A comment recently reminded me that I have neglected to mention my law practice in a while. I hadn’t even realized it. Even though it’s what shapes the majority of my days, all of my family drama, as well as my own, seems to take center stage in my rants.
The truth is, I should have a lot to write about. It looks like business is finally rolling in steadily. I am by no means where I need to be to pay down my starter loan and cover my overhead, while paying myself, but I’m getting closer. I have two real estate closings scheduled so far for this month, and several clients requiring assistance on other property matters. I am constantly researching, learning and figuring out what comes next. I have delved into areas that I was at first nearly clueless about, and come out with an impressive new knowledge and competency. I actually feel proud of myself.
I have also begun the process of getting more involved in my legal community, joining the local bar associations and attempting to at least attend (I’ll slowly make the move toward volunteering to do more for the organizations) several of their functions. I have found that networking with other attorneys is quite valuable, as the referral system in place here is strong and lucrative. In trying to carve out my own niche in legal practice, I have found that many other attorneys are pleased and eager to find someone to handle certain aspects that they don’t for their clients.
On the flip side, I am starting to discern which non-legal organizations would be beneficial for me to join. Obviously, it is the people in these groups that may need legal services themselves, or work with clients who are in need of my area of practice. It’s been a lot of effort to get everything started, with applications, membership dues, scheduling and such, but it’s starting to pay off. Plus, I’m getting more comfortable practicing, having established my file-opening procedures, billing process, and other administrative functions. I still have a to-do list that’s a mile long, but my accomplishments are mounting, too.
Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with my decision to become a sole practitioner. It is immensely rewarding to tackle a project from start to finish, and to be able to use my own approach to counseling clients. I even have a fairly flexible schedule, though that may change some as I get busier. And I do want to get busier. I’m not counting on getting a multi-million-dollar case any time soon (and wouldn’t be able to fund it on my own anyway), but I am hoping to reach the point known in the how-to books I’ve read as “turning the corner.” I became an attorney for two main reasons: I was very interested in the practice of law and I wanted to be able comfortably provide for my family.
So, my advice to any attorneys out there, new or not, thinking about making the jump to solo practice: go for it. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as pressure to succeed rests on you alone, but it is immensely rewarding. Plus, my boss doesn’t get too mad if I show up to the office 15 minutes late.
