Solo By Choice - Going Solo Straight Out Of Law School

Carolyn Elefant is the publisher of the famed solo law blog My Shingle.  Most of you read the blog and those that do not should.  She is also the author of a new book on the subject entitled Solo by Choice.  I have blogged about the book before (you can read these post by clicking here and here).  It is recommended reading if you are in the solo practice of law or are thinking about joint the ranks.  In a way it reminds me of the old Visa ad - "Don't leave home without it."  You probably should not enter the solo practice of law without this book.

One important topic covered by the book is whether to enter the solo practice of law straight out of law school.  I did.  You can to.  I have my own reasons for thinking it is preferred.  Carolyn does not take a position one way or the other.  She does something more valuable, however.  She discusses the pros and cons of doing so.  She forces you to look at your strengths and your weaknesses and she assists you in making a decision that is right for you.

Is going solo upon graduation the best option for you?  It might be the only option.  You had better know.

It is written that in all your getting, get understanding.  I think that is the really the premise of this book.  As I have said, it is a road map.  This does not mean that you cannot blaze your own trail, or go off road, but would it not be nice to have a road map just in case you need it?  I think so.

I really did not have such a guide when I went into private practice in 1986.  As I have said, it like falling down the stairs in the dark.  It is a hard way to learn.

My advice to you is to get the book, read the book, and get understanding.

Comments

[Steve Lombardi]

If a young lawyer is considering going into solo practice right out of law school it is a good idea to have someone who has been in practice and who has had good mentoring, to have available for advice and guidance. A Listserv can be of assistance, or just MSN Messenger links help but during the first five years of practice good mentoring is essential to developing the right skills and attitude for practicing over the long run.

[Carolyn Elefant]

Thanks for your update. One reason that the title "Solo by Choice" resonated with me (and it was my publisher's idea, not mine) is because I wanted to give lawyers choices, not provide top down lists with advice that "if you follow this, you will succeed." Because the truth is, there's no one way to succeed in solo practice; for every rule, there are dozens of exceptions.