More Than Just Advice for Solos
by Ben Walden Career Services sponsored a program for anyone interested in a Solo Practice upon graduation.
I must admit, when I went, I was there more for the refreshments, at least at
first. But as I sat there and listened to the speakers, I realized that
there was a great deal that anyone could learn by attending the program.
First, let me say, I
never have planned to have my own solo practice. With this out of the way,
let me tell you some of the advantages that I learned about being a solo
practitioner - the main being freedom. As a solo practitioner, you set
your own time, where you work, and what you do. There is a great deal of
freedom, and in most situations, very little overhead.
The drawback to such
freedom is that you are all you've got. It is up to you to find your
business, to get out there and meet people, and to find clients. Some
suggestions that were made during the meeting about this ranged from doing court
appointed work to joining networking clubs. The main idea here is that
everyone could be your client, so put yourself out there as a lawyer. Give
out cards, get involved in the community and charities. If others see you
working hard at those things that get you out into the community, they will
think you are just as hard working as a lawyer. Use opportunities to get
business.
Probably the most
important thing to do is find a mentor or many mentors that you can go to when
you need help. You will not understand everything when you first get
started, you will need support and guidance, so find a mentor.
One thing that many
people do not realize is that law is a business. As a solo practitioner,
you have to get a business license, you have to get sworn in to the various
courts you want to practice in front of, etc. Find out what you need and
then get out there.
One last bit of advice,
make sure that you keep up with your law school friends. You can refer
clients to each other, get forms, or just call when you have a question that
they may know the answer to. Be sure to help each other.
Like I said, I don't plan
to be a solo practitioner, but the more I sat back and thought about what I
learned in the program, the more I realized that whether you want to be a solo
practitioner or not, all of these things are applicable to anyone practicing
law.
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