Re: Going Solo

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On 10/23/06, Solo to be... wrote:
> I've heard consistent references to Foonberg's book, which I've
> just ordered. I look forward to reading it. In your opinion, is
> sharing office the space the (only) way to go? Also, what kinds
of
> advertising, if any, do you reccomend to spread the word that I've
> gone solo? A mailer, add in the bar journal, etc.?
Unless you're looking for referrals from other attorneys, I wouldn't
bother with an ad in the bar journal since the general public
doesn't read that. Are you a member of a church? some put little
updates in the bulletins. Are you a member of rotary? great
networking place. Same for chamber of commerce. Veterans
organizations: volunteer and get the word out. definitely a yellow
pages listing although I personally don't think the big ads do any
more than the smaller ones. I think that blatant advertising looks
unprofessional but I'm kind of old fashioned that way. Flyers get
thrown away or used as scrap paper. maybe little refrigorator
magnets? OK, that may be over the top. Many of our clients are by
word of mouth. let other attorneys know you're available to take
cases they may not want or have time for. The case that sounds like
a dog may have a companion part: the wrongful discharge might not
fly, but while they're at it they tell you about the car wreck
they're still hurting from or tha their wife is applying for social
security. Charge a small but reasonable consultation fee to get
butts in the seats and not waste your time. Our state bar puts out
informational pamphlets that we have on display in the waiting room:
wills, landlord tenant, DUI, buying a house, etc. this can lead to
conversations or later calls. One of the young attorneys here
visits his court appointed clients in jail. this newa gets around,
now many of the indigents specifically ask for him. yeah, it doesn't
pay much but it's enough to cover overhead and you get enough it
gets to be pretty good. if you've got to be at the court house
anyway have 6 pretrials instead of one while you're at it. It looks
like the point is starting out, don't be too proud to get in there
and mingle do the scut work for awhile till you can be more choosey.