The Free Lawyer Gary Miles

In this podcast episode, host Gary Miles discusses the critical role of accountability in the legal profession for achieving professional and personal goals. He explores how accountability acts as a catalyst for progress, sharing his experiences with his coaching clients. He emphasizes lawyers' challenges, such as billable hours and work-life balance, and how accountability can provide structure and motivation. Gary suggests having an accountability partner for support and concludes by offering guidance to listeners seeking to reach their goals.

The importance of accountability (00:01:13) Accountability as a crucial factor in achieving professional and personal goals in the legal profession.

The power of accountability (00:02:44) Defining accountability and its role in providing structure, focus, and motivation in goal achievement.

Challenges in goal achievement (00:05:34) Identifying the challenges lawyers face in pursuing their goals and the impact of goal abandonment on personal and professional development.

The role of an accountability partner (00:10:42) The importance of having an accountability partner in staying on track, overcoming challenges, and maintaining motivation.

How accountability fosters success (00:12:50) Exploring how accountability cultivates responsibility, discipline, and commitment, leading to greater success in legal careers.

The transformative power of accountability (00:15:31) Highlighting the transformative impact of accountability in turning goal setting into actionable steps and achieving remarkable results.

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

Gary welcomes Jeff Cunningham, Connecticut litigator and fractional general counsel in this podcast episode. They discuss Jeff's work in legal malpractice, attorney discipline, and his emphasis on risk management and proactive client communication. Jeff also touches on the critical role of attorney wellness in reducing malpractice claims and the benefits of having an outside general counsel for maintaining confidentiality and addressing personal challenges. They highlight the necessity of having a crisis response plan for law firms, including readily available legal and professional contacts. The conversation also covers the importance of addressing wellness within the legal profession, the value of building client relationships, and Jeff's satisfaction with his work. The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to seek advice and support, especially regarding wellness in the legal field.


The proactive approach to risk management (00:01:26) Jeff explains his role as a fractional general counsel and the importance of managing risk proactively.

Components of a proactive approach (00:02:16) Jeff discusses the essential attributes of his proactive approach, emphasizing the simplicity and practicality of the systems.

Client communication and satisfaction (00:10:26) The importance of client communication and satisfaction in preventing malpractice claims and the impact of communication on client dissatisfaction.

Benefits of outside general counsel (00:16:33) Jeff explains the benefits of using an outside general counsel, particularly in preserving attorney-client privilege and serving as an ombudsman for the firm.

Response Planning (00:20:39) Discussing the importance of response planning for law firms in the event of a cyber breach or other issues, including the need for a plan and contacts.

Importance of Wellness and Risk Management (00:23:59) Highlighting wellness as a significant challenge for lawyers, connecting it to various problems, including client communication, knowledge of the law, conflicts, and financial issues.



Impact of Flat Fee Model (00:29:16) Exploring the benefits of a flat fee model in building stronger connections with clients and understanding their personal lives, leading to a more fulfilling professional experience.


Jeff Cunningham’s practice focus runs the gamut of professional liability exposures but with a particular emphasis on lawyers. He defends lawyers and acts as outside General Counsel to solo to mid-sized law firms across the United States. For over a decade, Jeff has defended industry professionals in a wide range of professional liability, ethics and professional disciplinary matters. His extensive background in civil litigation includes commercial disputes, varied malpractice claims, D&O liability, employment and labor law, catastrophic personal injury, premises liability and products liability. With an emphasis on simple systems of risk management, Jeff brings a holistic approach of protecting his clients before problems occur.



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 podcast episode, Gary Miles, a seasoned lawyer with 45 years of experience, discusses the importance of clarity in legal careers. Addressing lawyers' difficulty finding career clarity due to heavy workloads and high-pressure environments, Gary highlights the adverse effects of confusion, such as stress and burnout. He offers practical advice for gaining clarity, including self-reflection, networking, and mentorship, and stresses the transformative role of mentors in guiding legal professionals toward fulfilling careers.

The importance of clarity (00:01:08) Gary emphasizes the significance of clarity in one's career and encourages listeners to seek clarity in their professional paths.

Struggles in finding clarity (00:02:14) Gary discusses the challenges lawyers face in finding clarity and purpose in their work, emphasizing the need for vision and direction.

Impact of lack of clarity (00:03:27) Gary highlights how a lack of clarity about one's future can lead to stress, lack of motivation, difficulty in setting goals, missed opportunities, and burnout.

Tools for developing clarity (00:06:04) Gary talks about practical tools such as self-reflection, networking, visualization, and mentorship as ways to achieve clarity about one's future.

Benefits of mentorship (00:13:44) Gary explains how a mentor can provide guidance, support, objective perspective, accountability, and personal growth to help lawyers achieve clarity in their career paths.

Embracing the journey of self-discovery (00:20:14) Gary underscores the importance of embracing the journey of self-discovery, growth, and evolution with the guidance of a mentor to shape a fulfilling and meaningful career.



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 podcast episode, host Gary interviews Miriam Airington-Fisher, the founding partner of Airington Law, a women-led law firm in Virginia. They discuss Miriam's transition from a trial lawyer to an entrepreneur, her challenges as a single mother starting her practice, and how she managed to grow her firm while maintaining a work-life balance. Miriam shares her journey from taking any case that came through the door to strategically building a business supporting her clients and her team. The episode also touches on the importance of setting boundaries, the concept of "mom guilt," and leadership in law firms. Miriam's book, "Mom's a Lawyer," is highlighted as a resource for those looking to start their law firm.

Miriam Airington-Fisher is the founding partner of Airington Law, a women-led law firm based in Virginia specializing in immigration, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Miriam is the author of Mom’s A Lawyer: How to Start a Firm and Take Control of Your Life, a guide for women law firm owners based on her experience starting and growing a firm while raising three children. In addition to managing the daily operations of the law firm, Miriam coaches other women law firm owners. She consults with law firms on attracting and retaining ‘lawyer mom’ talent through family-friendly workplace culture.

Transition to Entrepreneurship (00:05:02) Miriam explains her transition to entrepreneurship, starting her own law practice, and the challenges she faced.

Starting a Law Practice (00:06:20) Miriam discusses her fears and challenges when starting her own law practice and how she managed them.

Growth and Vision for the Firm (00:10:08) Miriam shares the growth and vision for Arrington Law, focusing on quality representation and employee-friendly operations.

Learning to Run a Business (00:12:35) Miriam discusses the importance of understanding business skills and resources available for lawyers to become successful business owners.

Client Service and Team Culture (00:14:18) Miriam emphasizes the importance of client service and the positive team culture at Arrington Law.

Balancing Work and Family (00:19:03) Miriam explains how she balances raising children, managing her firm, and setting boundaries for a healthy work-life balance.

The challenges of being a lawyer mom (00:21:40) Balancing work and family life, flexible work arrangements, and managing the practice of law as a mom.

Overcoming mom guilt and setting boundaries (00:22:48) Challenges of mom guilt, changing traditional boundaries, and setting boundaries professionally with clients, judges, and managing partners.

Leadership and business lessons (00:27:45) Leadership insights, treating people with respect, and the challenges and responsibilities of running a law firm.


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 tackles the pervasive issue of self-doubt among lawyers. The episode explores self-doubt's various forms, including imposter syndrome and perfectionism, and its detrimental effects on well-being and professional performance. Gary offers practical advice and discusses strategies like positive self-talk and mentorship to combat these challenges. He empowers listeners to believe in themselves and utilize the discussed tools to succeed in their legal careers.

Understanding self-doubt (00:02:17) Defining self-doubt and discussing its common manifestations, such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, fear of failure, comparison, lack of support, and isolation.

Effects of self-doubt (00:03:29) Exploring how self-doubt affects confidence, decision-making, stress levels, burnout, and overall well-being.

Strategies to overcome self-doubt (00:10:15) Presenting practical tools and strategies, including self-reflection, positive self-talk, celebrating small wins, seeking feedback, visualization, building a support network, mindfulness, well-being, accepting imperfection, and mentorship.

The importance of mentorship (00:21:20) Emphasizing the significance of mentorship in overcoming self-doubt and building self-confidence.




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 interviews Jon Cumberworth, a fractional COO specializing in supporting law firms. Jon not only discusses the importance of leadership, firm culture, and aligning business practices with core values, but also provides practical strategies to overcome these challenges. He addresses the common issues faced by law firms, such as the lack of business training and talent retention, and highlights the transformative power of clear goals, strong communication, and effective client intake processes. Jon's advocacy for open communication and collaboration is not just a theory, but a proven method that has helped numerous law firm owners achieve personal freedom by empowering their teams.

Jon's primary focus is helping service-based businesses define and implement frameworks and systems that help them achieve their revenue, profit, and leadership development goals. He has over 19 years of experience in international and domestic business operations and leadership. His accomplishments range from working my way up in a global sales team to becoming General Manager in Dubai for an 8-figure steel supply and manufacturing business to negotiating the successful acquisition of a bootstrapped company he co-founded.

Identifying Law Firms' Challenges (00:05:56) Challenges faced by law firms in talent acquisition, client acquisition, and accountability, leading to the need for external expertise.

Importance of Firm Culture (00:07:15) Discussion on the need for positive firm culture, aligning with the values and purpose of the employees, and the evolving business dynamics.

Developing Firm Culture (00:08:51) Strategies for law firms to develop a positive culture, emphasizing the importance of core values, mission, and aligning team members with these values.

Essence of Good Leadership (00:11:11) The essence of being a good leader in a law firm, focusing on clarity, purpose, and values to guide decision-making and empower team members.

Developing Clarity in Law Firms (00:13:01) Methods for law firms to develop clarity, including setting frameworks, annual and quarterly planning, and regular one-on-one meetings for accountability.

Efficiency in Law Firm Management (00:14:56) How fractional COO services help law firm owners handle administrative tasks efficiently, empowering staff with targeted missions and KPIs.

Challenges and Solutions for Law Firms (00:18:12) Identifying hiring and retaining talent, client acquisition, and intake as primary challenges for law firms, with strategies to address these issues.

Hiring Based on Core Values (00:19:51) Emphasizing the importance of aligning hiring processes with core values to filter candidates and identify those who fit the firm's culture.

Encouraging Communication and Collaboration (00:21:08) Creating a culture of open communication and collaboration, including asking questions and conducting tests to assess alignment with values and work approach.

Building Trust and Team Engagement (00:22:36) John discusses the importance of building trust and creating a safe environment for team members to voice their opinions.

Fostering Growth and Ideal Culture (00:24:21) John advises law firm owners on fueling growth while maintaining an ideal culture, emphasizing the significance of sincere core values and team alignment.


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