrace wellness and mindfulness for a more fulfilling practice. Nicolle is a dedicated lawyer and mediator who has been advocating for mental health within the legal profession and beyond since 2017. Currently serving as an advisor on the International Advisory Board for the IBA Guidelines on Wellbeing in Legal Education, Nicolle is committed to promoting holistic wellbeing in legal education. Certified as a mindfulness instructor and author, Nicolle conducts workshops and training sessions on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, conscious communication, and trauma on both local and international platforms. Her dedication to holistic wellness extends to her role as a teacher on InsightTimer, a prominent global meditation app. For more information about Nicolle and her transformative work, visit www.NicolleKP.com. Civility in Law (00:07:25)Gary and Nicolle discuss the decline of civility in the legal profession over the years. Conscious Communication (00:08:39)Nicolle emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's communication style for better interactions. Active Listening vs. Hearing (00:12:06)Nicolle differentiates between active listening and truly hearing someone, highlighting emotional connection. Handling Aggressive Communication (00:14:28)Nicolle provides strategies for managing conversations with aggressive attorneys while maintaining composure. The Power of Silence (00:16:17)Gary and Nicolle discuss how silence can be a powerful tool in intense conversations. Mindfulness Defined (00:19:50)Nicolle defines mindfulness as being aware of one's body and mind without judgment. Building Mindfulness in Daily Practice (00:20:57)Nicolle explains how meditation can help lawyers cultivate mindfulness in their daily lives. Benefits of Mindfulness for Lawyers (00:22:00)Nicolle discusses how mindfulness can reduce stress and improve focus for lawyers. Mindfulness Practices (00:23:13)Nicolle discusses the importance of allowing time for mindfulness and self-kindness. Self-Compassion and Empathy (00:24:11)The significance of being kind to oneself and others is to foster self-love. Authenticity in Law (00:25:07)Gary and Nicolle explore the challenges of maintaining authenticity in legal practice. Building Trust with Colleagues (00:26:04)Nicolle emphasizes the importance of personal connections with opposing counsel. Compassion in Legal Practice (00:28:07)Discussion on how lawyers can approach clients and colleagues with compassion. Trauma Awareness (00:29:19)Nicolle explains the impact of past experiences on current behavior and responses. Breathing and Self-Awareness (00:33:08)The importance of deep breathing and self-awareness in managing stress. 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 podcast, host Gary Miles addresses the hidden struggles that many lawyers face, including isolation, burnout, and the “prison of perfectionism.” With over 40 years of legal experience, Gary uncovers the stark contrast between the outward success many lawyers portray and the internal challenges they often battle, such as self-doubt, stress, and anxiety. Gary shares actionable strategies to help lawyers move from burnout to balance and overcome the feeling of being trapped by perfectionism. He discusses the importance of building connections, practicing mindfulness, journaling, and setting boundaries to reduce stress in 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