Re: Going Solo

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I think you should go for it -

Despite being many years out of law school (working as law clerks
for courts) I wasn't brave enough to go out into solo without client
experience. Now I've been working for a solo for about 4 months,
and I think I've basically learned what I need to know to go solo
(feel like I should work with her for a year so she can recoup her
investment, even though I'm paid peanuts).

My point is, you're getting a mentor to learn the essentials, while
still being able to go solo. Definitely the best of all worlds!
Plus, the attorney I work for has a good practice, with very little
fancy billing software (I think she just uses quickbooks).

Despite all of the negativism on this board, there seems to be
thriving market for solo attorneys (at least, if you're in an area
isn't overrun with attorneys). I'm pretty confident when I make the
break, I'll be able to turn a profit.

Best of luck and keep us posted!

On 7/24/06, The Man wrote:
> Your comment about not working for me is not right. I pay
> decent, provide overhead, give benefits, and bring in clients.
> You solos are all mostly starving. Most of you, anyway. Some
> of you do well for yourselves, but most of you just cling to the
> status that goes with being a lawyer, and you don't make any
> money. What you do is admirable, and necessary, for the most
> part. But let us not kid ourselves, solo law practice is a road
> to starvation, depression, divorce, and bankruptcy.
>
> On 7/24/06, Mike St. George wrote:
>> 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.