In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Sejal Thakkar, an expert in civility and workplace culture. They delve into the significance of civility in the legal profession and strategies for combating unconscious bias to create inclusive environments. Sejal recounts her transition from employment law to founding her consulting firm, TrainXtra, which aims to improve workplace cultures proactively. They discuss how biases, especially unconscious ones, affect workplace dynamics and the importance of self-awareness, open-mindedness, and ongoing education to address them. Sejal also highlights the role of leadership in promoting diversity and civility and the positive outcomes of her training programs on organizational culture.

Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

In this episode, Gary offers lawyers a lifeline in the billable hour battle. Recognizing the stress and inefficiency that can come with tracking billable hours, he shares strategies for reclaiming control over time and improving productivity and work-life balance. He delves into the detrimental effects of the billable hour system on lawyers' lives and presents a dozen tools to enhance time management and job satisfaction. These include prioritizing tasks, avoiding multitasking, and taking breaks. The host also underscores the liberating benefits of working more innovatively for a more fulfilling professional life.

Analyzing Time Usage (00:05:54) Gary advises tracking daily activities for a week to understand time spent and identify areas for improvement.

Prioritizing and Delegating (00:07:02) Tips on preparing a list of tasks, prioritizing them, and delegating non-essential work to others.

Scheduling Daily Activities (00:08:16) The importance of planning and scheduling daily activities to improve focus and productivity.

Grouping Similar Tasks (00:10:42) The speaker suggests grouping similar tasks to avoid distractions and enhance efficiency.

Taking Breaks (00:12:47): Mini breaks are essential to recharge and enhance productivity during the workday.

Saying No and Blocking Distractions (00:14:58) Gary discusses the empowering significance of saying no to non-essential tasks and blocking distractions to sharpen focus and reclaim control over time.

Setting Time Limits to Projects (00:12:47) Advice on setting specific project time limits to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Obtaining Support from a Mentor (00:16:08) Gary underscores the crucial importance of seeking guidance and support from a mentor to manage time and priorities effectively. Mentors foster a sense of community and help in the journey towards better time management.

Would you like help in winning the billable hour battle?

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You can watch this episode on YouTube here.

Obstacles to Productivity (00:06:13) Exploration of the obstacles hindering productivity, such as time management and client expectations.

Problems Caused by Lack of Productivity (00:12:48) The speaker discusses the problems encountered when lawyers are not productive, including missed deadlines and reduced job satisfaction.

Benefits of Being More Productive (00:15:22) The positive outcomes of improved productivity, such as increased efficiency and improved work-life balance.

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, host of "The Free Lawyer," welcomes Jeff Kichaven, a seasoned business mediator, to discuss the transition from litigation to mediation and the challenges lawyers face in the adversarial legal system. Jeff shares his journey and the factors that influenced his shift to mediation, including the desire for a more balanced life and the emotional toll of litigation. They explore the changing dynamics of the legal profession, the misconceptions about mediation, and the importance of emotional intelligence in dispute resolution. Jeff also advises lawyers on preparing for mediation, emphasizing the need for understanding biases and the mediator's role. The conversation touches on the broader implications of mediation for the legal system and the importance of personal well-being and relationships for professional success.

 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 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 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

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.

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

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.

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 schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

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