One year ago, in December 2010, I hung out my shingle as a solo. I thought I would look back on that year and the lessons that I learned. First and foremost, I learned that I can do this! When I initially left Big Law, I was convinced that I needed a partner, that I […]

After starting this series, I realized that many readers might be fresh out of law school (or perhaps still in it).  Not having had a full-time job, you may be short on experience.  So how much experience do you really need to become a solo attorney?  And in such a poor job market, what do […]

Student loans have become the Grinch that Stole Christmas for many of us recent grads this year. For a lot of people, including myself, my student loans entered repayment this month. The initial payment plan for repaying my costly law school education is staggering to say the least. I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t put […]

“History informs us of past mistakes from which we can learn without repeating them. It also inspires us and gives confidence and hope bred of victories already won.” ~ William Hastie (1904-1976) Civil rights attorney, law school professor and first African-American federal judge As we wrap up one year and begin the next, it’s a […]

Once you actually start a law practice you will have to decide how to operate.  What type of tax classification will you choose?  Will you be an LLC, a corporation, or a sole proprietorship?  When choosing how to operate, people generally have two things in mind – taxes and liability.  As a tax lawyer, I deal […]

Once you have decided to become a solo, the first step is to determine what your practice is going to be about. How will you distinguish yourself? I highly recommend focusing on cultivating a single area of specialty. (Now, I’m using specialty not in the ‘I’m certified as a specialist’ but only in the context […]

This post was written by guest blogger and Savvy Solo, Mike Whelan. Michael Whelan is a divorce attorney in Leander, Texas, a northern suburb of Austin. He attended the University of Texas School of Law where he formed the Future Solo/Small Firm Attorney Group, a training and networking club for law students looking toward small […]

You may think I have taken leave of my senses and my left-brain has abandoned my head.  Yet it is abundantly clear to me now.  Asking for what it is you want, in a clear manner, is all we really need to do to get business. Hog wash you say?  Trust me.  I said the […]

We’ve all heard the jokes: Q: What is black and brown and looks good on a lawyer?  A: A doberman. A client who felt his legal bill was too high asked his lawyer to itemize costs. The statement included this item: ”Was walking down the street and saw you on the other side. Walked to the […]