New Solo

Longtime friend of Legal Talk Network Carolyn Elefant – author, mentor, blogger, and solo practitioner – joins host Adriana Linares with a huge update to her hit book “Solo by Choice.”Get a one-stop-shop overview for any new solo practitioner. The pandemic, social media, online content, and business generation trends are shaking the legal practice bedrock.The online conferencing and virtual offices of the pandemic are challenging the need for a formal office. Billing practices and options are shifting. Virtual assistants and freelancers are the norm. Clients are looking to new sources for attorneys.Of course, you still need paying clients. Hear ideas on how to fully commit to your practice, find your niche, and build business from day one. Plus, business practice requirements, customer relationship programs, insurance, licensing, cybersecurity, and legal tech software. There’s no better time for new solo practitioners to ask for what they want – and get it. What’s ahead for the legal profession?Got questions or ideas? Don’t forget to hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics: Guest, lawyer and author Carolyn Elefant shares tips for the modern era from her newly revised book, “Solo By Choice.” All you need to know about starting a solo or small practices, from software to cybersecurity. What’s new for the legal profession in a post-pandemic world?  New InsightsVeteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm. Question 4: “How do I get my dad to be open to change when his favorite phrase is ‘We do it that way because that’s the way we’ve always done it’” Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

At last! The anticipated Windows and Windows 365 tech episode with Adam Alexander, IT solutions guru and president of InterNetwork IT. Together, they answer all those questions you’ve messaged and tweeted in the past months.We’re getting into the nitty gritty. Learn what’s available and find solutions to problems that seem unsolvable. Don’t settle for “good enough!”Topics: Adriana and Adam dive deep into all things Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and more. Make access to your data more organized, safer, and easier for your employees or coworkers to share.  Plus, your questions about all things Microsoft. You asked, we answered.  New InsightsIn our series New Insights, veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from Birmingham, Alabama, new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm. Question 3: “My Dad keeps saying ‘I’m a dinosaur, I don’t need to learn anything new.’ How do I convince him that he’s not too old or too settled to learn new skills that will improve the way we work together?”  Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Guest Tom L. Drew is a longtime attorney in Des Moines, Iowa. He reached out to New Solo and host Adriana Linares for help modernizing his practice and getting the most out of today’s tech.Drew is comfortable with computers, but he’s always looking for newer, better, more efficient methods. As a long-time paperless operation, Drew’s office was in a good place when it went remote during the COVID-19 pandemic.As his office went to a work-from-home environment, Drew was quick to incorporate training sessions and provide the necessary tools to help his team set up comfortable, efficient home offices. He found that money spent on tech is money well spent, and speed and efficiency matters more than cost.Hear how Drew upgraded software and replaced an on-site server with the cloud for a faster, on-the-go setup. Still unsure about cloud technology, OneDrive, Office 365, remote access, and document sharing? Learn how and where these pieces fit in a modern office.Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.Topics:  Guest Tom Drew, longtime solo practitioner, talks about his recent tech makeover and moving from a server to the cloud. It’s not about cost, it’s about productivity and efficiency. In today’s work-from-home environment, being able to collaborate, schedule, and share information is more important than ever. Tech isn’t only for new solos, it’s for established firms too.  New Insights In our series New Insights, veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm.  Question 2: “I work on cases with my Dad. In the South, it is uncommon to address your parents by their first name. How should I introduce myself and explain our relationship to new clients while being respectful of my Dad and not undermining myself as a new attorney?"Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Guest attorney Ruth Carter is nothing if not transparent. A client’s failure to plan should not be a cause for crisis to an attorney!Carter talks openly and honestly with host Adriana Linares about being clear with clients. Tell them your rates up front, even put them on your website. And set “rush rates” for any work that suddenly pops up, it sets expectations and encourages clients to think ahead and plan accordingly. Is your firm incorporating “rush rates” into client contracts?Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.Topics: Using simple, plain language to help clients understand what they are signing and what they are accomplishing. It’s OK to be transparent about your rates and that those rates increase when a matter is suddenly urgent! Being honest about what you do and what clients should expect. New InsightsIn a brand-new series of New Insights, veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in her small family-owned firm.Question 1: “My dad has given me a lot of freedom to redesign all the firm’s systems. How do I present my ideas without having him reject all of my plans?”  Got a question or suggestion? newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

In an innovative and self-care focused episode, host Adriana Linares talks with author, professor, attorney and self-proclaimed “poster child of introversion and shyness” Heidi Brown. Hear how she learned to succeed in the high-pressure atmosphere of legal practice. Learn to untangle your communication traits and internal turmoil. Listen to your mind – and your body – and understand your strengths and abilities. If you struggle to speak up, to confidently share your ideas, or understand how you process information and energy, you are not alone.Brown, author of “The Introverted Lawyer: A Seven-Step Journey Toward Authentically Empowered Advocacy” and “Untangling Fear in Lawyering: A Four-Step Journey Toward Powerful Advocacy,” delves into the feelings of stress and anxiety that can hold us back. Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com. Topics: – It’s OK to be introverted or shy as a lawyer. Acceptance can help you work through your unique challenges.– Understand feelings of stress and anxiety (and the difference between being shy and being an introvert).– Just like any professional athlete or performer, you can seek outside help, coaching, mentoring, and other services to help you be your best. Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. 

Lift your practice by lifting others. Host Adriana Linares talks with attorney and community leader Eugene Pettis about how his lifelong commitment to community service built his brand and his business. Pettis, the first African American president of The Florida Bar, made a conscious effort to carve out time for giving back, leading literacy and education efforts and fostering open, honest communication while seeking solutions. Public service builds connections, brand, and ultimately business. “We’re on this earth to do better by others,” he says. But don’t forget, a business doesn’t build itself. Be bold. Pettis, who has represented Fortune 100 companies including ExxonMobil and Starbucks, says he’s never shied from approaching even the biggest potential clients. Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.Topics:  Service above self. Know the value of community service and helping others.  If you see a problem, solve it. If you have a good idea, act. Community involvement builds your brand. Be bold. Don’t shy from approaching the biggest potential clients. New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank  Veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland answers questions from new solo Stephanie Larenas  Question 4/4: “I am so nervous about putting myself out there. What are some tips you can give me about doing it confidently?”  Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. 

If you’re starting or running a solo or small law practice (or even working in a larger firm), it’s important to remember you are not out there on your own. The ABA Law Practice Division (ABA LP) is loaded with resources to help you succeed and grow your business. ABA LP Chair Heidi Barcus and Vice Chair Mary Vandenack join host Adriana Linares for a deep dive into the four pillars of success: marketing, management, finance, and tech (not to mention your own well-being). Learn what resources are available for you. Membership in the ABA LP includes access to all the books, mentoring, meetings, fellowship, and support of the ABA LP. For anything you want to know about the practice of law, the ABA LP is the place to go. Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Want to share some insights? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.Topics:  You don’t have to go it alone when starting or running your solo or small law practice. The ABA LP is loaded with resources including committees and publications on running a successful law practice.  Learn the four pillars of a successful business: Marketing, management, finance, and technology. And don’t forget your own well-being.  New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T BankVeteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland answers questions from new solo Stephanie Larenas:  Question 3/4: “As a new lawyer, what are some red flags I should watch for in potential new clients?” Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. 

After passing the bar, attorney Cassandra Michel knew she wanted to open her own family law practice, Aloha Divorce, focusing on amicable divorces and family law. Adriana dives into how a new lawyer can open a successful practice as she walks through the process of establishing a brand, creating a business plan, and networking. Choosing the right tech, deciding on using a home office, shared office, or standalone brick and mortar? Marketing? Sponsorships? Referrals? Even learning to efficiently block off time and learning how to say “no” when the client isn’t the right fit. It’s all part of getting out there and going solo. Yes, you can.Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition. Got a question? Want to share some insights? Contact us now at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.Topics: Get organized before you open the door. Understand your brand, your goals, and even yourself. Home office, virtual practice, shared workspace, or standalone office. What’s right for you? Choosing and using the tech you need. Learn how a new solo practitioner balanced the right tech at the right price.  Using time blocks to efficiently manage your time. New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank Veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland answers questions from new solo Stephanie Larenas: Question 2/4: "How to pick your niche in an ever-more diversified market?"  Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. --------Mentioned this episode:Little Miss Notary: https://littlemissnotary.com/ Clio Grow vs. Clio Manage: https://support.clio.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016373814-What-is-The-Difference-Between-Clio-Manage-Clio-Grow-And-Clio-Suite- Lawyaw: https://www.lawyaw.com/ LawPay: https://www.lawpay.com/ Google Workspace: https://workspace.google.com/Microsoft Office 365: https://www.office.com/  Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/ WordRake: https://www.wordrake.com/ PerfectIt: https://intelligentediting.com/ LawClerk.Legal: https://www.lawclerk.legal/ 

In a special episode of New Solo, legal tech whiz Adriana Linares tackles a topic that baffles many legal practitioners: the dreaded Microsoft suite of services. What do you really need and what are you missing?Many lawyers jumped into Microsoft’s 365 universe during the pandemic. Sharing files and working collaboratively from home is appealing, but there’s a lot to learn about the array of products. OneDrive? SharePoint? Secure document sharing?Learn the difference between personal and private accounts and how to juggle them. Stop paying too much and wasting time in this confusing – but often vital – suite of services (hint: none of us want the $5 monthly service). And yes, it’s OK to ask for professional help; a little instruction doesn’t have to be expensive and pays off in the long run.And we begin another New Insights series as veteran attorney Liz McCausland offers new solo Stephanie Larenas three suggestions for growing a new practice.Have insights, tips, inspiration to share? Want to be a guest on the New Solo podcast? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.Topics: The evolution of Microsoft’s 365 suite of products. The difference between private and professional accounts and how to leverage them for efficient office management. Pricing options, security, and your practice’s needs. What’s enough? What’s too much? New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank New series: Former therapist turned personal injury attorney Stephanie Larenas talks with veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland.  Liz offers insights for new solos building their business. Overhead? Branding? Networking?  Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. 

Guest: Kimberley Felton is an immigration attorney, consultant, and supermom and the founder of virtual immigration law firm Onward Immigration and consulting firm Innovation Litigation.Shortly after law school, Kimberley Felton found herself struggling with all the things they don’t teach: How to manage time, clients, and family. She knew there had to be a better way.Unfulfilled in disorganized settings and fighting to find meaning in her new profession, she taught herself to incorporate available technologies that let her serve the clients she is passionate about while spending quality time with her husband and two children.Felton discovered she wasn’t alone and now helps other attorneys break free from “the way we’ve always done it” by embracing tech and project management platforms to build a better work/life balance and a more efficient, rewarding practice.Topics: What you need to know … that they don’t teach in law school Leveraging technology to manage clients and cases Treating each case like a project and incorporating project management techniques Resources: Above The Law, “A Better Way: How Motherhood Changed My Perspective of the Legal Field & What I’m Doing to Change It,” Kimberley Felton, May 13, 2021   Afterpattern CampLegal   Lawclerk New Insights (brought to you by Nota): Veteran practitioner Starlett Massey answers litigation associate Melanie Kalmanson’s question. Question 4 of 4: “Do you think remote proceedings will continue post-pandemic?”  Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. Have insights, tips, inspiration to share? Want to be a guest on the New Solo podcast? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.