The Free Lawyer

In this podcast episode, Gary Miles, a seasoned lawyer turned coach, addresses the critical issue of wellness in the legal profession. With 45 years of experience, he understands the high stress and demands lawyers face and offers guidance on maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health. He presents alarming statistics on the prevalence of mental health issues among lawyers and provides 12 practical tools to help manage stress and improve work-life balance. Gary advocates for self-care, mindfulness, and professional support, underscoring the importance of wellness for a successful and fulfilling legal career. He invites listeners to reach out for mentorship and emphasizes the value of a balanced, healthy lifestyle for lawyers. The effect of stress on the legal profession (00:05:32) Statistics on the wellness challenges lawyers face and the impact of stress on mental, emotional, and physical health. Primary causes of the wellness issue in the legal profession (00:08:35) High stress levels, long working hours, heavy workloads, competitive environment, client expectations, lack of support, and mental health stigma. Why wellness is essential for lawyers (00:11:26) The importance of mental and physical health, productivity, work-life balance, reducing burnout, and client relationships. Defining wellness for lawyers (00:15:16) Improving work-life balance, managing stress, fostering a positive mindset, and practicing regular self-care. Tools for wellness for lawyers (00:16:37) Mindfulness, nutrition, regular exercise, maintaining boundaries, organizing the day, avoiding multitasking, taking time off, healthy sleep routines, practicing acceptance, seeking social support, and getting professional help when needed. Wellness and the Legal Profession (00:27:53) The importance of wellness for lawyers, its impact on advocacy, decision-making, and profession's success. Stress and Overwhelm (00:29:14) Discussion on stress, the need for balance, and steps to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own 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 podcast episode, Sarah Soucie Eyberg, a solo legal practitioner, shares her journey of starting her own practice and finding work-life balance. She discusses the challenges of the legal field during the economic downturn of 2011, her transition to solo practice, and the importance of aligning work with personal values. Sarah also addresses the impact of privilege in law, the lack of focus on mental health, and her personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and substance use. She emphasizes the need for transparency and support for mental health in the legal profession. Additionally, Sarah talks about her fulfilling role as a coach for her children's sports teams and how she manages her various responsibilities by prioritizing and setting boundaries. She creates personal freedom by living in alignment with her values. Aligning work with personal values (00:13:06) The significance of creating a mission, vision, and values for the firm, and the impact of aligning work with core values. Preventing burnout and recognizing privilege (00:16:32) The importance of aligning work with personal values to prevent burnout and recognizing the impact of privilege in career choices. Mental Health in Legal Practice (00:20:41) Discussion on the significance of mental health in legal practice, personal experiences, and the impact of depression, anxiety, and substance use. Challenges of Work-Life Balance (00:25:31) The impact of workaholism, perfectionism, and stress in the legal profession, and the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. Addressing Mental Health in the Legal Profession (00:28:43) Efforts by bar associations, the fear of stigma, and the need for candid discussions on mental health and substance use in the legal profession. Transparency and Recovery (00:34:30) The importance of transparency in discussing alcoholism and mental health, the impact of secrecy, and the need for support and understanding. Starting a Law Firm (00:38:40) Encouragement and advice for lawyers considering starting their own law firms, emphasizing the importance of vision, values, and client-centered service. Sarah Soucie Eyberg is a solo practitioner in the area of Social Security Disability law. She specializes in this area because it allows her to help chronically ill and injured people get the benefits to which they are entitled. She approaches the practice of law with an emphasis on client service, her goal in every client interaction is to ensure the client feels heard and validated, and that their questions are addressed.     Not satisfied with simply being a member, Sarah serves in leadership roles in nearly every organization of which she is a member. She currently serves on the councils of the MSBA’s New Lawyers Section, Social Security Disability Section, Practice Management and Marketing Section, and also serves as an Assembly At-Large Representative to the MSBA Executive Council. In addition, she served as District Justice for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International for eight years. In this position she mentors all the chapters and also organizes and presents leadership conferences twice per year. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this podcast episode, Gary Miles, a legal coach and author, shares ten tips to help lawyers achieve success and happiness in their careers while mitigating stress and burnout. He addresses the common challenges in the legal field, such as client demands and heavy workloads, and offers guidance on aligning one's career with personal values, seeking fulfillment in law, and being present and grateful. Miles encourages lawyers to remember their initial motivations, focus on making a positive impact, and seek support from peers. He assures listeners that a rewarding legal career is attainable with the right approach. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own 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 podcast episode, host Gary welcomes Erin Gerner, founder of Powerhouse Lawyers, to discuss her transition from big law to creating a company aimed at empowering female lawyers. They explore Erin's journey, the gap between legal education and practical lawyering, and the challenges faced by women in the legal profession. Erin shares her experience with imposter syndrome and the pivotal role her coach played in guiding her to support other female lawyers. Erin discusses the benefits of coaching, setting boundaries, managing overwhelm, and the transformative power of retreats and community for personal and professional growth. Erin emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to gain clarity in life and career aspirations, and how community and connection can lead to thriving in the legal field. Erin is a former attorney turned life coach empowering women in law through community and connection. Challenges in the legal profession (00:00:41) The overwhelming experience of being unprepared in the legal profession, lack of mentorship, and the impact of these challenges on young lawyers. Empowering female lawyers (00:02:44) The foundation and purpose of Powerhouse Lawyers, focusing on mentorship, community, and the unique challenges faced by female lawyers. Overcoming imposter syndrome (00:04:26) Erin's struggle with imposter syndrome and how a coach inspired her to empower female lawyers, highlighting the role of coaching in personal and professional growth. Recognizing superpowers (00:07:20) The importance of recognizing one's talents and abilities, overcoming imposter syndrome, and utilizing strengths to succeed in the legal profession. Establishing boundaries (00:09:42) The significance of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and the impact of boundaries on personal and professional well-being. Managing overwhelm (00:11:28) Strategies for managing overwhelm, including brain dumps, time management, and organizing tasks to reduce work-related stress. The impact of retreats (00:14:00) The transformative effect of retreats on female lawyers, providing a space for reflection, learning, and creating an action plan for personal and professional growth. Worthiness and capability (00:17:34) Exploring the concepts of worthiness and capability, healing self-doubt, and building confidence through self-affirmation and recognizing achievements. Becoming the CEO of your life (00:19:38) Practical steps to prioritize joy, gratitude, and self-care, emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's life and career. Finding Joy in Life (00:21:41) Discusses the importance of finding joy, setting priorities, and making time for personal fulfillment. Mindset Obstacles for Women Lawyers (00:22:07) Addresses common mindset obstacles faced by women lawyers, such as feeling incapable and getting stuck in the "how." The Power of Asking "Who" (00:23:24) Explains the shift from asking "how" to asking "who" in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. Advice for Struggling Women Lawyers (00:25:29) Provides advice for women lawyers struggling to find happiness and fulfillment in their careers. Empowerment through Community and Connection (00:28:22) Discusses the transformative impact of community and connection in empowering women lawyers. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this podcast episode, host Gary discusses the significance of mentorship in the legal profession, drawing from personal experiences and his book "Breaking Free: A Journey to Personal and Professional Freedom." He highlights professionals' mental challenges and how mentorship can provide support, guidance, and encouragement. He explains common fears about seeking a mentor and outlines the benefits, such as increased confidence and accountability. He also offers advice on choosing a mentor and shares the positive impact of coaching on lawyers' growth. The episode ends with a call to invest in mentorship for growth and success. Challenges in seeking mentorship (00:08:01) Gary addresses the common roadblocks lawyers face in seeking mentorship, such as fear, self-sufficiency, vulnerability, ego, time constraints, and financial concerns. Benefits of having a mentor (00:11:30) Gary outlines the ways a mentor can benefit lawyers, including providing a confidential listening ear, guidance, vision creation, clarity, confidence, and accountability. Selecting a mentor and gifts of mentorship (00:15:05)  Gary discusses the criteria for selecting a mentor, including experience, good listening skills, and compatibility. Additionally, he highlights the gifts of working with a mentor, such as motivation, resilience, growth mindset, emotional stability, and greater success. Would you like to schedule a complimentary call to discuss how Gary can help you? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this podcast episode, Gary interviews Mysty Blagg, a North Carolina attorney with a healthcare and compliance investigation background. Mysty discusses her transition from the medical field to law, seeking a career with more flexibility to balance work and family life. She shares her struggles with stress and the importance of mindfulness and hobbies like gardening and golf for maintaining work-life balance. Mysty also talks about her podcast, "The Zealous Advocate," which offers insights for lawyers on advocacy, mental health, and technology. She emphasizes the value of learning from failure, the importance of listening skills, and the support she receives from her law firm. Listeners can find Mysty's podcast on Spotify and connect with her on LinkedIn or through her law firm, Shipman and Wright LLP. Mysty Blagg helps healthcare professionals and companies achieve their strategic goals through her legal representation. She is a second-career healthcare advocate who brings over twenty years of prior healthcare industry experience into law practice.  Her clients benefit from her unique and valued perspective from her previous careers as a healthcare compliance investigator, Medicaid appeals specialist, and a registered dental hygienist. She leverages her experience as a Medicaid healthcare compliance investigator to assist clients in maintaining an effective compliance program, responding to government investigations and audits, and complying with healthcare fraud and abuse laws such as the False Claims Act, Anti-kickback Statute, and Stark Law.  In addition, Mysty assists clients with various other healthcare transactional matters, including contract drafting and review. Mysty spends time with her three children, husband, and golden retriever playing on the beach in her free time.  She also enjoys playing golf and listening to local bands. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free Some highlights of this episode: Balancing Work and Family (00:01:49) Misty's strategies for maintaining work-life balance with a challenging legal career and a family. Meditation and Stress Management (00:03:36) Misty's approach to stress management and the importance of intentional activities like meditation and golf. Overcoming Mindset Obstacles (00:06:32) Misty's insights on overcoming self-doubt and reframing thoughts in the practice of law. Finding Fulfillment in Legal Practice (00:10:38) Misty's motivations and alignment of her legal career with her values and goals. Problem-Solving Methodology (00:12:25) The importance of being a good listener and making many telephone calls to solve clients' problems. Big Firm vs. Small Firm Experience (00:15:07) Benefits and drawbacks of working in a big firm versus a small firm based on Misty's experiences. Advice for Young Lawyers (00:17:34) Misty's suggestions for young lawyers in navigating their legal careers and prioritizing life goals over money.

In this podcast episode, Gary Miles addresses the significance of aligning one's legal practice with personal values. He acknowledges the challenges lawyers face, such as burnout and inauthenticity, and offers practical steps for lawyers to identify and integrate their values into their work. Gary emphasizes the benefits of this alignment, including greater fulfillment and better client relationships. He concludes by encouraging lawyers to reflect on their values and pursue a meaningful and fulfilling career. The problem of misalignment with values in legal practice (00:02:08) Discussing the issue of lawyers not aligning their legal practice with their personal values and the resulting consequences. Consequences of misalignment with values (00:03:14) Exploring the negative effects of practicing law without aligning with personal values, such as burnout and lack of fulfillment. Steps to determine professional values (00:04:37) Providing a process for lawyers to identify and prioritize their most important professional values. Importance of aligning practice with values (00:09:38) Highlighting the benefits of aligning legal practice with personal values, including increased fulfillment and authenticity. Creating alignment between practice and values (00:12:09) Outlining six steps for lawyers to align their legal practice with their most important values. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this podcast episode, Gary interviews Emily Stedman, a partner at a major Midwest law firm, who shares her path to partnership and her dedication to helping lawyers manage stress and achieve a balanced life. She discusses overcoming self-doubt, anxiety, and imposter syndrome and stresses the importance of mental health practices like therapy and meditation. Emily advocates for open dialogue on well-being in the legal community and underscores the need for law firms to support mental health initiatives. The episode offers insights into maintaining professional and personal well-being in the demanding field of law. Born and raised outside of Atlanta, Georgia, Emily Logan Stedman has called Milwaukee home since June 2013. She obtained her B.A. cum laude (Spanish and History) in 2008 from Wake Forest University. Next, she taught 5th Grade in Buckeye, Arizona, as a 2008 corps member with Teach for America. In 2010, she enrolled at the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating in 2013 magna cum laude and having served as Editor-in-Chief of the Mississippi Law Journal. From 2013-2016, Emily clerked for Judge Pamela Pepper, now Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In 2016, she joined Midwest Big Law as an associate at Quarles & Brady. Since November 2020, she has worked at Husch Blackwell, where she is a commercial litigation partner within the technology, manufacturing, and transportation strategic business unit. It was joining Big Law that brought on an increase in anxiety and low mood in Emily. After seeking solace with colleagues, therapy, and meditation, she began talking more openly about the need to improve well-being in the law. This started with programming while president of the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin, then as a committee chair for the Wisconsin Taskforce on Lawyer Well-Being. Most recently, she has built a platform on LinkedIn and now Twitter/X, where she posts regularly on the realities of being a Big Law attorney and the need to destigmatize lawyer well-being. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free Overcoming obstacles and self-doubt (00:02:16) Emily talks about the obstacles, self-doubt, and second choices she encountered in her academic and professional journey. Managing self-doubt and anxiety (00:06:01) Emily and Gary discuss strategies for managing self-doubt and anxiety, including therapy, meditation, and self-compassion. Finding alignment and fulfillment (00:11:42) The conversation focuses on aligning legal practice with personal values, making career decisions, and the importance of being true to oneself. Maintaining mental health and balance (00:20:06) Emily discusses effective strategies for maintaining mental health, including therapy, meditation, organization, and time management. Systems and Routines (00:24:07) Emily discusses the need for systems and routines to manage workload and pressure, emphasizing the importance of flexibility. Maintaining Mental Health (00:26:20) The impact of mental health on individual and client performance, and the negative effects of stress and anxiety in the legal profession. Coping Strategies (00:29:32) Emily shares coping strategies for overwhelmed lawyers, including taking breaks, prioritizing tasks, and regrouping to find peace and balance. Handling High-Stress Cases (00:31:29) Emily discusses managing stress in commercial litigation, dealing with difficult opposing counsel, and maintaining a reasonable posture and position. Community and Mentorship (00:35:02) The critical role of mentorship and community in supporting lawyers through the stresses of the legal profession.

In today's episode, Gary dives into the "Law of Attraction," discussing in detail how our mindset can affect our results. He explains the law of attraction and whether it is "real." He discusses the importance of visualization, affirmations, and a positive mindset. Most importantly, he analyzes the benefits of a positive mindset in your practice and provides nine steps for changing your thoughts and utilizing the law of attraction to create the success you deserve. The law of attraction (00:00:02) Explains the concept and its potential impact on mindset and outcomes in legal practice. The power of positive thinking (00:02:17) Explores how positive thinking, visualization, and purposeful intention can harmonize with talents and efforts to create special results. Is the law of attraction real? (00:03:43) Discusses the controversy and lack of scientific evidence surrounding the law of attraction, while acknowledging its potential motivational value. Examples of the law of attraction (00:05:01) Shares personal examples of how thoughts directly affect results, such as learning to ride a bike and playing golf. Pitfalls of the law of attraction (00:07:15) Highlights the need for effort, planning, and resilience, and advises against blaming oneself when negative outcomes occur. Gifts of the law of attraction (00:09:34) Emphasizes the benefits of maintaining a positive mindset, setting clear goals, visualization, stress management, and better client relationships. How to change thoughts using the law of attraction (00:13:26) Provides nine steps to change thoughts and visualization, including gratitude, mindfulness, goal-setting, positive affirmations, and seeking support. Embracing the potential of the law of attraction (00:20:15) Encourages integrating positive energy, focused intention, and mindful visualization into legal practice to elevate oneself and shape desired outcomes. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this podcast episode, host Gary interviews Sharif Gray, a personal injury attorney from Virginia, who shares his path from VMI valedictorian to law school, military service, and his current legal practice. Gray discusses the influence of his godfather and the film "A Few Good Men" on his career choice, his dedication to helping people through personal injury law, and the significance of a major case victory. He also talks about the challenges young lawyers face, including gaining trial experience and managing student debt, while emphasizing the importance of passion and authenticity in the legal field. Gray reflects on the personal fulfillment he derives from making a difference in clients' lives and the freedom that comes with running his own practice. First Major Jury Verdict (00:15:31) Sharif's million and a half dollar trip and fall case, the intentional framing of the case, and the confidence gained from the successful trial. Keys to Being an Excellent Plaintiff's Trial Attorney (00:17:33) The importance of framing the case, capitalizing on defense missteps, and positioning the plaintiff as a victim of the defendant's actions. Building a Practice and Developing Business (00:19:38) Sharif's diverse strategies for business development, including referrals, digital presence, networking, and creating a broad net for opportunities. Challenges faced by young lawyers (00:21:48) Sharif Gray discusses the financial burden of law school debt and the limited options for gaining trial experience as a young lawyer. Sharif is a trial lawyer and a partner at Blackburn, Conte, Schilling & Click. He tried cases as a United States Army JAG Officer and as a Drug and Vice Prosecutor, served as a Federal Judicial Law Clerk at a trial court, and now takes cases to trial as a personal injury and criminal defense lawyer. There is nothing more professionally exciting for Sharif than preparing for and going to trial. And there is no greater privilege for Sharif than getting results for his clients.  Sharif cares deeply about his work and the people he represents. His record is evidence of this: in the Army, he successfully defended hundreds of soldiers at trial, in adverse administrative proceedings, and under investigation; as a prosecutor, he pursued justice for victims and earned a reputation among judges and defense attorneys for being persuasive and fair; and as a personal injury lawyer, he has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.  Sharif graduated valedictorian and as a distinguished military graduate from the Virginia Military Institute. Among other honors, his class elected him to serve as a prosecutor on VMI’s Honor Court, where he prosecuted honor offenses and first discovered his love for trial work.  Sharif received his law degree from the University of Virginia. During law school, he served on the Virginia Journal of Criminal Law’s Managing Board; led an Army Reserve Drill Sergeant Unit; and clerked for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Solicitor General’s Office.  Sharif earned his masters of law degree in trial advocacy from the Temple University Beasley School of Law, which has consistently been ranked as the nation’s top trial training program for more than twenty years.  Sharif also graduated from the Gerry Spence Method — the premier training for trial lawyers who represent people.  Away from work, Sharif enjoys spending time with his wife and son, learning songs on his acoustic guitar, playing on a kickball team, and working out each morning at a CrossFit gym.  Sharif also operates RVA Personal Injury Lawyers and UCMJ Trial Lawyers, and he co-hosts the RVA Trial Lawyers Podcast. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free