Solo Practice University® » Barry Seidel

‘Law Stories’ – Take My Bodega, Please!

Barry Seidel — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:25:20 +0000

This story is TRUE. Names are changed. In my first year of practice, an Egyptian man named Abdel hired me to represent him in the sale of his bodega. When I asked why he was selling, he told me his religion forbade him from selling beer, and this made it difficult to run a successful Brooklyn bodega. Read on...

Written by Barry Seidel

ALJ at the PVB – Law Stories with Barry Seidel

Barry Seidel — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:00:55 +0000

Back in the 1980’s, for a few years I was an Administrative Law Judge at the NYC Parking Violations Bureau (ALJ at the PVB). The Law Journal ad said all you needed was five years in practice and the job paid $89 per 3 hour session. So, at age 31 I became a "Judge". Read on for another Barry Seidel law story.

Written by Barry Seidel

“Law Stories” – Noxious Liquids

Barry Seidel — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 13:08:11 +0000

Early in my solo career, I had a part-time gig working for the NYC taxi driver’s union. My friend's wife's Dad was the founder and President of the union. They represented drivers in contract negotiations with the City, provided health insurance to taxi drivers, and also offered the members a "legal plan." The main benefit of the legal plan was a free lawyer for traffic court. A big “labor law” firm represented the union. Part of their representation required them to provide lawyers for traffic court. However, very often there were more traffic court appearances than the firm could handle. When that happened, yours truly got the call from union headquarters. Read on....

Written by Barry Seidel

The Dregs of Society – “Law Stories” with Barry Seidel

Barry Seidel — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:00:54 +0000

When Herb retained me, eviction warrants had already issued on both of his apartments. He had been representing himself and gotten some serious delays, but the moment of truth was closing in..... Read on!

Written by Barry Seidel

The Cone of Silence – Law Stories with Barry Seidel

Barry Seidel — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 13:47:00 +0000

We are starting a fun and informative series with Attorney Barry Seidel. He is a prolific writer and wanted to share some of his 'law stories' - snippets of wisdom, a humorous take on lawyer life, client interactions and court proceedings. We hope you enjoy The Cone of Silence!

Written by Barry Seidel

21 Pieces of Advice for Every (New) Lawyer

Barry Seidel — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 12:30:59 +0000

When I started in practice back in 1982, I regularly received tips and advice from more experienced attorneys. Sometimes I asked, but very often it was unsolicited. I was generally receptive to this, though often skeptical about whether they really knew how things were now. After all, some of these attorneys had been practicing for […]

Written by Barry Seidel

How Starting A Solo Practice Has Changed

Barry Seidel — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 12:30:44 +0000

A few months ago I posted something on Reddit, referring to how I had opened my own practice right out of school, 31 years ago. One guy went off on me, essentially saying I was a clueless old fool who had no idea what things are like today. We then had a brief […]

Written by Barry Seidel

Are You Getting Good Cases for YOU?

Barry Seidel — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 13:30:35 +0000

I would not say that getting business is easy. It takes some work. It takes some thought and effort. Anyone could take my list of 27 things to do, add a few that are particular to you or your locality, and be buried in work. I’ve had lawyer/skeptics dispute this, telling me they just wish […]

Written by Barry Seidel

27 Ways to Get Business AND Get the Right Clients For You

Barry Seidel — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 13:30:12 +0000

Roll up your sleeves, pull up a chair, pay homage to your personal muse, or do whatever you do when you embark on something new and important. Today is a two for one day. First, we will look at how do get good cases for you. I may wax a little philosophical. I may go […]

Written by Barry Seidel

Attorneys fees and Settlement (Observations from the Trenches)

Barry Seidel — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 13:30:50 +0000

(You can read all of Barry’s fantastic posts here, including his seven part series on Evolutions of a Solo Practice.) Have you ever been involved in a case that should be settled but isn’t? Many times the reason for this is…one side or the other (or both) are not in a “proper” fee arrangement with […]

Written by Barry Seidel