In this episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, host Gary interviews Susan Filan, a former legal analyst and prosecutor turned transformational speaker. Susan shares how a near-fatal accident forced her to reevaluate her life and redefine success beyond external achievements. Together, they discuss the pressures lawyers face, the dangers of burnout, and the importance of authenticity and self-care. Susan introduces her "Wake Up Call Method" for finding fulfillment and encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability, gratitude, and proactive change. The episode offers hope and practical advice for lawyers seeking greater clarity, purpose, and joy in their personal and professional lives.Susan F. Filan, Esq. is a former MSNBC Senior Legal Analyst, prosecutor, and trial lawyer who reinvented herself as a transformational speaker and life strategist.
After nearly 30 years in the legal world, a near-death accident became her wake-up call, forcing her to confront what true success really means.
Today, she helps lawyers and high-achieving professionals who appear accomplished on the outside but are collapsing inside.
Through her signature Wake-Up Call Method, Susan guides clients from burnout and disconnection to clarity, vitality, and fulfillment.
Known as the Architect of Reinvention, she is on a mission to revolutionize how lawyers and high-achievers live, love, and lead.
Susan Filan’s Background & Accident (00:01:01)
Early Career Choices & Legal “Off Ramps” (00:02:31)
The Accident Experience (00:04:25)
Rehabilitation & New Perspective (00:05:52)
Shifting from Achievement to Presence (00:08:14)
Life After the Accident (00:10:08)
Practicing Law & Academic Transition (00:11:16)
External Success vs. Internal Fulfillment (00:12:11)
Ignoring Inner Signals (00:14:33)
The Wake Up Call Method (00:15:29)
Lawyer Well-being & Cultural Change (00:18:18)
Escaping vs. Authentic Alignment (00:20:04)
Facing Fear & First Steps to Change (00:21:44)
Role of Coaching for Lawyers (00:22:38)
Lawyers’ Resistance to Coaching (00:24:11)
First Shift for Transformation (00:26:04)
Aligning with True Purpose & Values (00:27:23)
Susan’s Legacy & Message (00:29:24)
Advice for Stuck Lawyers (00:30:23)
Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
You can find The Free Lawyer Assessment here- https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment
Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
In this episode, Gary breaks down a hard truth many lawyers quietly live with: their happiness rises and falls based on client reactions, case outcomes, and external praise. He shares why this constant emotional roller coaster leaves even high-performing attorneys exhausted, anxious, and feeling like their career is controlling them instead of the other way around. Through stories from his own four decades in litigation, Gary explains how tying your well-being to factors you can’t control actually diminishes your clarity, confidence, and long-term fulfillment. Instead, he reveals the three pillars that allow lawyers to build happiness from the inside out.
Get the Values Alignment Guide https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb
Take the Free Lawyer Assessment garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment
Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Schedule a complimentary discovery call: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ
In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Jonathan Cohen—attorney, speaker, and former IDF soldier—about mental fitness, resilience, and burnout in the legal profession. Jonathan shares his journey from military service to law, highlighting lessons on overcoming self-doubt, managing stress, and building purposeful routines. Together, they discuss practical strategies for active recovery, combating self-sabotage, and creating a holistic “stress management ecosystem.” The episode emphasizes self-awareness, setting boundaries, and developing a clear vision to help lawyers thrive, not just survive, in their careers and personal lives.Jonathan Z. Cohen is an attorney, speaker, podcaster, and philanthropist. Jonathan’s background includes 5 years of public service in 2 different countries as a Bronx Special Victims Division Criminal Prosecutor and IDF Infantry Combat Soldier. With over 1,000 legal and business professionals trained, Jonathan educates, inspires, and shares actionable insights to help thousands of ambitious professionals lead a purpose-driven life through stories, frameworks, and systems.
Jonathan’s Background and Pivotal Moments (00:01:00)
Defining Mental Fitness and Transformation (00:02:08)
Military and Legal Service: Lessons in Resilience (00:06:31)
Resilience vs. Mental Fitness, Strength, and Toughness (00:11:06)
Speed to Recovery and Burnout in Law (00:13:06)
Root Causes and Elements of Burnout (00:14:05)
Early Warning Signs of Burnout (00:20:33)
Active Recovery for Lawyers (00:23:27)
Self-Sabotage: Recognition and Frameworks (00:28:26)
Stress Management Ecosystem (00:34:34)
Mindset Shift: From Surviving to Thriving (00:39:14)
Crafting a Vision and First Steps to Mental Fitness (00:43:05)
Take The Free Lawyer Assessment (10 minutes, completely free):
https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment
What you'll get immediately:
✓ Your Professional Freedom Score (out of 300 points)
✓ Breakdown across Internal Authority, Sustainable Excellence, and Authentic Practice
✓ Personalized action plan in your inbox
✓ Specific steps you can take this week
Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Are you ready to reclaim the 30% of your time that’s quietly slipping away every day?
In this episode, Gary Miles shares eight proven productivity tools every lawyer should know. Transform your law practice from exhausting to empowering for your career and personal development. Listen to this episode for how to perform a personal time audit, implement strategic time blocking, and set boundaries that protect your focus without sacrificing client service.
Get the Values Alignment Guide https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb
Take the Free Lawyer Assessment garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment
Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Schedule a complimentary discovery call: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ
In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Brit Nicole, a coach who empowers high-achieving women—especially lawyers—to build fulfilling, purpose-driven careers. Britt shares her journey overcoming challenges in male-dominated industries, battling burnout, and rebuilding after setbacks. The conversation covers overcoming imposter syndrome, aligning work with personal values, building confidence, pricing services, and embracing failure as growth. Britt offers practical advice for women lawyers to stop shrinking, lead authentically, and create joyful, sustainable practices. Listeners are encouraged to take bold action, prioritize well-being, and pursue happiness on their own terms.
Brit Nicole is a coach, creator, and builder of big things — from scratch. She’s scaled multiple businesses, including two 6-figure photography brands, and rebuilt again after betrayal and burnout. Today, she helps high-potential women finally build the business or brand that’s been on their heart — with real strategy, grounded support, and the kind of momentum that turns “someday” into sold out. She’s known for her story of reinvention, STRONG resilience, her no-fluff approach to getting things moving, and her ability to turn stuck energy into serious traction.
Brit Nicole’s Background & Story of Reinvention (00:01:00)
Shrinking in Male-Dominated Industries (00:01:48)
Imposter Syndrome & Proving Yourself (00:04:37)
Aligning Career with Personal Values (00:06:48)
Burnout: Tired vs. Needing to Rebuild (00:09:09)
.
Reconnecting with Purpose (00:11:42)
Confident Leadership for Women (00:13:52)
Owning Your Worth & Pricing Services (00:16:20)
Rebuilding After Burnout (00:19:01)
Taking Action Without Certainty (00:20:19)
Mindset Shifts for High-Stress Professions (00:24:46)
Wins Journaling & Processing Stress (00:26:39)
No Shrinking: Expanding in Traditional Firms (00:29:41)
Moving from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset (00:32:10)
Stepping Into Your Next Bold Chapter (00:34:34)
Take The Free Lawyer Assessment (10 minutes, completely free):
https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment
What you'll get immediately:
✓ Your Professional Freedom Score (out of 300 points)
✓ Breakdown across Internal Authority, Sustainable Excellence, and Authentic Practice
✓ Personalized action plan in your inbox
✓ Specific steps you can take this week
Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
99% of lawyers feel too busy and overwhelmed.
This episode of The Free Lawyer is about the “busyness trap” that dominates the legal profession and how lawyers can break free from it.
Gary explores the cultural, technological, and psychological causes of this problem. From constant connectivity and billable-hour pressure to perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the addiction to external validation.
He outlines the hidden costs of constant busyness: damaged health, strained relationships, decreased effectiveness, and missing out on life itself. Gary challenges the belief that busyness equals success, urging lawyers to see it as a problem, not a badge of honor.
Get the Values Alignment Guide https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb
Take the Free Lawyer Assessment garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment
Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Schedule a complimentary discovery call: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ
In this episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, host Gary interviews guest Ana Juneja, an IP lawyer and entrepreneur. They discuss Ana’s journey from law firm associate to media company owner. Ana shares how she sold her media business to focus on law and explains how AI has revolutionized her firm’s transactional work, enabling a small team to serve clients efficiently. She offers insights on trademark protection, debunks common IP myths, and highlights the importance of early trademark registration. The episode highlights the importance of innovation, transparency, and leveraging AI and social media to empower lawyers and improve client service.
As an award-winning intellectual property attorney and the founder of Ana Law®, Ana Juneja is redefining how attorneys leverage AI to create impactful social media content.
She empowers celebrities, athletes, influencers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporations to not only protect their brands and ideas but also amplify them across digital platforms using cutting-edge AI-driven strategies.
Ana Law® is the first and only law firm offering flat-fee, 100% guaranteed patent, trademark, and copyright services, with Ana maintaining a 100% success rate.
Beyond traditional legal work, she speaks widely on the intersection of AI, law, and social media, helping professionals understand how emerging technologies can safeguard and scale their influence.AI’s Impact on Legal Practice (00:03:04)
Scope of IP and Transactional Work (00:04:20)
Scaling with AI (00:05:47)
Lawyers’ Resistance to AI (00:06:42)
AI in Transactional vs. Litigation Work (00:07:37)
Best Uses of AI in Litigation (00:09:23)
Lawyer Hesitancy and AI Psychosis (00:10:26)
Big Law Firms and AI Adoption (00:11:41)
Prompt Engineering and Lawyer Skillsets (00:14:10)
Ana’s Background at USPTO (00:16:02)
IP Protection for Businesses (00:17:09)
]Basic IP Protections for Businesses (00:19:06)
Automating Client Communication with AI (00:21:39)
Common IP Misconceptions (00:23:25)
Client Types and Fee Structure (00:24:11)
Service Guarantees in Legal Practice (00:26:02)
Advice for Lawyers New to AI (00:26:54)
Personal Freedom and Business Systems (00:27:49)
Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
In this episode, Gary Miles introduces a powerful 10-minute assessment designed to help lawyers find out what’s truly standing between them and professional freedom. Traditional success metrics—billable hours, income, and case wins—often hide deeper struggles like burnout, self-doubt, and misalignment.
Gary breaks down the three dimensions that determine whether you’re thriving or merely surviving in your practice: Internal Authority, Sustainable Excellence, and Authentic Practice.
Even high-achieving attorneys can feel trapped by their own success. Listen for how to identify which area is holding you back and how small shifts can create lasting change.
Take the assessment here: https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment
In this episode of The Free Lawyer podcast, host Gary interviews Jessie Brown, a former attorney turned career and executive coach. Jessie shares her journey from big law to coaching, discussing her experiences with burnout and how she found balance by aligning her work with her values. The conversation explores redefining success, managing stress, and practical strategies like energy audits, mindfulness, and setting boundaries. Jesse offers insights on overcoming financial fears, reconnecting with authenticity, and prioritizing well-being, providing valuable guidance for lawyers seeking fulfillment and sustainable careers without burnout.Jessie Brown practiced law for 15 years, primarily in Big Law, before becoming a career and executive coach for lawyers. She specializes in helping attorneys navigate career decisions and transitions and learn how to succeed on their own terms without burnout. Before becoming a coach, Jessie navigated balancing a demanding career as a litigator while raising young kids. She created the balance she sought as a Senior Counsel in Big Law, while working a reduced billable hour schedule, before deciding to resign from the law to focus exclusively on coaching. Jessie also leads transformational women's retreats and is a certified meditation teacher and forest bathing guide and has a deep love for nature, reading, and spirituality.
Jessie’s Legal Background & Strengths Assessment (00:01:11)
Transitioning Legal Practice Areas (00:04:27)
Hospice Work & Mentoring Associates (00:06:25)
Becoming a Career Coach (00:07:56)
Recognizing and Experiencing Burnout (00:08:47)
Finding Balance & Reducing Hours (00:09:53) J
Financial Fears & Career Transition Fund (00:10:50)
Aligning Work with Values (00:12:28)
Energy Audit & Burnout Prevention (00:13:43)
Impact of Early Loss & Mortality Perspective (00:15:20)
Mortality in Coaching & Future Visualization (00:16:51)
Defining Success Beyond External Metrics (00:18:18)
Rediscovering Authenticity (00:22:23)
Mindfulness & Forest Bathing Explained (00:24:28)
Practical Self-Care for Burned-Out Lawyers (00:28:04)
Work-Life Balance & Boundaries (00:30:10)
Creating Personal Freedom & Focus (00:32:57)
Advice to Her Younger Self (00:35:15)
Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
In this episode, Gary Miles reveals why the confidence so many lawyers chase through case wins, titles, and recognition is actually built in the everyday moments with their clients. Genuine, empathetic client relationships can transform your professional confidence from something fragile to something unshakable. Gary breaks down how preparation, clear communication, and authentic care create a positive feedback loop that strengthens both your client’s trust and your own self-assurance. He shares how even difficult cases and setbacks can become confidence builders when approached with honesty and collaboration.
Confidence isn’t earned in the courtroom, it’s cultivated through consistent service and meaningful connection. By the end, you’ll understand how every client interaction can reinforce your purpose, validate your professional worth, and create lasting fulfillment in your practice.
Get the Values Alignment Guide https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb
Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Schedule a complimentary discovery call: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ
In this episode of "The Free Lawyer" podcast, host Gary interviews Casita Simpson, founder of Simpson Associates LLC and expert in law firm systems and automation. Casita shares her journey from paralegal to operations consultant, highlighting common inefficiencies in law firms and the transformative impact of centralized systems and automation. They discuss how to choose the right case management tools, overcome resistance to change, and implement practical steps to streamline operations, improve client experience, and boost profitability. Casita encourages firms to start small, embrace technology, and continuously improve their processes.The Problem: Disorganization in Law Firms (00:03:22)
The Solution: Implementing Systems & Automation (00:06:10)
Pushback & Cost of Inefficiency (00:09:04)
Common Inefficiencies in Law Firms (00:10:39)
Why Lawyers Resist Automation (00:12:38)
Choosing the Right Case Management System (00:14:34)
Mistakes in Implementing New Systems (00:17:43)
Process of Working with Casita (00:20:03)
Quick Wins Without New Technology (00:22:36)
First Steps for Firms Getting Organized (00:23:41) .
How Systems & Automation Enable Scaling (00:25:14)
Measuring Success of Implemented Systems (00:26:39)
How Quickly Results Are Seen (00:28:06)
Overcoming Fear of Change (00:29:04)
Personal Example of Trying Something New (00:32:42)
Casita Simpson, featured in Legal Management Magazine, is a sought-after speaker, CRM Consultant, and the founder of Simpson & Associates LLC, a virtual operations hub. Casita is a Systems and Automations Queen who helps service-based businesses (law firms, doctors, real estate agencies, financial practices, nonprofits, and more.) patch the leaks in their operations, untangle disorganized processes, and eliminate time-sucking manual tasks. By streamlining internal systems and automating daily operations across marketing, sales, HR, and administration, she closes costly gaps from a lead's first touchpoint to client delivery, that drain time, money, and team morale so businesses can scale efficiently and confidently.Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Intuition, decision paralysis, decision fatigue, decision-making, and self-doubt. These are the hidden forces that quietly derail even the most capable lawyers.
So many attorneys freeze when it’s time to act and this episode is your answer as to why. Perfectionism and overanalysis undermine confidence and slow progress. Gary Miles shares how to shift from hesitation to action by trusting your professional instincts and using structured methods that reduce mental overload. Gary introduces the 80% rule, showing why waiting for total certainty leads to missed opportunities, and explains how to rank decisions by strategy, tactics, and execution for clarity under pressure.
Listen to this episode to learn how to set decision deadlines, use the impact–urgency–cost–reversibility framework, and track choices in a decision journal to strengthen judgment.
Get the Values Alignment Guide https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb
Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Schedule a complimentary discovery call: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ
In this episode of The Free Lawyer podcast, host Gary interviews Cecilia Ju, a Washington-based family law attorney. Cecilia shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. to founding her own successful law firm, highlighting challenges faced by Asian immigrant families and clients in the tech industry. She discusses the emotional toll of family law, the importance of mentorship, and strategies for work-life balance. Cecilia and Gary explore the value of community, resilience, and cultural understanding in legal practice, offering practical advice for attorneys seeking fulfillment and support in their careers.
Cecilia’s Upbringing and Values (00:02:18)
Immigration Journey and Law School Challenges (00:04:24)
Decision to Start Her Own Law Firm (00:06:58)
Early Challenges and Successes as a Firm Owner (00:08:41)
Emotional Demands of Family Law (00:11:11)
Work-Life Balance and Self-Care (00:13:12)
Serving Asian Immigrant Families (00:16:16) C
Navigating Cultural Differences in Family Law (00:18:49)
High-Tech Industry Divorce Considerations (00:20:29)
Handling Custody Fears and Client Emotions (00:22:19)
Mentorship and Career Clarity (00:25:24)
Benefits of Coaching and Overcoming Solo Practice Challenges (00:30:30)
Mindset Shifts and Personal Growth (00:33:09)
Advice for Family Lawyers: Support and Passion (00:35:51)
Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
An experience that revealed how the greatest battle for most lawyers isn’t fought in the courtroom, but in their own minds.
Despite years of achievement, Gary Miles realized that self-doubt and over-preparation often rob attorneys of the confidence they’ve already earned. Gary unpacks the difference between faking confidence and building it authentically through preparation, presence, and belief in oneself. From body posture and eye contact to pacing and tone, listen for practical tips that help lawyers project calm authority and earn trust.
Beyond trial work, these same habits strengthen client relationships, improve decision-making, and reduce burnout. By learning to shift from fear to curiosity, lawyers can turn pressure into clarity and perform at their best. Ultimately, this episode is a masterclass in transforming anxiety into authentic confidence.
Get the Values Alignment Guide https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb
Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Schedule a complimentary discovery call: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ
In this episode of The Free Lawyer podcast, Gary interviews Brianna Beski, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst at Raymond James. Brianna shares how her parents’ divorce inspired her career and discusses the financial complexities of divorce, including common misunderstandings about retirement accounts and asset valuation. She explains the critical role of financial clarity, collaboration with attorneys, and tailored support for high net worth individuals and business owners. Brianna emphasizes empowering clients to make informed decisions, reduce stress, and confidently rebuild their financial futures after divorce.
Brianna’s not just a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)— she’s someone who truly understands the emotional weight of divorce and how it impacts every area of life. Her unique backgroundallows her to:
✔️ Provide financial clarity in emotionally charged situations, helping clients avoid fear-driven decisions they’ll regret later.
✔️ Help high-achieving professionals maintain control over their financial future, especially when assets, businesses, and long-term planning are at stake.
✔️ Act as a calm, strategic advocate—helping clients navigate complex financial decisions while prioritizing their well-being and their family’s future.
Brianna’s Personal Divorce Experience (00:02:11)
Career Path and Olympic Aspirations (00:04:14) B
Emotional Impact of Divorce (00:05:27)
Common Retirement Account Mistakes (00:05:44)
Valuing Pensions and Retirement Assets (00:07:44)
When to Use a CDFA (00:09:39)
Case Example: Settlement Misconceptions (00:11:26)
Role of CDFA in Divorce Process (00:13:37)
Client Support and Financial Clarity (00:16:05)
Unique Challenges for High Net Worth and Business Owners (00:18:55)
Transformation Through Financial Clarity (00:22:16)
Advice for Lawyers Hesitant to Use Financial Experts (00:24:13)
Maintaining Self-Worth After Asset Division (00:26:31)
Finding Personal Freedom After Divorce (00:29:48)
Advice for Lawyers Going Through Divorce (00:30:49)
Financial Planning for Married Couples (00:32:41)
Advice to Her Younger Self (00:35:10)
Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
On the surface, many lawyers appear to have it all: partnerships, accolades, case wins, and financial security. Yet behind the polished exterior lies exhaustion, anxiety, and an unshakable sense of emptiness.
In this episode, Gary Miles explores what he calls the success paradox: how the very drive and perfectionism that fuel achievement often become the source of stress, burnout, and self-doubt. He shares candid stories from his own career, including the hidden costs of chasing external validation and the personal turning point that reshaped his perspective on law and life. Through vulnerability and hard-earned wisdom, Gary shows how perfectionism can be transformed into sustainable excellence, and how redefining success leads to both professional mastery and personal fulfillment. Practical strategies from his Free Lawyer framework highlight the power of setting boundaries, embracing internal authority, and building a practice that truly serves one’s life.
Get the Values Alignment Guide https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb
Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Schedule a complimentary discovery call: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ
In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews neuro coach and Neuro Savvy founder Keshawn Hughes. Drawing from her own experience with burnout, Keshawn shares how neuroscience-based coaching can help lawyers and other professionals manage stress, improve leadership, and foster healthier workplace cultures. The conversation covers practical tools like the SCARF model, breathwork, and visualization, emphasizing self-awareness, intentional breaks, and connection. Keshawn encourages listeners to find fulfillment beyond competition and perfectionism, while Gary highlights the importance of collaboration and self-care for a more rewarding legal career.
Keshawn Hughes, M.S. is a NeuroLeadership Strategist, Executive Coach, and Founder of NeuroSavvy® Leadership, a Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)- and Women-Owned Small Business-certified firm transforming workplaces through brain science and authentic leadership. With two decades of experience guiding global brands, Keshawn integrates neuroscience, communication, and business strategy to help corporations improve employee productivity, retention, and engagement.
Known for her ability to make complex brain science deeply practical, Keshawn equips HR and Tech leaders with proven strategies to enhance well-being, fuel performance, and develop cultures of high-impact leadership. She is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and actively involved with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Keshawn lives with her husband and daughter, and brings heart, clarity, and bold insights to every stage she steps on.
Here is her free Breakout from Burnout Guide- https://keshawnhughes.com/breakout-from-burnout-guide
Keshawn’s Background and Burnout Journey (00:00:54)
What is Neuro Coaching? (00:04:16)
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Neuroscience for Managing Lawyer Stress (00:06:24)
Keshawn’s Personal Burnout Story (00:10:00)
Why Lawyers Struggle with Communication and Leadership (00:13:14)
The SCARF Model and the “SCARF Trap” (00:16:43)
SCARF in Law Firms: Competition and Perfectionism (00:17:57)
Threat Detection and Decision-Making Under Stress (00:22:19)
Applying Neuroscience to Difficult Interactions (00:23:51)
Practical Tools: Nature, Breathwork, and Box Breathing (00:26:38)
Visualization and the Brain (00:29:42)
Connect Before You Correct: Feedback and Delegation (00:31:40)
Building Trust and Overcoming Micromanagement (00:34:27)
Finding Fulfillment and Mindfulness Practices (00:37:13)
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
Host Gary Miles shares his personal journey from being a bullied, perfectionist kid to a successful trial lawyer who still battled self-doubt and an unforgiving inner critic. Despite graduating first in his class, clerking for a federal judge, and winning countless cases, he discovered that external success never silences internal struggles.
Through stories of career choices, courtroom victories and defeats, and the guidance of mentors who modeled humility and courage, this episode reveals how authenticity becomes a lawyer’s greatest strength. Listen for a roadmap for moving beyond perfectionism, silencing the inner critic, and practicing law with confidence, fulfillment, and presence. More than a story of resilience, this conversation redefines success in the legal profession as something deeper than billable hours and courtroom wins.
Get the Values Alignment Guide https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb
Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Schedule a complimentary discovery call: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ
In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Joel Chorny, a veteran criminal defense attorney and former public defender now running a solo practice in Tucson. Joel discusses his transition to solo work, the emotional toll of public defense, and the challenges of building a client base. He shares insights on self-care, mental health, setting boundaries, and the value of coaching and community. Joel also highlights the importance of culturally informed advocacy and honest client communication, offering practical advice for lawyers seeking a more fulfilling and sustainable legal career.
Joel Chorny is a veteran criminal defense attorney and former public defender who has spent over a decade standing up for individuals caught in the harshest corners of the criminal system. Fluent in Spanish and committed to culturally informed advocacy, he now runs a thriving solo practice in Tucson. Joel also teaches trial advocacy at the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law, where he trains future lawyers in the art of compelling courtroom storytelling. Outside of his legal work, he’s a devoted husband and father, an avid cyclist, and a student of improv comedy—skills that sharpen both his presence in the courtroom and his perspective on life.
Joel’s Background and Transition Catalyst (00:01:06)
Emotional Toll and Decision to Leave (00:03:06)
Mentorship and Planning the Transition (00:05:01)
Accelerated Transition and Office Opportunity (00:06:11)
Starting Without Clients and Early Advice (00:07:36)
Building a Caseload and Court Appointments (00:08:29)
Cultural Background and Language Skills (00:09:42)
Managing Emotional Weight and Self-Care (00:11:00)
Accepting Limits and Caseload Realities (00:13:12)
Choosing Clients and Setting Boundaries (00:14:19)
Control, Outcomes, and Client Expectations (00:16:14)
Challenges of Attracting Clients and Marketing (00:19:49)
Doubts, Optimization, and Imposter Syndrome (00:21:12)
Dealing with Career Anxiety and Support (00:22:07)
Work-Life Balance and Transition Rituals (00:24:41)
Quality Time and Family Anchors (00:26:54)
Teaching Trial Advocacy (00:27:52)
Value of Coaching and Seeking Support (00:31:08)
Breakthroughs from Coaching (00:33:42)
Advice for Lawyers: Support and Community (00:39:27)
Giving Back and Building Community (00:41:57)
Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a courtesy call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
In this episode, Gary Miles exposes what he calls the success paradox. This is the surprising reality that more wins, recognition, and achievements often intensify imposter syndrome rather than cure it.
Gary shares how perfectionism and the constant chase for external validation leave even the most accomplished lawyers feeling like frauds. His Free Lawyer Framework is a model built on internal authority, clear boundaries, and value alignment, designed to help attorneys reclaim their freedom and joy in practice. He explains how shifting the focus from outcomes to effort, preparation, and authenticity transforms both professional performance and personal well-being.
Listen for practical steps to set client boundaries, reduce stress, and cultivate sustainable excellence without burnout.
Get the Values Alignment Guide https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/1604bbf4cb
Learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Schedule a complimentary discovery call: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcfaTWo17uxmYS9hfAdiaQ