Are you thinking about opening your own practice right out of school?

[vaplaugh]

Another post about Mercer...

I think I mentioned previously it has a "managing law practice" course, but I subsequently learned it has a joint business certificate in "practice management" where JD candidates take 9 hours of business classes, 6 of which can be applied to the JD.  Classes are Operations Management, Accounting for Control, and Management and Leadership.

Not sure if those would be more useful than just taking some more trial practice skills courses, though...?

[vaplaugh]

PS - By the way, thanks for your responses re: the business/calling cards!

[camelbx]

I just graduated and passed the bar in my state.  I am starting my own practice now, and I believe I will be successful.

To some of the people above, practicing out of law school is not necessarily malpractice. Limiting your practice and engagements to tasks you can do or learn to do is important.  Anyway, I do carry insurance, I "go bare" as it were.

To the OP, my law school does not have a class on Solo practice after LS, but one of its unofficial mottos is that students will be able to do so after graduation, especially litigation.  When you couple that will preparing to be a solo in law school, by reading, collecting sources and contacts it doesn't seem so impossible.

If anyone has any questions for me I'll try to check this sooner or later.  Its important that students think about this option, especially if your family has an ongoing professional practice that you could "hook into" for a law firm.

Anyway, it *can* be done, and *is done* ALL the time.

[Susan Cartier Liebel]

Yes.  It's all about the 'can do' attitude.  Attitude is what will make you or break you. That, and planning.  Congratulations, Camelbx.

[AssaultAndBattery]

Yes.  It's all about the 'can do' attitude.  Attitude is what will make you or break you. That, and planning.  Congratulations, Camelbx.

Hello Susan,

Regarding salaries, what is the average salary of a lawyer who goes solo?

I know it will vary, based on region, experience, and such. But after all that, what is the salary range?

Thanks..

[Susan Cartier Liebel]

People on this site get upset when I do this...but I did a lengthy post on my blog regarding this topic here:

http://susancartierliebel.typepad.com/build_a_solo_practice/2007/02/how_much_do_sol.html

The reality is....it's up to each and every individual.

[blueb73]

People on this site get upset when I do this...but I did a lengthy post on my blog regarding this topic here:

http://susancartierliebel.typepad.com/build_a_solo_practice/2007/02/how_much_do_sol.html

The reality is....it's up to each and every individual.

But Sussssssssssaaaaaaaaaaannnnnn nnnnn!!  We want numbers!!!!

for example


Statistics show that ALL solos will earn 2.3 million their FIRST YEAR, and it doubles every year after that forever.


see?!?!?!       

[Susan Cartier Liebel]

Sorry, Grasshopper. No can do.

[blueb73]

Hey Susan, question for ya

Do you think it is advantageous to be in a market where there are alot more solos? or would it be better to be in a market where most people work for others?

for ex

San Antonio  http://www.texasbar.com/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=17241

vs

Dallas  http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=reports&CONTENTID=17242&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm

vs

Houston
http://www.texasbar.com/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=17240

vs

Austin
http://www.texasbar.com/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=17239

[smujd2007]

Susan,

Thank you for the invaluable information on this thread!

I was considering starting up on my own after having very little success in the job search.

I recently took a position with a nonprofit and I am very excited about that.

I still want to start up a law practice at some point in my life, just not right now.  Even though you can just "take on more debt,"--I am actually in the low range for law school debt, under 50K, cost is a major factor for me.  And I want to have at least 1 child before I am 30 (I'll be 26 next month), so I am still toying with that thought in the back of my mind--I want to make sure I do it at the right time.  Any thoughts on having a solo practice and being a mom? Thanks. 

I plan to take a look at your blog soon.  Thanks!