In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," the host Gary Miles, a seasoned attorney with 45 years of experience, welcomes Katherine Wilson and EJ Stern, experts in law firm marketing and business development. They discuss their innovative venture offering fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) services tailored for small to mid-sized law firms. Katherine and EJ highlight the benefits of this model, which provides high-level marketing expertise without the financial burden of a full-time executive. They share insights on branding, leveraging digital platforms, and the importance of authentic client engagement, offering practical tips for law firms to enhance their marketing efforts.

Katherine enjoys helping clients exceed their goals and empowering attorneys and marketing professionals with the tools they need to succeed.

Katherine has led large cross-function projects and teams in many market-facing initiatives, including multiple firm rebrands and brand identity platforms, website and digital development, multi-channel marketing campaigns, marketing and business development strategic plans, and thought leadership campaigns.

She has significant experience leading marketing and business development functions, designing efficient department processes, managing vendor relationships and budgets, and leading large cross-firm initiatives that intersect with executive leadership and firm administrative departments.

EJ has nearly 20 years of experience leading strategy, business development, marketing, and lateral integration for the legal industry. As a business development coach, she is adept at helping lawyers cultivate, retain, and grow their client base.

EJ served as US Head of Client Development for Clyde & Co and Associate Director – Business Development Coaching for Troutman Pepper (f/k/a Troutman Sanders). She previously held marketing positions at Steptoe & Johnson and Proskauer Rose, as well.

Defining Fractional Law Firm CMO (00:04:03)
Benefits of Fractional CMO for Firms (00:05:37)
Access to Diverse Skill Sets (00:08:19)
Challenges in Law Firm Marketing (00:10:27)
Common Mistakes in Law Firm Marketing (00:11:27)
Customizing Marketing Strategies (00:13:35)
Indicators for Needing a Fractional CMO (00:16:07)
Approach to Branding for Law Firms (00:18:46)
Building a Brand Foundation (00:19:41)
Purposeful Branding (00:20:23)
Meaningful Branding (00:20:35)
Business Development Coaching (00:21:14)
Understanding Client Needs (00:21:29)
Building Authentic Relationships (00:22:18)
Long-Term Business Development (00:22:46)
Client-Centric Approach (00:23:27)
Active Listening Skills (00:24:21)
Current Trends in Legal Marketing (00:26:05)
Leveraging Social Media (00:26:17)
Authenticity in Marketing (00:30:13)
Vulnerability in Professional Sharing (00:30:57)
Investing in Fractional Marketing Services (00:33:12)
Balancing Law Practice and Business Growth (00:36:40)
Focusing on Existing Clients (00:38:23)
Diverse Expertise in Marketing Services (00:38:51)

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

Discover how to create the law practice of your dreams by aligning your career with your core values in 2025. Learn lawyer marketing tips, how to manage fears, and leverage transferable skills for career growth.

This episode of The Free Lawyer, shares actionable strategies to overcome mental barriers, redefine your legal journey, and build a practice that truly inspires and fulfills you. Whether you're navigating burnout or seeking career growth, gain expert insights to confidently transform your path and embrace new opportunities in the legal field.

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 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.

 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.

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

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

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. 

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