Re: Going Solo

More | Report Post

On 10/23/06, Solo to be... wrote:
> I'm contemplating dropping my current position at an
> insurance defense firm after 2 years to open up a general
> practice firm. After law school, I spent a year clerking
> for a county judge before accepting my current position.
> Any advice would be welcome, but I'm particularily
> interested in whether to go at it alone or take a
partner.
> Thoughts?
I guess a lot depends on your style, what kind of law you
want to do and the partner. Partners are good in that you
can share expenses and the work load. If they have more
experience than you do, you can learn a lot from them,
provided they're willing to take the time to teach or mentor
you. If they're newer, they may be more eager and willing
to work harder than someone who already feels they've paid
their dues. the problem sometimes becomes is there enough
work for a two attorney firm? you have good experience for
PI what experience does the partner have? What kind of law
are you planning? general? civil, PI, probate, etc. The
fact that you clerked for the judge is a bonus especially if
your'e going to be practicing in that county. knowing the
judge is a good thing in any case. they know you, they know
your word is good, etc. this can rub off on the parnter as
well. but partnerships have downfalls too. the work load
may end up being unequal as may the monetary compensation.
You have to answer to each other. a good friendship could
end up down the toilet or it could be the beginning of a
beautiful friendship. It is nice to have another attorney
you can just go to the next room and bounce ideas off of. So
my thoughts are, partners are great if there's enough work
and it's someone with whom you can work well. If you
compliment each other's abilities that can be a real asset.
But if there's not enough work to pay both of you, it will
go downhill fast. Sorry, no magic answer, it all lies
within you. hope I've given you somethings to think about
though.