For WSJ Readers – Resources on Starting a Law Firm
Yesterday, one of my solo colleagues Mitchell Matorin was profiled in the Wall Street Journal as asomewhat timely example of a large firm lawyer who has found success in solo practice. The story mentioned MyShingle and has been driving some traffic to this site, so I wanted to highlight some of the useful resources here. (The site is relaunching soon, I promise, and everything will be easier to find) All lawyers, no matter their background, will find the below links interesting. But the reason that much is aimed at large firm lawyers is because that segment, most of all, has been inundated with myths about solo practice, or lacked access to meaningful information on the solo option. And while starting a law firm may not be the right fit for some large firm attorneys, they should rely on accurate information when making the decision:
1. My e-book, From Biglaw to Yourlaw can now be downloaded by clicking on the above link or going to JD Supra. I published the book in late December 2008 when the first wave of layoffs hit, but much of the advice remains timely;
2. Updated Soloformania, with forms, checklists and sample pleadings you can use in your practice and Bars Reviewed, quick links to resources and services that the 50 bars offer to solo and small firm lawyers;
3. Free recording of Going Solo in a New Economy, 100 minute teleseminar recording by me and Susan Cartier Liebel of Solo Practice University;
4. Fifty web resources for suddenly solo by Jim Calloway and Allison Shields;
5. Issues to consider in comparing the cost of software as a service and traditional practice management tools and deciding on an approach;
6. Handling biglaw practice areas on a budget;
7. Pros and cons of leaving biglaw to start a firm;
8. Link round up on biglaw to solo;
9. If you play the part of a solo long enough, you can be one (a response to those who say that they’re not cut out for solo practice).
And of course, check out the archive categories here as well as my Legal Marketing Blawg for Nolo with lots of inexpensive marketing tips.