Small Law / Solos

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

I just finished reading The Small Firm Road Map. Any other books that folks have found interesting and relevant? I've started to add attorneys so I'm trying to take in more information that ca… more

Working on my website. What are the various badges that people add? I’ve seen AVVO, superlawyers, and chambers. Any others? I’m an employment lawyer, FWIW.

Basic question, but how do you guys normally answer the phone when you don’t have staff routing it to your office? For example, I’ve heard the partners pick up the phone and just say their full name, … more

What made you take the leap? I'm very tempted to start my own firm after some issues internally with my current firm.

For folks who use law pay/accept credit card payments - do you/can you pass through the processing charges to clients? if not, are you really taking a 3+% haircut?

I have a IAN claim that has very minor roof damage. Most was Cov B. Adjuster wants the whole roof included. Says not allowed to alter the release to include only part of the roof.

Roof was installed a… more

What is considered a good amount of billing (roughly per month/year) if working for a solo who doesn’t have a billable requirement?

I am entertaining the idea of hanging a shingle as a solo practitioner and am trying to get a sense of what kind of book I would need to develop to make it worthwhile. 8 years practicing (biglaw + in… more

I’m considering leaving a mid-law firm to partner with either a current solo or a small (3-4 atty) firm. I have been vetting various opportunities and it’s time to just make a decision and move forwar… more

Not seeking legal advice. Just anonymous opinions. In a fast-paced job such as a law firm, particularly where we all bill by the hour, is a request for more time / statement by an employee that they’ll be slow be… more

Solos- what do you do if you wake up sick the morning of a hearing or an emergency happens? Keep in mind I do not have an assistant yet.

How do you go about dropping a client? Also open to advice if you would take a different route.

I have a client that pops up every few months asking for a contract to be drafted. It’s easy enough so I … more

Any other Big Law refugees here? I am 8-years out and decided to hang my own shingle due to absurd rates preventing me from developing business. Any words of advice or pointers? I have my website, pra… more

Please help out an idiot. What is a decent pay arrangement for working some overflow cases for another attorney?

This opportunity landed on my lap, and I am not prepared for the upcoming negotiation a… more

How much are folks paying for FileVine (excluding fax and AI?)? I’m trying to compare the price I’m getting ($150/month) with what others are getting.

Does anyone have MyCase Workflows for Criminal work they wouldn't mind sharing? I have neglected this feature in MC, but I'm at a point where I need a system to help.

Thanks!!

Given a choice between equity partnership in a small firm (nine attorneys, but one is a managing partner who doesn't really practice) or owning a successful solo practice, what would be your choic… more

How did you get your clients as a new solo, especially if you started out in a new area of law? I would appreciate any insight. This seems like the hardest part of going solo.

The firm I work at is hiring in California. Plaintiff’s side (no billables), fully remote. Seeking attorney with 5+ years experience. Offering $160k-$175k base + bonus structure and matching 401k with… more

Does anyone here do plaintiff side disability insurance benefits work? ERISA claims litigation? Im looking to pick someone's brain about the area.

Any solos have success with digital marketing, SEO, GOOGLE ads? If so which etc? What fields of practice do you see success in? I have so many marketers telling me theyll get the phones ringing but th… more

I’m thinking about transitioning to a very small litigation firm - 2 lawyers started it in 2021 and are looking to hire their first associate. I’m 8 years out and never worked in a shop that small, bu… more

Anyone practice residential real estate? I’m representing my first seller in Illinois? Can anyone provide steps besides reviewing the contract and title? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Previously we’ve been a small, but skilled and expressive litigation firm. We’ve been approached by a company that would send us about double of what our highest paying client is, but turn us into a v… more

When do you know that you are ready to go solo?

Just learned about contract drafting for solo estate planning attorneys and am considering doing it on the side. What kind of hourly pay range would this involve?

What are the best, most economical e-discovery platforms?

A person is completing a graduate program in NY, two years of study have elapsed, and the university just lost its charter. The university is offering no help to transfer credits or recoup costs. Anyo… more