Small Law / Solos

I was solo for 7 years, but just joined a 6 person firm and I LOVE IT. I like the work, I like the people, the culture, all of it.

Share with me your ideas of how I can impart to my firm and colleag… more

How do you handle unbearably hard to deal with OC’s? No matter how easy to work with I attempt to be, or accommodating, or just simply reasonable for these parties (family law), it seems some OCs take… more

Help please, dear community. How do you calculate how much retainer to ask before starting work? For example, work that you estimate would cost 20-30k total, how much retainer must be asked up front?

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Any healthcare attorneys in our bowl? How much do you charge for MSO agreements? What's the fair market rate in New York? Thank you.

Solo fish with families/a few dependents: what do you pay for health insurance each month? Where did you find your plan?

I've recently launched my solo firm in New York, focused in healthcare regulatory compliance, small business, immigration, and estate planning.

This community has been incredibly beneficial. Please share any … more

What kind of billable work do u take home / do from home to make up hours? I don’t have remote access and plan to do stuff from home like drafting or research. Looking for tips. Thanks! ❤️

I wrote a $2500 check today and accidentally used one of my trust checks. When I realized I quickly replaced the money in the trust account. Could I get in trouble for this? It was an honest mistake b… more

A client reached out for a demand letter for nonpayment for services. It’s clear through documented invoices. We sue and D is only offering to pay half of the amount owed. Trial (bench) is set for nex… more

What are the billable rates at your firm for associates up to partner level attorneys? I am in the Midwest and trying to get a sense of if should increase rates next year, and if so, by how much. Than… more

I was up for a bonus & I felt I deserved a little more & so I asked. He said he cant and that he doesnt blame me at all for even asking but he couldnt do it and I said fine and went home. Last… more

I took on 45 new cases in the past month and a half. I am exhausted. We’re averaging a case a day. Including weekends. I wonder when we will stop if ever.

How the hell do you guys do it? I am trying to build my own book while working for a firm. I go to these doctor networking events etc. Schmooze and they all want our referrals but I DON'T HAVE ANY… more

For clients who can’t afford the retainer and don’t qualify for financing. What are the pros and cons of doing in house payment plans? Thoughts below.

The firm I am currently at is just me, the founding attorney, a law clerk, and a paralegal. I'm located in Chicago, I was licensed in 2021, and currently make $59,000/year. I will have my 1 year a… more

Anyone with experience on transitioning a solo practice into a virtual office/remote? This is where we're headed and wanted some tips and/or things to look out for.

Anyone know a business litigation lawyer in CA to recommend?

Getting set up for my second go-round of solo practice. General practice, but heavy focus on family and general civil lit.

Of the Case Management Software, which works best with CRM and intake? Going to be training a VA up in… more

Hi. Can anyone share what type of conflict checking program they implemented in their practice? Thanks.

Any crim defense attorneys willing to chat about their practice and give some pointers? I’m a so-cal business attorney with 11 years experience. I’ve been on my own for about 4 years almost. I want to… more

How / when do you know you should scale up versus just riding along with what you have? Any tips to growth/how to add on the first attorney hire?

Any employment lawyers available in CA?

Good general treatise for residential real estate closings? Bonus if it touches on WV or Virginia.

We’ve become extremely busy, and we are trying out of counsel attorneys, we think we need 2 maybe full time ones, but I would rather have 4 part time ones, because often it’s we need to get things in … more

2 Questions on Remote Work as an Attorney.

Is there a legal barrier to working remotely while -

1) living in a different state than where one is barred in and where one's office is physically located? (But not taking any… more

As the only associate, I find myself doing all the work without any guidance or a lot of feedback. Plus, I do most client relations, business development (calls, articles, etc), closing letters (with… more

Do lawyers typically ask for referral fee for probate matters?

What’s the proper way (or an acceptable, non-desperate way) to respond to an attorney trying to refer a case out?

A benefit of my state bar association is online forums. And often, other attorneys post, seeking to… more

What is the best way to get criminal defense and personal injury leads? I’ve been struggling

Do all crim defense lawyers bill by flat fees? Is there any instance where by the hour would be appropriate in crim defense?

How are new attorneys complying with requirements that certain CLE credits be taken live (in NY)? Is there an efficient way of getting these out of the way? These classes are scheduled during the work… more

(1) how big is your firm; (2) who does your scheduling / is allowed to touch your calendar; (3) remote, in-person, or hybrid?

I’m mostly remote at a small firm — no associates / I was the associate until about 18 … more

Mycase or Clio? I have Clio right now and finding it incredibly confusing with a lot going on.

I was just made an equity partner in a small bit well established and well known ID and coverage firm with a small commercial / corporate practice consistent with my own book. Any thoughts on expandi… more

Any recs for a FEE ONLY financial planner?

What is the highest number of active cases you’ve handled ? Our goal is to grow our firm to over 100 active cases within 6 months. We just realized we can’t be as small as we used to. When losing 1 or… more

Any recommendations on companies that offer branding, marketing, website creation services with experience in law firms? Thank you.

I’m thinking of starting my own firm and focusing on software contracts for smaller sized companies that don’t have in house counsel. I was wondering what kind of hourly rates I could charge for that… more