Re: Going solo- Immigration or Bankruptcy?

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I will definitely take your advice. I am considering both areas - I'm
thinking of starting in one are and then slowly but surely practicing
both. It helps to know that starting a new practice in bk, although
challenging, is doable. All is appreciated!

-j-

On 3/17/08, solo attorney wrote:
> Also, the Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Handbook by Williamson is
> really good. You can get it on the Argyle Publishing website. There
> are also some good blogs out there. I would also check out the
> Bankruptcy Forum website (www.bkforum.com?) to get a good idea of what
> your clients will be asking. The Moran Law Firm in CA also has an
> informative site. You can learn a great deal within a few months. I
> would also go down to Court and watch the 341 Hearings, confirmation
> hearings, motions, etc. The information in the books is good, but you
> really need to watch some hearings to see what the trustee objects to
> and what the judge allows. It's not all black and white. There are a
> lot of judgment calls, and not all trustees and judges are the same.
> With bankruptcy, you can definitely do it right away, and with
> experience, you'll get better at some of the bankruptcy planning
> issues.
>
> I'm not sure about Immigration Law. Why not do both?
>
> On 3/17/08, jlaw360 wrote:
>> Good to know. I really appreciate the responses. Thank you.
>>
>> On 3/17/08, solo attorney wrote:
>>> I disagree with Rob about bankruptcy law. The traps that he
>>> mentions are all things that can easily be learned by reading
>>> articles online, reading books, attending seminars....
>>>
>>> The 910 day rule is probably in every book. I would buy the
>>> Nutshell series by Epstein.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 3/15/08, Rob wrote:
>>>> I was not trying to be a smartass. There are just too many
>>>> traps for the unwary under the new Bankruptcy laws (i.e.
>>> automatic
>>>> termination of the automatic stay in some cases, issues dealing
>>>> with 910 vehicles, etc.). You can probably learn on the job,
>>>> just be sure you watch for the traps.
>>>>
>>>> Having just started out, you may want to consider your public
>>>> defender's office. Criminal defense work brings a great deal
>>> of
>>>> immediate and good experience for the solo.
>>>>
>>>> Sorry if I came off as a smartass.
>>>>
>>>> On 3/15/08, thanks wrote:
>>>>> lol . . . yeah - last I heard having "lab rats" is something
>>>> inevitable when starting
>>>>> off. I do, of course, have and plan to take courses offered by
>>>> ALI-ABA and AILA
>>>>> along with purchasing treatises and form books. I also plan to
>>>> charge less in the
>>>>> beginning and more as I gain more experience.
>>>>>
>>>>> Anyway, I'm just looking for helpful input - thank you!
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 3/15/08, Rob wrote:
>>>>>> Bankruptcy law has become increasingly difficult to practice,
>>>>>> but it can be learned. Just not sure too many clients would
>>>>>> want to be your lab rats.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 3/15/08, jlaw360 wrote:
>>>>>>> I will be moving to the Central Valley (in CA) this July
>>>>>>> and will opening up my own firm. I already have the funding
>>>>>>> for my start-up costs (including the advertising). Although
>>>>>>> I have no prior experience in bankruptcy or immigration
>>>>>>> law, I plan on opening up my shingle in one or both of
>>>>>>> these areas. With the market, the way it is, it seems like
>>>>>>> it would be a good idea to do bankruptcy law, but I'm just
>>>>>>> not sure whether or not I'll make any money if I do
>>>>>>> practice bankruptcy. I'm also considering immigration law
>>>>>>> (I am fluent in Spanish). So here are the questions . . .
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Which practice do you think will pay off better? Any idea
>>>>>>> what the average salary for a solo practitioner in these
>>>>>>> areas is? Keeping in mind that I have no experience in
>>>>>>> either area, which area is easier to learn?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Any input will be helpful. Thanks!
>>>>>