Yes, being your own boss can be invigorating and allows an
attorney to set their own schedule and manage their caseload.
However, solo practitioners often struggle in their practice and do
not get to enjoy such benefits. The Massachusetts Bar Association's
Solo Practitioner & Small Firm Section offers some very
poignant pointers before delving into the vast world of solo
practitioners, with ongoing support and education programs offered
throughout the year.
Of course, the legal profession is a calling that can lead to a
very worthwhile profession, but first-time solo practitioners are
often faced with numerous pitfalls that can be very costly. Knowing
the law is just the beginning; a successful solo practitioner must
balance so much more than keeping current with the changes in their
respective specialties - they must also run a successful
business!
Here are some tips for every solo practitioner starting out:
Be a minimalist: Manage assets wisely. Start
small and spend sparingly - work from home. Reserve a conference
room in the local law library or registry. You can even rent or
borrow a conference room from another attorney to meet with new
clients. Many large practices often allow this practice for other
attorneys as part of their pro bono initiatives.
Create an Internet presence: Developing a
simple website can be much less expensive than traditional
advertising and can reach a vast audience with minimal cost. Today,
most prospective clients will research online before contacting an
attorney, and your website is their first glimpse at you as an
attorney.
Volunteer: Time spent volunteering can be a
worthwhile way to create contacts in your field and sometimes
obtain new clients. Several Probate and Family courts throughout
the commonwealth offer Lawyer of the Day programs, which are run by
the local bar association or legal services program. Volunteering
in these types of programs allows a solo practitioner to meet and
work with the registry staff in these courts, while offering a
value service to public. These relationships can be quite
beneficial when you are later in court on your own matter. However,
a solo practitioner must manage their time wisely; ideally, all
time is billable time. Volunteering in the courts you routinely
practice in can also be quite beneficial to building your
practice.
Find a mentor: Practicing on your own is often
lonely. While there are lots of benefits to having your own
practice, you can't successfully practice in a bubble. You must
find a mentor or ideally an experienced attorney and
another contemporaneous colleague that you can consult with about
case-related matters and court specific procedures. A great way to
meet different attorneys is to join bar associations, which often
also provides opportunities to socialize with judges and court
staff. Try to have lunch with a different attorney once a month or,
realistically, once a quarter, because as a business manager, a
solo practitioner must be vigilant in balancing their time. But
building relationships with other attorneys are integral to your
success.
Contact LOMAP: Every attorney considering
hanging a shingle and going out on their own should contact the
Massachusetts Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP),
which is a free and confidential program offered by Lawyers
Concerned for Lawyers Inc. LOMAP provides invaluable materials for
attorneys considering opening their own practice and steps to avoid
ethical pitfalls. In addition, attorneys can schedule a meeting
with one of LOMAP's law practice advisor to discuss specific
questions about their practice.
Nicole B. Norkevicius is a solo practitioner in
Buzzards Bay. She previously worked at two small firms before
opening her own practice in October 2015, where she primarily
practices in all aspects of family law.