Comments on: Rising From The Ashes. Meet Savvy Solo – Mike Whelan

By: Drew Carls

Drew Carls — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:43:46 +0000

Mike,

Simone just sent me your story. I’m sorry to hear about your home. What an incredible story. Thanks for sharing with us all. Like Debra said, it should be required reading (for all students). Let me know if you need anything.

By: Mike Whelan

Mike Whelan — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:45:36 +0000

Guys, you’re all saying such nice things you’re going to make me cry a bit. Stop that – I have work to do! Actually, funny sidenote – I wrote an article in our local paper about this experience and my first client today found me by reading that article. It really does work!!! Put yourself out there and you’ll see.

By: Cheryl Boone-Delgado

Cheryl Boone-Delgado — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:33:40 +0000

Mike, this is wonderful. I’m an introvert, have always had trouble making new friends and “putting myself out there.” Such a great reminder that it’s always worth the effort. Partly because of my shyness, partly for reasons beyond my control, my efforts at solo practice didn’t end well.

I’m in San Antonio; hope to meet you some day. If there’s anything you need that I can help with, you can contact me at cherbd at grandecom.net, or on Twitter @tejanarusa. Your daughter, btw, is lucky to have you for a dad.

By: Debra L Bruce

Debra L Bruce — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:06:24 +0000

Mike, this is an excellent post on so many levels. You demonstrate the value of networking for getting your name known, for making contacts that can bring you a job or clients, and for finding help or advice in time of need. I’m going to make this “required reading” for my clients who think networking is a waste of time. [Like I can *require* lawyers to do anything. ]

By starting the Solo/Small Firm Attorney Group in law school, you demonstrated the importance of being a leader who steps up to create what is missing, instead of whining about its absence.

And finally, you model the strength of accepting what is, and moving on, instead of becoming a victim of it, in the way you are dealing with the aftermath of losing your home to fire.

I am inspired by you and by my dear friend, business associate and fellow lawyer-coach, Cynthia Hubert. She also lost her home to fire during this year’s Texas drought. She has also handled it nobly and with heart. Maybe it’s that Texas spirit.

We haven’t met yet, but since we’re both in Texas, I hope I will have the pleasure before long. My wish for you is that 2012 will be a year of blessings and renewal for you and your family as you continue to recover from the fire.

By: D. Todd Smith

D. Todd Smith — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:24:02 +0000

I am immediate past-president of the Austin Bar Solo/Small Firm Section. As the post indicates, Mike has been a part of the Section since law school, and we are happy to have him as a full-fledged attorney member. His story is indeed inspiring.

By: Toby Bloomberg - @tobydiva

Toby Bloomberg - @tobydiva — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:17 +0000

Michael – I began reading your post with thoughts of what a smart guy to understand that “information” networking and nonprofit work can result in great benefits and learnings to what an amazing and brave man who understands the value of friendship .. not only to his children but to the SPU community. Thanks for sharing your story. Inspirational.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:15:03 +0000

Nothing I’ve read all year about solo practice compares to Mike’s story. Thank you, Mike, for sharing it. Thank you, Susan, for bringing it to us. Mike’s guest post really made me step back and think about the heart and soul of “networking.” I will print this, re-read it often, and remember why no soloist can survive without being part of a group.