The Free Lawyer

Lawyers face overwhelming pressure in the courtroom. What if the key to showing up with confidence doesn’t come from more prep, but from mental rehearsal? In this episode, we explore how visualization, a strategy used by elite athletes and surgeons, can help lawyers reduce anxiety, improve performance, and bounce back from setbacks. Listen for how picturing your success before trials, client meeti...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles interviews Alexandra "Sasha" Berkowitz, discussing Sasha’s journey from contract lawyer to founding her intellectual property firm, Iconic Inc. Sasha shares insights on overcoming fears, embracing entrepreneurship, and prioritizing personal well-being. She highlights the value of flexibility, meaningful client relationships, and cost-effective...

In this episode, Gary Miles covers the emotional toll of a courtroom loss and how perfectionism can distort a lawyer’s sense of self-worth. He reveals why even top attorneys fall into the trap of harsh self-talk and a fixed mindset after failure. But instead of spiraling, you can reframe setbacks as powerful catalysts for growth. Listen for a three-stage recovery strategy that transforms professio...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Ben Chiriboga, a former maritime litigator turned legal tech executive and co-founder of Nexl. Ben shares his journey from traditional law to legal technology, discussing the challenges of overcoming fear and imposter syndrome. Together, they explore the importance of authenticity, redefining success beyond financial gain, and building mea...

For years, I believed perfectionism was the key to being a great lawyer. I triple-checked every brief, obsessed over every detail, and beat myself up over the smallest mistakes. But instead of making me better, it left me anxious, second-guessing myself, and disconnected from my purpose. In this episode of The Free Lawyer, I share what finally helped me break free from perfectionism and embrace a...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Katie Mickelson, a prominent family law attorney in Illinois. Katie shares her journey from public relations to becoming an equity partner in her law firm. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in family law, effective communication, and maintaining client relationships post-divorce. Katie discusses her leadership philoso...

Use this productivity guide to find more time in the day for billable hours. This is your opportunity to overhaul your approach to work and life. Constant busyness and burnout hold lawyers back from both personal fulfillment and professional efficiency. Host, Gary Miles, introduces his proven Triangle System—a simple 3-phase productivity method designed to help attorneys work with greater focus, i...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary converses with Tony Smith, an experienced attorney specializing in small business advising, intellectual property, and emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and blockchain. Tony shares his professional journey from working at Stryker to founding his own law firm. He discusses his fascination with Bitcoin, the importance of legal foundat...

Negative thoughts silently sabotage lawyers’ confidence, performance, and long-term career satisfaction. This episode reveals the three most damaging mental habits that plague even the most accomplished attorneys: self-doubt, perfectionism, and comparison. Gary Miles shares personal stories and real-world examples to highlight how inner criticism can be more damaging than any opposing counsel. Lea...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary, a seasoned lawyer, converses with Cecilia Poullain, a certified executive coach and former finance lawyer. They delve into the unique challenges women face in the legal profession, highlighting issues such as perfectionism and self-doubt. Cecilia shares her journey from law to coaching, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, confid...

You've won the cases, billed the hours, and earned the recognition, but somehow, it still feels hollow. In this episode, Gary Miles explores the success paradox so many lawyers face: why external accomplishments and validation don’t lead to lasting satisfaction. If you're stuck in the achievement trap, constantly chasing the next win but never feeling fulfilled, you're not alone. This...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," the host, Gary Miles, a seasoned litigator with 45 years of experience, converses with Shoshanna French, an intuitive leadership coach and founder of Simple Spirit and Shoshanna French Consulting. Shoshanna, who has worked with NFL leaders, Broadway stars, and CEOs, discusses the integration of intuition into legal practice. The episode highlights the challeng...

Even the most accomplished lawyers can find themselves stuck in the comparison trap. Scrolling through LinkedIn late at night, watching colleagues post win after win, and feeling like they’re somehow falling behind. In this episode, Gary Miles unpacks why these constant comparisons are quietly sabotaging your confidence, performance, and peace of mind. You'll hear five actionable strategies to...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary speaks with John Kormanik, a certified professional coach and former trial lawyer, about the challenges lawyers face, including stress, burnout, and misconceptions about success. John, author of "Break the Law," shares his journey from practicing law to coaching, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and setting boundaries...

Setbacks, career challenges, and resilience aren’t just buzzwords. They are daily realities for lawyers. In this episode, Gary Miles shares how to overcome setbacks without letting them define your character, confidence, and career. You’ll learn the 3 critical questions to ask after a loss, how to reframe failure as growth, and why resilience is the true skill that separates thriving attorneys fro...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary converses with Lani Medina, a corporate and M&A attorney, Air Force veteran, and founder of Lani Law LLC. Lani shares her journey from a senior associate at a law firm to starting her own practice. She discusses the challenges of this transition, her philosophy of "feel good lawyering," and the importance of aligning one's...

Loneliness and isolation are silently sabotaging the success of highly competent lawyers. In this episode, Gary Miles speaks to how the legal profession’s competitive culture and long hours create a dangerous cycle of isolation that damages both personal well-being and professional performance. Gary shares why isolation leads to impaired judgment, increased anxiety, and burnout. You’ll learn pract...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Kurt London, managing partner of London Parker Injury Law. Kurt shares his unique journey into personal injury law, including his transformative experiences in Russia and Kazakhstan, and a motorcycle accident that deepened his empathy for clients. He discusses the rapid growth of his firm, emphasizing the importance of personal branding, c...

Perfectionism is often worn as a badge of honor in the legal field, but what if it's actually fueling your burnout? In this episode, Gary Miles shares the hidden role fear plays in the practice of law and how perfectionism quietly erodes confidence, clarity, and connection. Drawing from over four decades in trial law, Gary shares personal stories of high-stakes wins, devastating setbacks, and...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles interviews Dan Schneiderman, a personal injury trial attorney who recently opened his own practice. Dan, from a family of medical professionals, shares his journey from a deputy district attorney to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, strategic career planning, and work-life balance. The discussion highlights...

Perfectionism might look like dedication, but in reality, it’s one of the biggest drivers of lawyer burnout. In this episode, Gary Miles unpacks how the constant pursuit of flawlessness: endless document reviews, fear of feedback, and hesitancy to delegate—quietly erodes your confidence, time, and relationships. You’ll hear why perfectionism often begins long before your legal career and how it ge...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary, a seasoned attorney with 46 years of experience, converses with Annette Choti, founder of Law Quill, a leading legal digital marketing agency. Annette shares her journey from practicing law to starting her own agency, emphasizing the importance of ethical marketing. They discuss the predatory nature of some marketing agencies and provide g...

Even the most successful attorneys quietly wrestle with self-doubt. This episode, explores why imposter syndrome shows up most in high-achieving, conscientious lawyers. Perfectionism, high-stakes cases, and constant comparison feed the fear of being “found out.” You'll hear real stories from the courtroom, plus seven practical strategies to break free from the internal pressure to prove you&#3...

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Jess Sargus, an accomplished lawyer, undefeated MMA competitor, and high-performance coach. They explore the intersection of law and personal development, focusing on mental skills necessary for success in high-pressure environments. Jess shares her journey in law and athletics, emphasizing a growth mindset, mindfulness, and prac...

Perfectionism and people pleasing are often rooted in childhood experiences. They can quietly shape the way lawyers show up in their careers. Gary Miles shares his own journey from bullied student to high-achieving attorney, revealing how early wounds led to a relentless drive for approval and flawless performance. Gary breaks down how these invisible patterns impact client relationships, decision...