My Shingle

September 2005

How to Succeed as A Lawyer – A Great Read

September 28, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

If you’ve not seen this great letter,  How to Succeed as A Lawyer (Roland Boyd), that was first published more than 40 years ago in the Texas Bar Journal, then put down what you’re doing and read it now.  On the surface, the letter simply dispenses tips from a father to a son on how [...]

Read more Encouragement 4 comments

BigFirm Associate Salaries Are Really Small Potatoes When You Do the Math

September 28, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

At least one small firm lawyer isn’t very impressed by the recent news that first year associate salaries at some firms will increase to $135,000.  In a listserve post, attorney Robert Hughes noted that: Let’s see.  $135,000 per year equals $2600 per week divided by about 90 hours per week equals $28.85 per hour.  What [...]

Read more Biglaw Practice and Issues 16 comments

Some FAQ on Solo Practice

September 25, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

Below, a reader writes in with advice on some frequently asked questions related to solo practice.  The reader’s questions and our answers are interspersed below.  Readers, since I’ve only started one practice, after all, I’m the first to admit that I’m not an authority on all ways to go solo.  What I’ve learned from blogging [...]

Read more Questions & Advice 10 comments

Why Solos Should Run the Government

September 23, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

This article, Allee Offers Business Experience, Acumen, Mary Beth Smetzer, reports on a Fairbanks, AK solo Rita Allee who’s running for City Council and touting her skills as a solo as the characteristics that qualify her for office.  Says Allee: “I feel practically my whole life’s experience, education, business experience and background in Fairbanks makes [...]

Read more Celebrating Solos 4 comments

You Gotta Know When to Fold…

September 23, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

While you may never find an ideal time to start a firm, hopefully, you’ll realize when it’s time to stop.  The attorney described in this article, Attorney Loses License Again, Kevin Eigelbach (9/21/05) apparently didn’t so now the bar’s stopped his practice for him.  Attorney Gabbard of Kentucky has been suspended from practice for 21 [...]

Read more Ethics & Malpractice Issues 2 comments

More on Katrina Related Small Firm Impacts

September 23, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

As a follow up to this earlier  post, it’s been three weeks since Katrina and solo and small firm practitioners are starting to contemplate the consequences and plan for the future.  This article,  Many Small Law Firms May be Gone, Adrian Angelette, reports on small firms’ biggest problem – loss of clients.  From the article: [...]

Read more News 0 comments

Say Nay To the Naysayers

September 19, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

Editor’s Note:  Recently, I’ve been receiving a number of inquiries seeking advice on starting a practice.  I’m going to try to address as many as I can, as quickly as I can, in what will hopefully be a regular "Questions & Advice" column.  If you send me an email with a question, try to eliminate [...]

Read more Questions & Advice 10 comments

I’m A Law Star

September 19, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

I was interviewed last week by a writer from Law Crossing and surprised to see the article appear so quickly in the Law Stars Hall of Fame.   Another benefit of blogging, that’s for sure.

Read more MyShingle Solo 2 comments

What They Don’t Teach At Harvard Law School

September 19, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

The Harvard Law School newspaper put out a career guide which included all kinds of articles like Why Not to Be A Government Lawyer (as a former FERC attorney, I’ve got to agree with that one), the downside of biglaw and careers in public interest. Sorely missing from the list of possibilities is the one [...]

Read more Legal Profession Trends 8 comments

To Disclose or Not to Disclose, That Is the Question

September 19, 2005 by Carolyn Elefant

This article, Is Mandatory Disclosure of Malpractice Coverage a Good Idea? Ann Sherman, Small Firm Business (9/19/05) writes about the debate over mandatory malpractice disclosure rules taking place before many state bars across the country.  Below from the article is an excellent summary of the pros and cons of mandatory disclosure from Bob Weldon of [...]

Read more Dealing With Clients 4 comments

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