SPU - Glad to Be Solo Contest

In case you weren't aware, Solo Practice University is offering a scholarship to one deserving solo practitioner. It's a great idea and opportunity. Take advantage!

Note: I do get a slight kickback if you click on the link above, but I get nothing for mentioning this contest.

SPU Stuff

I'm a student at Solo Practice University. I think it's well worth the tuition, especially if you're a solo or small firm practitioner.

In recent weeks, SPU took some harsh criticism from some (unmentioned) bloggers. Their criticism about the idea is that the information really is a waste of money because the solo is dying. That's not true, and unfortunately for all law graduates, the harsh reality is that SPU gives you the practical skills, if not some small insights, into uncharted territories. I'm learning Social Security from Johnathan Ginsberg, and bankruptcy from Jay Fleischman. These are just two of the many classes you can take to improve your practice.

One of the other courses I'm in is taught by James Chartrand. The course deals with marketing and other information. James' most recent post gives some great pointers into designing a better website homepage. The keys: Be Brief; Be Even Briefer; Be Commanding.

Of course, these aren't new principles or even groundbreaking ideas, they're simple. With the additional information James' post provides though, you're able to evaluate your website and tweak it. It's these kinds of simple principles in every class that set SPU apart, and make it worth your tuition.

If you're interested in joining, let me know.

Another Chuckle & Solo Practice

Courtoons is a blog I subscribe to. It has a variety of law related cartoons. I thought today's was especially funny in light of a recent push by new and old graduates to go solo.

I found this website statistic (I don't know reliability - it was #1 on Google) that showed that in 2006, 36% of all practicing attorneys were in solo practice (this document for Texas states 57% of Texas attorneys are solo or small firm lawyers).

The overwhelming trend is for attorneys to join the workforce as solo or small-firm lawyers. I think some law schools are seeing this trend and quickly realizing that their old model of "BigLaw push" is failing.

A law school organization at my alma mater invited me to speak. Of the 15 or so individuals at the meeting, more than half indicated they seriously consider entering solo/small firm practice upon their graduation. That's a serious commitment, and an absolute need that isn't addressed by the law schools.

I'm Solo by Choice (or Force)

I get quite a fair number of questions from new or soon-to-be attorneys about starting their own practice. Most of these new entrepreneurs are concerned about the state of the economy, and the potential exposure to a future catastrophe, if they join a firm. Being a relatively new attorney myself, I think these lawyers find comfort in the idea that someone else is doing it, and he's surviving. I don't know whether very many of them are truly seriously considering the solo option, most are "just considering it if something else doesn't come along."

Well, my first response to that is, "what will you do if something doesn't come along?" I think a lot of people are hoping to have something nailed down, but in reality, there's still far too many people who graduate, pass the bar, and remain unemployed. I don't know about you, but I didn't go to law school and incur a large debt just to find a job waiting tables at the local Texas Roadhouse restaurant. I knew I needed money, or some kind of career immediately, so I branched out on my own. I started Absolute Legal Services, LLC, and couldn't be happier. While I'm not bringing in the large (and stable) paychecks an associate does, I have the freedom and security that I was looking for.

I wrote about my suggestions previously, I still endorse those, and add one more: in this endeavor, you're captain, cook and chief toilet scrubber, get used to it. If you can't/don't want to type your own letters and lick your own envelopes, this probably isn't a good fit. Also, always remember, you can be pretty picky with your cases/clients at the beginning of the month, but by the end of the month, you're willing to do just about anything that pays some money. However, never forget that you have an ethical responsibility to be competent at every case (this doesn't mean you know what you're doing when you start), and if you can't, you'd better get help.

I'm heading into my 6th month of active practice. Time flies! Take every advantage that you can to create your own personal happiness.

Some great advice

Susan Cartier Liebel publishes the Build a Solo Practice, LLC blog. Today's post which gives adivce regarding first-time lawyer tips and tricks is excellent.

Although she directs her blog toward solo practitioners, the tips she gives would got well for everyone. Thanks to Susan for her robust (and sometimes "gritty") analysis of the legal profession.