Comments on: Yes, You Can Solo Part Time

By: tom milburn

tom milburn — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 14:49:50 +0000

I have some experience with this as I am a police officer who practices part time. I have not been as successful as I would like and have a list of things to do and not to do in this kind of practice. Some of these mistakes have cost me a great deal. Briefly.
1. Keep office hours, don’t just practice here and there.
2. Make it clear that practicing law is not a hobby or side gig, particularly when getting paid.
3. Keep a close eye on how many clients you have on your plate at once. The work won’t always spread out and you may have to do a lot for all of them in one week unexpectedly
Good Luck

By: tom milburn

tom milburn — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 14:49:00 +0000

By: Susan Cartier Liebel

Susan Cartier Liebel — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 19:39:47 +0000

One of Foonberg’s more interesting concepts is to jump in with both feet to shorten the time between no income and income from your solo practice. He brings up the important point when you are not billing you should be marketing your firm, going to court houses, networking. Spend the full work week working on your practice until the percentage of time billed is greater then the time spent marketing. By dividing your time between your practice and non-legal work you are extending that learning curve.
In the real world of expenses and committments, this part-time approach has merit. I think, however, it needs to be done in a way that doesn’t detract from your image as a lawyer and what you are trying to build. While some clients will understand, it does depend upon what you are doing to earn the cash.

By: Susan Cartier Liebel

Susan Cartier Liebel — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 19:39:00 +0000

By: Andrew Flusche

Andrew Flusche — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 22:38:07 +0000

Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for linking to that article. I’ve been toying with the part-time idea once I’m admitted to the bar. I’m glad to hear that I’m not nuts. Although I’ve got a full-time public service job to juggle. We’ll see what kind-of free time it provides.
Love your blog,
Andrew

By: Andrew Flusche

Andrew Flusche — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 22:38:00 +0000