Profiles

This article, The Spice of Solo Life, (Recorder, 12/27/05) profiles San Francisco solo Michael Blacksburg’s law practice, which has run the gamut from drafting animal trusts to preparing contracts for a triad relationship between two women and a man.  Actually, the bulk of Blacksburg’s practice is trusts and estates and landlord tenant law, but he…

I came across this article, Lawyer killed head-on in accident (12/9/05, NH Republic) about Massachusett criminal defense lawyer Geri Laventis tragic death in a head on car wreck.  I did now know her at all, but here is how she was described by her colleagues: Judge William B. McDonough, who presides over Holyoke District Court…

I really enjoyed this piece by Mark Donald, An Ode to Okra (Texas Lawyer – 12/1/05, law.com) about Dale Wooten, a Texas bankruptcy solo lawyer, who’s also a “restaurateur, raconteur and gardener.”  Wooten, who’s enjoyed a successful 35 years law practice and generally interesting side businesses, is now winding down a 35 year solo career…

I loved Jonathan Harr’s A Civil Action and so I was happy to come across this article, Two Person Firm Wrestles Oil Giant (November 26, 2005) about another small firm doing battle with a major corporation, albeit with better results.   But it’s still an uphill fight.  From the lead of the article: It’s the old…

We always read those scary stories about lawyers getting suspended or disbarred.  Did you ever wonder what happens to them?  This article, Lawyer Fights Back from Disbarment, NYT (10/30/2005) reports on former solo David Dean who 15 years ago was earning seven figure income as a successful plaintiffs’ attorney.  But when Dean got tied up…

Here’s a history making attorney:  Sam Slaymaker, who’s Making Local History By Focusing on Preservation (Lancaster News, 9/3/05).  According to the article, Sam Slaymaker becomes first local attorney to devote an entire practice to preservation law. He hopes to serve homeowners, farm families, real-estate developers and municipalities. Slaymaker has the background for his niche –…

This article, A Local Woman With A Plan (8/31/05) reports on former city attorney May Ann Karns new private practice in Edmund, Oklahoma complete with pink velvet armchair.  After serving as a fulltime city attorney for Edmund and Stillwater, another municipality, Karns’ will In Edmond, represent developers and residential clients in her private practice and…

I love reading about the good deeds of solo attorneys, both because it reflects well on our profession and inspires me to do better.  Here’s another case of a “lone lawyer” doing good, Park Slope attorney, Theo Davis, who’s the subject of this article, Keeping Faith in Troubled Times.  The piece reports on Davis’ plans…