Small Law / Solos

Growing small firm here, now at the point of thinking “maybe” hiring a FT attorney to build out. Question here: what sort of suggestions (or issues) have you encountered adding an atty in a REMOTE/vi… more

I have my own PLLC, single member, that will do about $500k in revenue this year. I also have a regular W2 job (just a client who wanted me as an employee for the same work) that pays my bills at $20… more

Any advice for attempting to negotiate more pto? I’m 2nd year at a small firm (4 attorneys total) and we get 10 pto days, federal holidays, and that’s it. In person every day. I am kicking myself for … more

How much would you charge a small restaurant franchise to review their training and policies for employees on certain issues like sexual harassment training, snow and ice removal policies, data securi… more

Located in Houston, Texas - Located in Houston, Texas and would like to transicitoknfrom big law to solo (personal injury). Any recommendations on where I can learn what I need to do to prep and start… more

Can I withdrawl from a case where I advised the client to take the plea and he will not. Can I withdrawl before trial for going against advice?

What payroll program are you all using as solo attorneys? I just opened my firm, and after some successful months, I need to start paying myself.

How did you know it was time to go solo?
How old/how many years of practice at that point?
Did you keep doing what you did in firm life, or did you re-tool?
If you re-tooled, how?
How did you overcome… more

I’m ready to go solo. I’m more concerned about replacing benefits and workflow than I am about finding clients and doing the work. Recommendations for health/dental insurance, bookkeeping/billing, etc… more

Can a firm take a tax write off if hours exceed the contingency fee? For example, the contingency fee is $10k. The hours expended on the file at the usual billing rate equal $15k. Can the firm write o… more

For the attorneys in fee sharing jurisdiction, do you split fees with attorneys who refer business to you?

For those attorneys who charge for an initial consultation, do you go through the exercise of an engagement letter in advance? Or do you just charge the fee? Do you get paid in advance or do you inv… more

Does anyone have any tips for groups or associations that are good sources for networking with solo corporate attorneys? I'm in a specialist area and hoping to expand my network

For the virtual law firm, are you making it a point or putting in the effort to meet with your clients in person? I feel like I’m not doing enough to cultivate relationships with my clients on one han… more

How much malpractice insurance do I need? Am setting up a solo ECVC shop. Expect to have a high-volume practice for early-stage clients. VHCOL market if that matters. Thinking $300k-$1M should be plen… more

I’m a solo using Filevine. What are you all using to track intakes?

Anyone else dealing with clients who are constantly acting like their case is an emergency? I do family and criminal and clients are not understanding that they are not my only client.

Hello! Does anyone use a formula that determines associate compensation, if so what is the formula?

To my solos: What was the most successful marketing tool you used to first start getting clients?

I feel like im at my breaking point with neediness of clients this week. What is a nice way of saying don’t bug me with little things call my assistant or your failure to act is not my emergency?

Salary check please. Work in a small plaintiff class action litigation firm in a HCOL area specializing in antitrust and consumer protection. Strict 1800 billable hour requirement and my salary is 155… more

I've been offered a job as associate at a small (1 owner, 1 of counsel) firm. It's near metro big city and they seem to have a good amount of business. It's probate (straightforward ones &… more

What is a reasonable hourly rate to ask for estate planning attorney contract work? I'm three years out of school, in Colorado if that matters. Minimal estate planning experience. General ballpark… more

Maternity leave question - I'm one of three partners (the other two are men) at a small firm with 4 associates and will need to take maternity leave next year. I'm not sure what to ask my part… more

Anyone with a litigation practice use Everlaw for document review/production and have insights (good/bad)? They’re pitching my small practice and I’m not sure about the cost savings/usability versus … more

Any former big law funds lawyers here? Is there any life outside of big law or in-house for us?

Hi all, I am a NY Attorney (never practised in NY) and U.K. solicitor. I live and work in the U.K. I am considering practising or working on some files from the U.K. in the US and I am keen to discuss… more

Looking for someone who can help with expansion. Our two partner law firm is thinking about bringing on another partner in a different state and need to figure out the logistics/compensation. Anyone h… more

How long did it take for your solo firm to be profitable?

What are the best automations or digital shortcuts you've implemented in your firm? We do some simple things like automated emails for new snail mail received and some automation using data entry … more

Just want to vent! It’s so hard when you sign clients up and immediately start working on their matter and then they take forever to respond. Then by the time they circle back, you are now swamped and… more

WWYD: you referred a case to a colleague and you didn’t discuss a referral fee but the client (who is your acquaintance) tells you that they are working with your referral. Do you reach out to your re… more

How do you guys actually get paid for a consultation when it seems like everyone else is offering free consultations. Most people I tell I charge a consultation fee don’t ever schedule a consultation.… more

Anyone have any luck with good lead generation services? Ive tried a few now with not much luck.

For the partners of LLPs- are you taking draws every month or have you done an s-election and take a set salary? If so, have you seen a big tax savings?

How do other small law firms handle compensation. We are on “eat what you kill” system with 2 p’s and 2 assoc. The associate collections go into pool to offset expenses. We split remaining loss/profi… more

Small firm (2 partners and 0 associates) in LA wants me to come work for them as an associate. They want me to throw out the first number for compensation negotiations... What's typical here?

Been solo in fam law for approximately 8 months. Was a law clerk before that so did not bring clients in prior. I still haven’t gotten a steady stream of income coming in and my significant other and … more

What is your experience using an outsourced attorney to draft pleadings?

I have had so much back and forth with a client that keeps trying to ask for things outside of the scope of redlining a contract. They are now willing to pay for the additional work but It has been so… more