Small Law / Solos

I realize this is a stretch - has anyone here opened a title company or offered that service as part of their solo practice?

I have 12 years of biglaw litigation experience. About to make the leap to a solo practice. Anyone else make a similar leap? What was the biggest surprise or steepest learning curve? (Other than the p… more

Hi! My company is trying to diversify our vendor pool by working with more small law firms, especially law firms owned by women and people of color. I have to do a presentation on best practices that … more

What is a reasonable time to get back to a client? I do not have an assistant right now and I have clients texting and calling all day. Especially family members of my clients in jail.

How much are y'all making as solo practitioners?

Just curious—what is a typical caseload for a legal assistant working non-litigation standard and heirship matters? How many matters have you handled at any one time? NON-LITIGATION.

Any firm looking to hire a legal assistant/paralegal in NYC?

I’m drowning in my current firm and looking for an organized firm/attorney to work under. I will consider settling in some aspects if the … more

Client concentration risk?
In my first year solo, starting to take stock of how the business has run this year. One thing that stood out is my largest client is 44% of my total revenue, and the top 5 around 80% to… more

How many years out of law school did you all open your own firm? Was it worth it or did you wish you did so earlier/later?

Does anyone here work with DE holding corps & subsidiaries and have a moment to lend their expertise on a situation I have with a PC who has lofty goals to form several businesses at once while ke… more

As a non-equity partner about to complete my 8th year in a boutique transactional firm, what percentage of my collections should I expect to be taking home? Would the answer change if my collections a… more

Does anyone have a recommendation for a small business lawyer that knows how to dissolve a company for minority shareholders?

I work for a solo who NEVER checks the calendar. I am pretty sure he doesn't have much of a clue as to what's going on with his practice.

Also, I'm pretty sure I am underpaid.

Ive worked for my solo for over 20 years. He has become forgetful & overall disinterested in his practice & works about 15 hours/wk. I'm constantly reminding him of things & Im annoyed with the wh… more

What do you all do/get for PTO? I’m a new attorney at a small firm with 2 partners and 1 other longtime atty. 2 support staff. We get 10 days vacation total, + federal holidays. We’re open Christmas t… more

My assistant is on leave due to a temporary medical condition and I'm drowning without them helping me on the admin-side of my practice. I'm expecting that the assistant will eventually retur… more

Is there anyone here who is open ti discussing legal design thinking and how it impacts business development for small/middle-market law firms?

Has anyone used the Automated Documents of Thomson Reuters Practical Law for Trust & Estates? Is it good? How does it compare to WealthCounsel? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

Does anyone practice litigation? If so, how much do you work? As a paralegal or an attorney? How many cases of litigation is normal? How much is too much? Thanks! I’m just trying to figure out where I… more

Has anyone worked at Flex by Fenwick, Ontra, Priori, Lawtrades or similar? What was your experience and how was the salary?

When did you know it was the right time to start your own practice? Is it worth it for a newer lawyer (3 years)? Would you do it over again or would you stay at firms longer?

Do small offices give their paralegals bonuses? If so, how much do you generally give them a bonus for?

Does anyone know what is the subpoena process to get the opposing party’s phone records in CA?

Does anyone have a recommendation for a contingency lawyer that practices business law?

When do you feel is the right time to expand your firm and bring on an associate?

I may have the opportunity to join the JAG corps of the NG for the State in which I practice. I've always wanted to serve, but due to physical issues and past mistakes, didn't think I would have a shot.

How shou… more

Anyone out there at a solo with just another attorney? Does it ever get boring? Is it better than a larger office? Do you have to do all of the cleaning, receptionist tasks, and paralegal work?

Hi all. I’m a solo in the Bay Area and hiring my first intern (a 3L from my alma mater). How much should I expect to pay hourly? It’s been forever since I’ve done this so my old reference point is pro… more

What nonbillable expectations does your small firm have for associates, and how are those built into compensation? Especially interested in examples where everyone is expected to be specialists on cut… more

Can anyone recommend a course in law firm billing/billable hours for small firms/solos? I’m in NY but would take a more general course.

I have a florida law firm handling a florida case needing to subpoena records/deposition of a NJ resident. To do same, subpoena needs to get domesticated in nj. I am a NJ lawyer, and was asked to do t… more

Any solo here started litigation with little experience? If so, how did you learn, and any tips would be appreciated! I wonder how someone can put together a motion, opposition, and reply so quick and… more

Small offices - do you punch in and out? Are you required to? I’m the only assistant in an office of two attorneys. No receptionist. It’s just me. Im the only one clocking in and out…. Is this normal … more

Hi! Looking for pro Bono counsel for a civil lawsuit. Where is the best place to find one in CA?

What do you do if you filed a personal injury suit against a business and you learn they filed for bankruptcy two years ago? The company is self insured. Do you continue to push or drop the lawsuit?

Any of y'all hiring for a marketing person part time and remotely?

What software do you use to manage immigration cases?

Any advice for someone who is about to have/manage their own office space for the first time? Anything you wish you knew?