If You Want to Go Solo...What You Can Do This Summer to Get Started

[Susan Cartier Liebel]

A fellow blogger who runs Lawsagna...a very great blog helping students while in law school to navigate through their many issues, asked me to help her readers with the question:  "If I want to go solo after graduation, what can I do while I am in law school to help me achieve this goal."

I've recently answered this question on my blog for those who are interested.

http://susancartierliebel.typepad.com/build_a_solo_practice/2007/07/you-aski-answer.html

Would love to know what you have been doing in furtherance of your goal of going solo if this is what you know you want to do.  Please share.

[starter]

Probably not going solo, but I am working for a solo this summer.  It has been a great experience so far.  None of the bull politicking and ass kissing that is done at law firms.  It's just you, the clients and actual legal work.  I've learned a lot from this experience about what it means to be a lawyer. 

[Susan Cartier Liebel]

Starter,

I'm glad you posted this information about your experience.  It is important for lawyers to actually see how the work is getting done versus being pigeon-holed in some back room doing document reveiw or shephardizing.  This is not to say this work isn't important. However, when you get a chance to get in the trenches and see the whole picture...being a lawyer feels more real.  Thanks for sharing.

[blueb73]

Susan,
One of the points i keep seeing brought up about new solos getting clients is by networking family/friends/colleagues.

But what about those of us that plan on moving to a complete new city where we will know on one?

[KrazyNazi]

Susan,
One of the points i keep seeing brought up about new solos getting clients is by networking family/friends/colleagues.

But what about those of us that plan on moving to a complete new city where we will know on one?

This is a great way to qualify for government welfare! Congrats. 

[Susan Cartier Liebel]

Blueb73,

Experience is experience.  The only thing that changes is the rules for the jurisdiction.  Going out of state presents different challenges.  But you and I have had this discussion before 

[Strong]

Susan,
One of the points i keep seeing brought up about new solos getting clients is by networking family/friends/colleagues.

But what about those of us that plan on moving to a complete new city where we will know on one?

This is a great way to qualify for government welfare! Congrats. 

174.

[blueb73]

Blueb73,

Experience is experience.  The only thing that changes is the rules for the jurisdiction.  Going out of state presents different challenges.  But you and I have had this discussion before 

yes, but this is a big concern for me.

any thoughts on temping while building your clientèle?

[TheNewGuy]

like the part about the "form file" for case pleadings (I'm assuming they're saying organize by issue, etc)...

I have no intention of going solo but as soon as I get my PACER password I'm off to the races on that...

[Susan Cartier Liebel]

Blueb73

You are going to have to network heavily with Bar Associations, social groups which compliment your lifestyle choices, CLE, build a serious blogging presence which is an equalizer and more.  So much turns on where you will be relocating, your personality and a variety of topics.  It is more challenging but not impossible.