New Solo

Starting a solo law practice can be invigorating, frightening, and exciting at first. But after the adrenaline and excitement of starting a solo practice fades, how do lawyers stay motivated? Unlike working in a large firm, an attorney's personal life and solo practice become interconnected, causing unique and often unexpected challenges. Many lawyers experience inner turmoil that requires a different resolution than a well thought-out business plan or financial planning. On this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews consultant Susan Cartier Liebel about how to stay motivated throughout the process of starting a solo law practice. Liebel encourages lawyers to make concrete life goals and envision where they might be 5, 10, and 15 years in the future, both professionally and personally. She recommends integrating personal interests and lifestyle with professional practice, resulting in a support system and a trusting client base. According to Liebel, there are three emotional inhibitors when opening a solo practice: the fear of a malpractice suit, the fear of being alone, and the lack of mentors. By focusing on the endgame, a lawyer can create an internal support system that supplements external support. Susan Cartier Liebel is a coaching consultant for solos and small firms who start their own law practice right out of law school. She has been an adjunct professor for Quinnipiac University School of Law, teaching law students how to start and grow their own law practices. She has since taken on consulting full-time. Her entity, Solo Practice University, now teaches hundreds of attorneys how to become solo practitioners. She is additionally a frequent speaker to law schools, bar associations, and professional organizations around the country. Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University, a community dedicated to helping lawyers build their very own solo law practice. Check it out at solopracticeuniversity.com.

Starting a law firm from scratch can be a daunting endeavor. With a down economy, limited budget, and not enough clients, solos can have a tough time breaking into the market. In her debut as the new host of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews Jay Foonberg, the most influential author on the subject of starting your own law firm. Together they discuss where to find clients, how to get paid, and recommended practice areas. Tune in to learn how attorneys stay relevant with new technology, why it's important to train assistants, and how to sustain a long happy marriage. Jay Foonberg is the author of How To Start and Build a Law Practice (5th edition) and was a practicing attorney in Beverly Hills for over 40 years. He served in the ABA House of Delegates, is on the Advisory Council for the ABA Commission on Evaluation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, and was a founder of the ABA Law Practice Management Section. In addition to being an author of three other important books (all available from the ABA), Foonberg is a much sought after speaker on topics such as client relations, malpractice prevention, and client development in every one of the 50 states and as far afield as Europe, South America, and Asia. He has received the prestigious Harrison Tweed Award and lifetime achievement awards from 4 American Bar Association entities.

Did you ever think of starting your own bankruptcy practice? New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher chats with Attorney Christina M. Turgeon, about some of the pros and cons of opening a bankruptcy practice, professional organizations a new lawyer should join when starting a bankruptcy law practice and important resources that would assist a new bankruptcy law practitioner.

Are you confused about what to charge your clients? New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher talks to Attorney Jeremy Byellin, from Byellin Law, PLLC, about how a solo can determine how much to charge, the Laffey Matrix, the pros and cons of charging flat rates to clients and offers advice on how to communicate fees during the initial client meeting.

New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, spotlights solo attorney Carl Irace and his path to becoming a successful solo practitioner. Carl discusses his career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City and explains the challenges of moving from the public to the private sector. Carl also gives tips for marketing solo practices in small markets.

Looking to get your solo practice off the ground but aren’t sure how? Learn about the tools you need to turn your solo practice into a highly utilized business when New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, talks to Alex Vega ,a law firm consultant with The Vega Firm. Alex shares his great insight on the basic human skills a lawyer needs for a successful practice, how a solo can develop an effective word of mouth campaign and the importance of a realistic marketing plan.

Solo attorneys need to know what is happening in the structured settlement industry for a more successful practice. New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner looks to the experts, Ringler Associates Consultant Peter Early, and Vincent Polinsky, Director of Operations at Ringler Medicare Solutions, to explain the evolving role of the structured settlement consultant today. Hear the discussion about the advantages of a Medicare Set-Aside, and the benefits overall to your client’s settlement.

Are you looking to start your own blog but don’t know where to begin? New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association joins legal blogger, legal technology guru and co-host of Legal Talk Network’s Lawyer2Lawyer, Attorney Bob Ambrogi, to offer tips to solos on starting your own blog. Bob talks about everything from which platform is best, to what type of information you should contribute as a blogger, to how to promote your blog and stand out from the others.

New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association is joined by Attorney Melissa Conner, from the Conner Law Offices out of Boston, Massachusetts, to spotlight women solos. Melissa shares her recommendations on everything from which organizations female attorneys can join when first starting their office, to the benefits of a women’s bar association to how to find a mentor.

Solos and Law Students-have you considered Pro Bono as an investment? It can expand your client base and knowledge, open doors for employment and networking, and enrich your standing in the community. New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association discusses with Attorney Luz Herrera, Assistant Professor of Law at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California how she used Pro Bono to build her practice and strengthen her community.