Re: Going Solo

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On 7/23/06, Jeff Mathias wrote:
> Go for it. I went straight from law school to solo. Each
day I called a different
> local atty and most were willing to meet with me, some
referred cases. I sigend
> up for appointments, took the small claims and divorce cases
and taught a
> business law class at the comm college. I'm 8 years in now
and just do
> consumer bankruptcy. It sure beats working for the man.
>
> Rule #1 Don't take the case unless they pay you up front
> Rule #1 Keep yoru espenses as low as possible
> Rule #3 The best client you ever have will be the one you
turn away. If you get a
> bad feeling about them, send them packing early
>
>
>
>
> On 7/23/06, Rafael wrote:
>> Nice Forum. I'm a May graduate and have been working with a
great Criminal
> defense lawyer in a smal town in Puerto Rico. I never
thought I would be going
> solo so soon but a great oportunity has come up and I'm
going for it. The lawyer
> I work for has offered to help me with my cases (including
going to court with
> me) for a few months untill I feel good enough to swim on my
own. Is this a
> good idea, does it look good? Also, can anyone recomend
office software, for
> record keeping and billing? Thanks

First, just use QuickBooks for your billing and upkeep, use
Outlook for your contacts, email, and to-do list. Keep
expenses low. I have been a solo basically for 28 years. I
now go to work at 10am and go home 5:30 to 6:00pm. I take off
about 8 weeks a year.

But it was real hard at first. The money wasn't that great.
But if your persevere you will be fine. Don't be a dirtyshirt
(ie. take anything that walks through the door) pick one area
and stick with it.

I was, and still am, too nice. It is a problem. Do like the
other lawyer said, get your money upfront, keep your expenses
low, turn away bad clients.

I have fired clients. It feels good. :-)

But leaving when I a want too, with no boss, is a good
exchange.