Construction Law in Virginia at Posterous

It’s stunning to me that I’ve been authoring this blog for three years this November 14th. How the internet has transformed practices, careers, people’s lives is at times incomprehensible.  But then, most of you can relate.  I thought it would be fun for those who only recently started reading Build A Solo Practice to read my very first post, November 14, 2006. It also reflects my never-ending mission:

“An Independent Spirit” is the title of  The Connecticut Law Tribune column  I have (had)been writing almost weekly since June 2005.  It is an appropriate column title because it reflects the maverick in me, the one who defies the norm, defends common sense and practicality, believes in braving frontiers and encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit in all of us. Especially the entrepreneurial spirit of lawyers who wish to dispell the notion that in order to be successful in the legal profession one must first work for a large firm.  There will be more to follow on this topic.  I promise.

At the risk of being immodest, I think I’ve been fulfilling my promise with education, inspiration and direction.  Nearly eight months ago Solo Practice University opened its doors and this week we will pass 500 users!  And like my blog three years ago, SPU has only just begun  :-)

So, today I have a gift for one newly graduated and ‘just passed the bar’ lawyer who wishes to go solo.  If you genuinely want to go solo and would like a free one year scholarship to Solo Practice University ( a $595 value) to help you get started in the right direction, here is your chance.

Starting today, any newly minted lawyer who has just passed the bar exam can make their case as to why they should receive this valuable gift.  I won’t be deciding.  My readers will be deciding.  Here are the rules:

1. In the comment section of this blog post, tell us your story and why Solo Practice University will help you to achieve your goals of creating a solo practice.
2. Comment may not be longer than 500 words.
3. You must have just passed the July bar exam
4. You do not have to give your name in the comment for privacy reasons if you prefer not to…HOWEVER;
5. All entrants must send me a follow-up e-mail with their full name, address, dates of graduation, state bar exam taken and when, and valid e-mail address and letting me know which entrant you are.
6. There is only one vote per ISP/e-mail address.

Inability to follow these simple rules will sadly be a basis for disqualification. Multiple entries under different names are not permitted and will also be a basis for disqualification.

Comments are open and you can enter until midnight November 18th. Poll will be inserted in post and voting will begin November 19th and close at midnight, November 30th. Make sure to come back and vote! The lucky winner will be announced on December 1st.

If you are unsure about entering and haven’t read how important Solo Practice University has become to those who are enrolled, you can read more here and here.

A great post from a good friend.

Bo Fishback
Photo by Steve Puppe

As of 2005, some 62 percent of attorneys in private practice work as solo or small-firm practitioners, according to the most recent data avail­able from the American Bar Association. Those numbers likely have swelled and will continue to do so as law firms reorganize and re-evaluate their professional staffing needs.

What was once a calculated career decision has become a matter of survival for many. But wheth­er a lawyer can cut it as a solo is not necessarily a sure thing, experts say. Not all lawyers have what it takes.

There is no magic formula for building a successful solo practice. It takes planning, persistence, long hours, sweat equity and personal sacrifice.

So whether you’re in for the long haul or just staving off the bill collectors, here are some useful tips from experts and newly minted solos to help ease the transition.

A great article featuring my friends Craig Niedenthal, Carolyn Elefant and Susan Cartier Liebel