Comments on: Biglaw Associates Find Happiness in Solo Practice

By: JD

JD — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 19:58:36 +0000

I’m sorry, I know there is enthusiasm for small firm / solo life here…but as a former biglaw lawyer, I can tell you, life on your own is gutwrenching. Not knowing when you are going to pay yourself, not knowing if you’ll be cut off by a client who just wants a biglaw firm…I find it unnerving.
Sure, I have more free time, but I spend all the time either freaking out about my future, feeling depressed about the possibility of admitting failure and the humiliation it brings, or trying to distract myself. Hanging a shingle is MUCH harder than working at a biglaw firm.

By: JD

JD — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 19:58:00 +0000

By: Kimbro

Kimbro — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:19:25 +0000

I think lawyers better serve their clients when they are content with their own lives and careers. I started my own online law practice so that I could stay at home with my young daughter (now 13months!) and continue to practice law. Having the flexibility of managing my own firm and caring for my family at the same time makes me less stressed as a person and that means that I can focus more on the projects I do for my clients. I hope more young men and women in our profession (parents or not)find out that it is a great option that’s out there.

By: Kimbro

Kimbro — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:19:00 +0000

By: Tamar I. Dyson

Tamar I. Dyson — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 23:36:55 +0000

I worked for two Biglaw firms. I think that the experience was invaluable because I never had to wonder “what if?” and the credentials are good. But none of my clients even know what the terms Order of the Coif or Mofo mean. They just know that I care about them and their business plans and purposes. I can pick and choose the clients I want to handle and remain available for my teenage daughters. Life cannot get better than this for me. “The Happy Lawyer!” Now there’s a niche practice for you.

By: Tamar I. Dyson

Tamar I. Dyson — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 23:36:00 +0000

By: elguapo

elguapo — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:15:58 +0000

I worked at BIG(f?)LAW for 4 1/2 years before quitting and hanging a shingle. It’s less money, but the QOL is a lot better.

By: elguapo

elguapo — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:15:00 +0000

I worked at BIG(f?)LAW for 4 1/2 years before quitting and hanging a shingle. It’s less money, but the QOL is a lot better.

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 16:42:24 +0000

I agree that being a biglaw associate is a miserable life. I’ve been doing it for less than six months and I’m ready to leave. I’ve been saving as much as I can so that once I get admitted I can move to a lower cost of living area and hang my own shingle. Biglaw is not worth it.

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 16:42:00 +0000