As many of you may know, this year the "General Practice, Solo
and Small Firm Section" changed its name to "The Sole Practitioner
and Small Firm Section." This change was not just for form but also
for substance. We sought this change to better represent who we
are, as well to distinguish our section membership from who we are
not -- all general practitioners or young lawyers. In fact, our
section's membership is comprised of attorneys who focus their
practice in one or a few areas of law, many of whom have been
practicing law for decades. In doing so, we are further defining
how we can best assist our section's members. We are forging our
new identity and description within the MBA -- and welcome your
involvement.
The council views the section's mission as identifying specific
issues and challenges that most concern and affect sole
practitioners and members of small firms, and assisting our members
in a variety of ways. This assistance includes: exchanging ideas,
opinions and advice at meetings, promoting and sponsoring programs,
fostering networking and sharing useful information at events and
through My Bar Access. Prospective members sometimes ask "What can
I get out of joining this section?" We like to reply, "What would
you like to get out of it? How can we collectively best assist you
in your law practice?" The section is yours to set a course. As
part of addressing some of the issues facing sole practitioners and
attorneys at small firms, we are excited to present our annual
symposium. This year we will be focusing on how to prepare cases
cost-efficiently and effectively. Look for details on the symposium
to be available soon.
In addition to the direct exchange of information amongst
section members, The Sole Practitioner and Small Firm section
represents our members' viewpoints and positions on issues
presented to the MBA's House of Delegates. We focus on the effects
that the proposed issues may have on our specific members'
practices. This year we have taken an active role in discussing and
voting on issues that include: Access to Justice Section's
Emergency Shelter Crisis Affecting Homeless Families and Children
in Massachusetts; Family Law Section's Arbitration Act; and the
Criminal Justice Section's so-called "Three-Strike Law."
The Sole Practitioner and Small Firm Section is a dynamic group
of attorneys who collaborate to address the issues facing them and
take positions that reflect our concerns. The SPSF section is here
to serve you -- and each other. Section membership is now free to
all MBA members. Please join us. Together we can advance our
mission to improve our legal careers.
Scott D. Goldberg is chairman of the Sole Practitioner
and Small Firm Section Council.