Comments on: A Solo (A)Broad – Annie Tunheim

By: Ony

Ony — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 01:01:04 +0000

Hello Annie,

I am extremely happy that I came across your page because you are doing exactly what I have been searching for.

I am in the process of launching my own VLO and will be moving to Ghana for a year where I will operate my practice from. Traveling and working Africa compliments the service that I provide for my clients. I would love any leads on practicing from abroad as a US (solo) attorney. Did you face any jurisdictional restrictions by your State Bar and the Australian Bar? Are you licenced in Australia? It is very encouraging to see you doing what I will be doing in a couple of months so any feedback would be appreciated. If you can send me your email I would love to discuss further.

Warm regards,

By: Annie Tunheim

Annie Tunheim — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:13:35 +0000

Ryan, the part-time solo life you have going sounds great, and your kids will thank you for it. I recently read an article about a study (it may have been Australian) that surveyed teenagers and asked them what they’d rather have happen, with a number of options that included their a) parents making more money and b) spending more time with their parents. The overwhelming majority (of surly teens, no less!) chose more time with their parents.

By: Ryan Velo-Simpson

Ryan Velo-Simpson — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:42:11 +0000

Annie, It sounds like a great adventure and I wish you the best of luck. I personally love the freedom of being a part-time solo/part-time dad and getting to spend so much time with my kids (versus the hour in the morning and sometimes on weekends when I was at biglaw). I would love to be able to spend time traveling around the world with my family and living in new places and introducing the world to my kids. Hopefully one day I can find a good niche that fits that dream like you have done.

By: Annie Tunheim

Annie Tunheim — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:06:53 +0000

Hi Rachel,
A month in France sounds wonderful, and you could definitely manage it as long as you don’t mind working while being on vacation. I’m noticing that I’m a person who doesn’t mind being on call, but I can see how another might want to completely shut off and fully enjoy a vacation without work getting in the way.
I’m glad you will keep reading, and keep me posted if your travel plans continue!

By: Annie Tunheim

Annie Tunheim — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:03:01 +0000

Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement; I am encouraged by your story as well! It seems much more daunting to be engaged in litigation, but with online filing (and clearly, Vonage as the secret weapon!) it looks like a legal practice can be in most any area. A scanner would make my life easier as well; thanks so much for the tips.

By: Annie Tunheim

Annie Tunheim — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:59:44 +0000

Hi Barbara,
My particular area of law, intellectual property, and the issues that I deal with are conducive to this sort of practice. I’d imagine that some areas of law would be much more cumbersome to practice in such a widespread manner, and time will tell if I will be able to sustain a healthy career practicing this way!

By: Barbara A. Resnick

Barbara A. Resnick — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:54:45 +0000

Hi Annie, Congratulations on practicing law your way. It sounds wonderful to have such a flexible schedule and have much needed family time. I greatly enjoyed your story. I am very interested in learning more about the online practice. One issue I thought would be an obstacle is having clients from many jurisdictions. How does it work with licensing, in that your clients are spread out all over the country? Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks and good luck in Australia.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:42:47 +0000

Love it! I as well quit the firm life and took the leap to solo over 6 months ago and not only that, I moved abroad to the south of France! I’m not making this up. Before leaving my firm my “partner in law” I will call him, repeatedly told me, I would only enjoy practicing law once I was doing if for myself. I knew this was true and so wanted to make the leap, but I was scared. However, in nothing other than cosmic timing, my husband was offered a job here in France. And so, all at once, I quit my firm, formed my own practice and my husband and I and our 3 year old son moved to France! Luckily for me, I had begun to create a little niche for myself in a specific area of the law and with my partner in law, we currently have 4 class action/multiple plaintiffs lawsuits pending. It has been an exciting time, scary, and unknown, but I have never been happier and surely have never enjoyed practicing law so much. I enjoy my days in my “office” which consists of a computer on my dining room table that looks out my french doors to rolling hills with the mediterranean in the distance. Who wouldn’t!? I finally purchased a new scanner recently which has made life easier. I also recommend Vonage – how can I say it strongly enough – Vonage is the bomb!! It’s a US number for $35/per month – I have talked to judges on numerous occasions and they were never the wiser. Of course last week, I had a conference call at midnight and 11 pm the next night, but that’s not the norm.
As far as advice, I would say make sure you get all of your adapters for your computer equipment. If you need to buy computers, scanner, etc. – wait and buy once you are there. But most of all, enjoy AND believe in yourself! You can make it whatever you want it to be! Have a great time!

By: Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:50:23 +0000

Hi Annie!

I absolutely loved reading your story. Thanks so much for sharing!

The six-figure salary has long been considered the holy grail, why I don’t know. Its as if one cannot be happy without six figures in their life. I totally disagree.

I don’t work from a foreign country but I do represent New Yorkers from Phoenix and I agree that you do bond with your clients even though you haven’t met.

I have just started making plans to spend a month in the South of France with my family. I love that I could continue to run my practice seamlessly while enjoying some time abroad.

Can’t wait to hear more about your journey. Will definitely be following along on your blog.