New Solo: Recent Episodes
Legal Talk Network
So, you’re a new lawyer or you’re new to practicing solo. You’ve got your game plan. Now what? First, know that you’re not ‘alone. It’s the fastest growing segment of the legal profession. Welcome to New Solo here on the Legal Talk Network, where you’ll learn a lot about practicing law. SOLO!
You know the legal writing classes you took in law school? There’s a lot more to learn, and with a few steps, you can get better – and get better results. Guest Chris Schandevel is the “Brief-Writing Ninja” and passionate writing clear, simple, concise legal briefs that win over courts. Courthouses are busy places. Judges and clerks deal with a lot of distractions and competing demands. Make your briefs stand out boy making them easier to read and follow. Any jargon, excessive footnotes, parentheticals, and asides just add to the chaos and detract from your argument. Good writing, formatting, and attention to detail matter. Schandevel has created an easy-to-use, three-page style guide for legal writing and clear formatting. You don’t need to use fancy words to sell your case. Clear, simple language and a clean story help the court understand your argument and see your point. Take a deep dive into the art and artistry of writing and presenting a legal brief at the highest levels, and get some tips you can start using today. (Plus, do you know the official preferred font of the U.S. Supreme Court?) Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
Judges aren’t impressed with fancy words and jargon. A clear, easy-to-read legal brief is easier to follow to the conclusion you want your reader to reach.
Learn to remove barriers to the reader such as excessive footnotes, lengthy sentences and changes in “voice.” And do use the Oxford comma!
What is the “cleaned up parenthetical?” (And how is it being adopted at the highest levels of the law?) Find out. Mentioned in this Episode: BriefCatch software “Think Commas Don't Matter? Omitting One Cost A Maine Dairy Company $5 Million” “Cleaning Up Quotations” by Jack Metzler in The Journal of Appellate Law Practice and Process “Legal Writing: Font Matters,” Thomson Reuters Legal Office Guru Legal Office Guru’s Deborah Savadra on New Solo, “Word Up 2: Creating Tables of Authority with Ease”
The episode you’ve been waiting for. An all-Mac special with real Mac experts. More and more lawyers are using Apple Mac tech, including iPones, iPads, and laptops. In the past, there were challenges shifting between Mac and Microsoft, but today’s practice management programs can work on both systems. You like Macs? Then go for it, there is less and less to hold you back. Why Mac over PC? Cost, battery life, integrations between iPhones, the Apple watch, and iPads, as well as security are considerations. Only 15% to 20% of lawyers use Macs, so you do need to think things through and ensure you can share information with your Microsoft colleagues and opposing counsel. There are advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you understand every aspect. There are some basics to getting started. Maybe most important is to not “cheap out” when you’re getting your computer system set up. Our guests explain what you need, including processor speed and memory. It all matters. Law is your business, your computer is your tool. If you’re investing anywhere, it’s here. RAM? ROM? Gigs? Ports? What do you need? Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
Lawyers use Macs. Yes, it happens, and it can go well.
Know what kind of needs you have and learn how to use your Mac to your advantage. Speed, cross-platform exchanges, and even weight matter.
Programs abound for Mac lawyers. It’s not like the olden days when Microsoft programs only worked on Microsoft platforms. Adobe, Word, Excel all can work smoothly on a Mac.
Mentioned in this Episode: Macs In Law Offices Jeff Richardson’s prior appearances on Legal Talk Network Brett Burney’s prior appearances on Legal Talk Network Mac Codeweavers Parallels USB hubs on Amazon Adobe subscriptions Textexpander Textexpanders for Lawyers Setapp for Mac Ulysses app for Mac Quick Look for Apple
Guest Andrew Schierberg retired from his first career after 20 years as a police officer, investigator, and chief in Northern Kentucky. Then he asked, “What next?” With a law degree and a lifetime of working in tense situations with people during their most stressful moments, Schierberg started a law practice with a focus on helping families by specializing in elder law and estate planning. He wrote his own business plan, shadowed established attorneys, sought educational and business development support, found shared office space with other lawyers, and developed a holistic approach that lets him to build relationships with his clients and work not only as an attorney but also as a trusted advisor. Learn how he set up his practice, selected case management software, established a flat-fee subscription plan for his clients rather than hourly rates, and developed an understanding of the needs of both elder clients and their families as they navigate a new stage of life. If you’re well into a first career, you might be surprised at how much your “real world experience” can translate to a solo law practice. Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
Starting a solo practice as a second career and putting your “old job” skills to work in your new venture.
The importance of selecting the right practice management and office equipment tools, learning about marketing, and asking for help when you don’t know.
The value of finding a niche that lets you focus your energy on the kind of law that matches your passion.
Mentioned in this Episode: Fearless Paranoia podcast Life Care Planning Law Firms Association Actionstep MyCase ElderCounsel DecisionVault Calendly Textexpander Maximum Lawyer podcast The 80/20 Principle podcast The Law Entrepreneur podcast Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast Peggy Gruenke on Legal Talk Network podcasts
The ABA Techshow isn’t just for tech wizards; rather, it should be a vital part of every solo lawyer’s networking plan! Guests Jeannine Abukhater Lambert and Gyi Tsakalakis are co-chairs of the upcoming ABA Techshow, the home of all things tech and your opportunity to see what’s new, and what you’re missing. Both guests serve unique corners of the legal world and found their paths through different methods. Lambert covers large policy areas through academia, and Tsakalakis is a leader in employing tech into legal marketing, making the most out of any firm. No matter what area of the legal world your career leads you to, knowing how to network and market effectively is vital to your success. What’s frightening is how many lawyers, across the field, say “tech competence” isn’t relevant. Not only is it relevant, it’s table stakes. If you aren’t confident of your firm’s – or your own – tech know-how, the ABA Techshow can open your eyes, open new pathways, and help you better serve your clients. Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
Not everyone who graduates from law school ends up practicing law. There are many little corners of the legal world.
The upcoming ABA Techshow is your gateway to catching up and latching on to the latest in legal tech AND building your network.
Gyi offers listeners some advice on how to start thinking about marketing, even from a young point in one’s career.
Guest Joanne Martin is an inspiration to anyone considering a career change later in life. She’s a family law attorney in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. While she vigorously represents her clients, she strives to create a respectful and collaborative environment when settling family law issues, including divorce and separation, especially when children are involved. Martin had a successful career in film and television, as well as a husband and four children, when she returned to school to earn her law degree. It can be done. Second careers do happen. After law school and working with a firm, Martin launched her solo practice, Align Family Law. Hear how she built a firm based on her values and understanding of the family dynamic, striving to help divorcing clients work toward respectful solutions. She also offers valuable insights into how she set up her office, built a website, developed written content, selected practice management software, developed a transparent pricing model, and learned to establish virtual video client consultations that work. As a bonus, even established solo practitioners may pick up some tips from Martin’s innovative approach to initial consultations, client intake, retainers, and avoiding potential conflicts. Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
Later-in-life career changes can and do happen. Hear from an attorney who went to law school and established a solo practice after building a family and a successful career.
A thorough, honest intake process not only keeps potential clients from wasting time, but also helps you weed out clients who may not appreciate your values and approach.
Plus, learn why you should NOT buy Microsoft 365 through a third party, such as GoDaddy (you may need a pro to undo that misstep).
Mentioned in This Episode: New Solo, “A Short Primer on Microsoft Accounts, OneDrive, and SharePoint”
Still think your small or solo practice can go it alone without a client relationship platform (CRM)? Maybe you don’t have all the facts. From intake to holiday cards to referrals and repeat business, learn how a CRM propels your practice. Guest Matt Siegel is a serial entrepreneur, attorney, and the CEO of Lawmatics. He believes that a good CRM should free information from “data prisons,” integrate client onboarding, track client data, build relationships, and even manage holiday greetings and follow-ups. It’s all about automation and flexibility, freeing attorneys to do what they do best: practice law. Stop thinking about being a law firm and start thinking about being a business. You do law, a CRM does client management. Don’t miss this episode. Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
A CRM isn’t just for big firms. Solo and small firms can get a big boost from an affordable platform.
Even after the case is closed, relationships matter. From repeat business to referrals, it’s about staying in touch.
The smallest details, like sending holiday cards, gobble up valuable, billable hours. Why not have a management system simplify and speed up those tasks?
Guest Ana "Ani" P. Rodriguez-Newbern is a “do-gooder,” a Florida lawyer dedicated to service both to the state of Florida and to the public good. She serves on multiple legal committees while her small family firm, Tangel-Rodriguez & Associates, represents the Florida Department of Revenue in child support matters. She shares how working with both her mother and brother blends every aspect of professional and family life. (Not to mention, her father is a retired judge). Rodriguez-Newbern’s firm has only one client, the State of Florida, through a contract for the past 30 years. The firm specializes in child support cases in Orange County, Florida, working for the state on behalf of residents receiving public assistance. The state contract makes up the firm’s entire book of business. Interested in a government contract? Both city and state websites are a good place to look, as well as networking to learn when contracts may be coming up. Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
Learn about how a small, family, firm has prospered for 30 years with just one client: the State of Florida.
Working in a firm with family members can be a challenge, but it can be rewarding as well. Family and professional life blend into one.
Small, niche firms can always find ways to integrate technology, even if that’s at a careful, slow pace.
Guest Levi Barlavi is a “niche practice” solo attorney, focusing on the needs of medical providers. He started his own practice just three years after law school, and, yes, it can be done. But being a solo, no matter how good you are, requires insights into the available legal tech tools, and it’s OK to ask for help. They don’t teach you this stuff in law school. So how did Barlavi grow a solo practice, learn to plan, create a vision, and incorporate tech and marketing? Hear how networking, curiosity, conferences, public speaking, and following his passion helped Barlavi develop a practice that excites him and grows by the year. As Barlavi says, get personal, go outside your comfort zone, dive into social media, and “exercise your boldness.” Got questions or ideas? Don’t forget to hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
Guest Levi Barlavi shares how he followed his passion as a solo practitioner and found a unique niche in healthcare services.
Get outside your comfort zone and express your personality through public speaking, networking, and social media.
Hear how sharing information and being open to conversations builds your reputation, your brand, and your practice.
Mentioned in This Episode: Clio Legal Tech Toastmasters Allison Shields and Dennis Kennedy, “Make LinkedIn Work For You,”
Clio, the legal tech services giant, provides options that can help firms comply with federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance. As many lawyers know – or come to learn – healthcare information can be a third rail. HIPAA regulations create unique knots to untangle when you get anywhere near sensitive healthcare information. What’s a HIPAA “covered entity,” and how does it affect responsibilities for health records, data protection, and sharing? What level of security and encryption are required? And how do new HITECH act vendor data handling regulations affect you? If you’re representing doctors buying or selling a practice, or representing a nursing home or health provider, it can get messy in a minute. Attorneys can struggle to comply with all the regulations. But incorporating a comprehensive, firm-wide compliance tech solution can help. (Plus, learn how to stop misspelling HIPAA, because we’ve all done it). Got questions or ideas? Don’t forget to hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
Guest Joshua Lenon, lawyer and data protection officer at Clio, explains how tech solutions can help lawyers meet HIPAA healthcare data requirements.
HIPAA regs can sneak into all sorts of legal work, including the buying and selling of medical practices or a medical malpractice case.
…and HIPAA regs are constantly evolving. Are you keeping up?
Additional Resources: HIPAA HITECH Act What is PHI Clio Clio and HIPAA Clio HIPAA add-on cost Standard Fusion Clio Cloud Conference Clio Twitter
Longtime friend of Legal Talk Network Carolyn Elefant – author, mentor, blogger, and solo practitioner – joins host Adriana Linares with a huge update to her hit book “Solo by Choice.” Get a one-stop-shop overview for any new solo practitioner. The pandemic, social media, online content, and business generation trends are shaking the legal practice bedrock. The online conferencing and virtual offices of the pandemic are challenging the need for a formal office. Billing practices and options are shifting. Virtual assistants and freelancers are the norm. Clients are looking to new sources for attorneys. Of course, you still need paying clients. Hear ideas on how to fully commit to your practice, find your niche, and build business from day one. Plus, business practice requirements, customer relationship programs, insurance, licensing, cybersecurity, and legal tech software. There’s no better time for new solo practitioners to ask for what they want – and get it. What’s ahead for the legal profession? Got questions or ideas? Don’t forget to hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics:
Guest, lawyer and author Carolyn Elefant shares tips for the modern era from her newly revised book, “Solo By Choice.”
All you need to know about starting a solo or small practices, from software to cybersecurity.
What’s new for the legal profession in a post-pandemic world?
New Insights Veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm. Question 4: “How do I get my dad to be open to change when his favorite phrase is ‘We do it that way because that’s the way we’ve always done it’” Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
At last! The anticipated Windows and Windows 365 tech episode with Adam Alexander, IT solutions guru and president of InterNetwork IT. Together, they answer all those questions you’ve messaged and tweeted in the past months. We’re getting into the nitty gritty. Learn what’s available and find solutions to problems that seem unsolvable. Don’t settle for “good enough!” Topics:
Adriana and Adam dive deep into all things Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and more.
Make access to your data more organized, safer, and easier for your employees or coworkers to share.
Plus, your questions about all things Microsoft. You asked, we answered.
New Insights In our series New Insights, veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from Birmingham, Alabama, new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm. Question 3: “My Dad keeps saying ‘I’m a dinosaur, I don’t need to learn anything new.’ How do I convince him that he’s not too old or too settled to learn new skills that will improve the way we work together?” Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
Guest Tom L. Drew is a longtime attorney in Des Moines, Iowa. He reached out to New Solo and host Adriana Linares for help modernizing his practice and getting the most out of today’s tech. Drew is comfortable with computers, but he’s always looking for newer, better, more efficient methods. As a long-time paperless operation, Drew’s office was in a good place when it went remote during the COVID-19 pandemic. As his office went to a work-from-home environment, Drew was quick to incorporate training sessions and provide the necessary tools to help his team set up comfortable, efficient home offices. He found that money spent on tech is money well spent, and speed and efficiency matters more than cost. Hear how Drew upgraded software and replaced an on-site server with the cloud for a faster, on-the-go setup. Still unsure about cloud technology, OneDrive, Office 365, remote access, and document sharing? Learn how and where these pieces fit in a modern office. Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com. Topics:
Guest Tom Drew, longtime solo practitioner, talks about his recent tech makeover and moving from a server to the cloud.
It’s not about cost, it’s about productivity and efficiency.
In today’s work-from-home environment, being able to collaborate, schedule, and share information is more important than ever. Tech isn’t only for new solos, it’s for established firms too.
New Insights In our series New Insights, veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm. Question 2: “I work on cases with my Dad. In the South, it is uncommon to address your parents by their first name. How should I introduce myself and explain our relationship to new clients while being respectful of my Dad and not undermining myself as a new attorney?" Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
Guest attorney Ruth Carter is nothing if not transparent. A client’s failure to plan should not be a cause for crisis to an attorney! Carter talks openly and honestly with host Adriana Linares about being clear with clients. Tell them your rates up front, even put them on your website. And set “rush rates” for any work that suddenly pops up, it sets expectations and encourages clients to think ahead and plan accordingly. Is your firm incorporating “rush rates” into client contracts? Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.
Topics:
Using simple, plain language to help clients understand what they are signing and what they are accomplishing.
It’s OK to be transparent about your rates and that those rates increase when a matter is suddenly urgent!
Being honest about what you do and what clients should expect.
New Insights In a brand-new series of New Insights, veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in her small family-owned firm. Question 1: “My dad has given me a lot of freedom to redesign all the firm’s systems. How do I present my ideas without having him reject all of my plans?” Got a question or suggestion? newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
In an innovative and self-care focused episode, host Adriana Linares talks with author, professor, attorney and self-proclaimed “poster child of introversion and shyness” Heidi Brown. Hear how she learned to succeed in the high-pressure atmosphere of legal practice. Learn to untangle your communication traits and internal turmoil. Listen to your mind – and your body – and understand your strengths and abilities. If you struggle to speak up, to confidently share your ideas, or understand how you process information and energy, you are not alone. Brown, author of “The Introverted Lawyer: A Seven-Step Journey Toward Authentically Empowered Advocacy” and “Untangling Fear in Lawyering: A Four-Step Journey Toward Powerful Advocacy,” delves into the feelings of stress and anxiety that can hold us back. Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com. Topics: – It’s OK to be introverted or shy as a lawyer. Acceptance can help you work through your unique challenges. – Understand feelings of stress and anxiety (and the difference between being shy and being an introvert). – Just like any professional athlete or performer, you can seek outside help, coaching, mentoring, and other services to help you be your best. Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
Lift your practice by lifting others. Host Adriana Linares talks with attorney and community leader Eugene Pettis about how his lifelong commitment to community service built his brand and his business. Pettis, the first African American president of The Florida Bar, made a conscious effort to carve out time for giving back, leading literacy and education efforts and fostering open, honest communication while seeking solutions. Public service builds connections, brand, and ultimately business. “We’re on this earth to do better by others,” he says. But don’t forget, a business doesn’t build itself. Be bold. Pettis, who has represented Fortune 100 companies including ExxonMobil and Starbucks, says he’s never shied from approaching even the biggest potential clients. Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com. Topics:
Service above self. Know the value of community service and helping others.
If you see a problem, solve it. If you have a good idea, act. Community involvement builds your brand.
Be bold. Don’t shy from approaching the biggest potential clients.
New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank
Veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland answers questions from new solo Stephanie Larenas
Question 4/4: “I am so nervous about putting myself out there. What are some tips you can give me about doing it confidently?”
Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
If you’re starting or running a solo or small law practice (or even working in a larger firm), it’s important to remember you are not out there on your own. The ABA Law Practice Division (ABA LP) is loaded with resources to help you succeed and grow your business. ABA LP Chair Heidi Barcus and Vice Chair Mary Vandenack join host Adriana Linares for a deep dive into the four pillars of success: marketing, management, finance, and tech (not to mention your own well-being). Learn what resources are available for you. Membership in the ABA LP includes access to all the books, mentoring, meetings, fellowship, and support of the ABA LP. For anything you want to know about the practice of law, the ABA LP is the place to go. Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Want to share some insights? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com. Topics:
You don’t have to go it alone when starting or running your solo or small law practice.
The ABA LP is loaded with resources including committees and publications on running a successful law practice.
Learn the four pillars of a successful business: Marketing, management, finance, and technology. And don’t forget your own well-being.
New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank Veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland answers questions from new solo Stephanie Larenas: Question 3/4: “As a new lawyer, what are some red flags I should watch for in potential new clients?” Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
After passing the bar, attorney Cassandra Michel knew she wanted to open her own family law practice, Aloha Divorce, focusing on amicable divorces and family law. Adriana dives into how a new lawyer can open a successful practice as she walks through the process of establishing a brand, creating a business plan, and networking. Choosing the right tech, deciding on using a home office, shared office, or standalone brick and mortar? Marketing? Sponsorships? Referrals? Even learning to efficiently block off time and learning how to say “no” when the client isn’t the right fit. It’s all part of getting out there and going solo. Yes, you can. Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition. Got a question? Want to share some insights? Contact us now at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.
Topics:
Get organized before you open the door. Understand your brand, your goals, and even yourself.
Home office, virtual practice, shared workspace, or standalone office. What’s right for you?
Choosing and using the tech you need. Learn how a new solo practitioner balanced the right tech at the right price.
Using time blocks to efficiently manage your time.
New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank
Veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland answers questions from new solo Stephanie Larenas:
Question 2/4: "How to pick your niche in an ever-more diversified market?"
Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
Mentioned this episode:
Little Miss Notary: https://littlemissnotary.com/ Clio Grow vs. Clio Manage: https://support.clio.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016373814-What-is-The-Difference-Between-Clio-Manage-Clio-Grow-And-Clio-Suite- Lawyaw: https://www.lawyaw.com/ LawPay: https://www.lawpay.com/ Google Workspace: https://workspace.google.com/ Microsoft Office 365: https://www.office.com/ Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/ WordRake: https://www.wordrake.com/ PerfectIt: https://intelligentediting.com/ LawClerk.Legal: https://www.lawclerk.legal/
In a special episode of New Solo, legal tech whiz Adriana Linares tackles a topic that baffles many legal practitioners: the dreaded Microsoft suite of services. What do you really need and what are you missing? Many lawyers jumped into Microsoft’s 365 universe during the pandemic. Sharing files and working collaboratively from home is appealing, but there’s a lot to learn about the array of products. OneDrive? SharePoint? Secure document sharing? Learn the difference between personal and private accounts and how to juggle them. Stop paying too much and wasting time in this confusing – but often vital – suite of services (hint: none of us want the $5 monthly service). And yes, it’s OK to ask for professional help; a little instruction doesn’t have to be expensive and pays off in the long run. And we begin another New Insights series as veteran attorney Liz McCausland offers new solo Stephanie Larenas three suggestions for growing a new practice. Have insights, tips, inspiration to share? Want to be a guest on the New Solo podcast? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com. Topics:
The evolution of Microsoft’s 365 suite of products.
The difference between private and professional accounts and how to leverage them for efficient office management.
Pricing options, security, and your practice’s needs. What’s enough? What’s too much?
New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank
New series: Former therapist turned personal injury attorney Stephanie Larenas talks with veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland.
Liz offers insights for new solos building their business. Overhead? Branding? Networking?
Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
Guest: Kimberley Felton is an immigration attorney, consultant, and supermom and the founder of virtual immigration law firm Onward Immigration and consulting firm Innovation Litigation.
Shortly after law school, Kimberley Felton found herself struggling with all the things they don’t teach: How to manage time, clients, and family. She knew there had to be a better way. Unfulfilled in disorganized settings and fighting to find meaning in her new profession, she taught herself to incorporate available technologies that let her serve the clients she is passionate about while spending quality time with her husband and two children. Felton discovered she wasn’t alone and now helps other attorneys break free from “the way we’ve always done it” by embracing tech and project management platforms to build a better work/life balance and a more efficient, rewarding practice. Topics:
What you need to know … that they don’t teach in law school
Leveraging technology to manage clients and cases
Treating each case like a project and incorporating project management techniques
Resources:
Above The Law, “A Better Way: How Motherhood Changed My Perspective of the Legal Field & What I’m Doing to Change It,” Kimberley Felton, May 13, 2021
Afterpattern
CampLegal
Lawclerk
New Insights (brought to you by Nota):
Veteran practitioner Starlett Massey answers litigation associate Melanie Kalmanson’s question.
Question 4 of 4: “Do you think remote proceedings will continue post-pandemic?”
Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. Have insights, tips, inspiration to share? Want to be a guest on the New Solo podcast? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.
Guest Marie Stockton is an estate planning lawyer laser-focused on making sure her clients understand what they’re signing. She’s mastering document prep tools to assure they have the look and feel that encourages reading and comprehension. Topics:
Making the shift from WordPerfect to Microsoft Word
Paying attention to the little things, like fonts
Designing and creating styles for formatting
Complex numbering for document accuracy
Resources:
Matthew Butterick, Typography for Lawyers
Debora Savatra, Legal Office Guru
Barron Henley, Affinity Consulting
Mark Unger, Muse Legal
YouTube
Lynda/LinkedIn Learning
New Insights (brought to you by Nota):
Veteran practitioner Starlett Massey answers litigation associate Melanie Kalmanson’s question.
Question 3 of 4: “What are three things you would like to see changed in the legal profession?”
Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
Brand new solo Dean Blachford binged New Solo’s episodes before launching his practice. He offers a crash course featuring standout episodes.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
Solo Rachel Allums earned her law practice chops running a firm before joining the bar, and her estate planning practice is all the better.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.
How new solos Taly Goody and Michelle Fonseca-Kamana create videos for social media that attract clients and referrals.
When one can practice almost anywhere, why not Puerto Rico? Sarah de Deigo leapt even before the pandemic popularized these wholesale moves.
Business consultant Peggy Gruenke explains what happens when solo and small firms don’t have their financial houses in order.
With an updated format and new segment, Adriana Linares takes listeners behind the scenes of a firm’s migration to the cloud.
Marketing expert Seth Godin and Jack Newton discuss niche practices and how lawyers can be the ‘one and only’ in a crowded field.
Guest Jonathan Greenblatt shares four tips for building a successful legal career, even when you’re not in the job you expected.
Having launched as a solo just a year ago, Kelly Roberts shares tips that made her practice profitable by month two.
Lawclerk co-founder Greg Garman expounds on how the pandemic, aka, the tech enlightenment period, opened doors for lawyers and legal business.
Digital marketing expert Jason Marsh explains how internet ad campaigns work in concert with a firm’s client intake process.
Legal marketing expert Conrad Saam demystifies online marketing with no-nonsense tips about SEO, choosing a URL, and hiring a marketer.
Dennis Kennedy and Allison Shields share their insights on effective LinkedIn use from their book, “Make LinkedIn Work for You: A Practical Guide for Lawyers and Other Legal Professionals.”
Jill Epstein and Keith Fisher share insights on how they transitioned the San Diego County Bar Association to work remotely.
Adriana Linares and Brett Burney offer tips and recommendations for remote work tools and services.
David Holmes, Henry Herrman, and Greg Lambert offer guidance for establishing remote legal practice.
Ernie Svenson discusses how his work with attorneys helps them use their time better and get more meaningful clients.
Early blockchain co-inventor Scortt Stornetta and IBM’s Shawnna Hoffman discuss the past, present, and future of blockchain. Learn how this technology is already impacting your life.
Kristin Rizzo describes her journey from a large law firm to solo practice to mediation
Daniel Whitehouse guides lawyers in the process of choosing secure, ethically compliant cloud services.
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares talks to Marco Brown about his eight Commandments for Getting Paid.
Amanda Moore, CPA, shares tips on how to manage your practice’s finances and your bookkeeper as well as keeping yourself off the IRS’ radar.
Liz McCausland shares some of the professional and personal services she uses to improve both her work life and her personal life.
David Leatherberry talks about how healthcare law led him to start his solo firm, his experience in the legal industry and his current passion to help behavioral health practitioners with their legal needs.
Host Adriana Linares sits down with Renée Thompson, mediator and member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors, to discuss what tools enable her to accomplish her goals, to review her accomplishments during her time on numerous bar committees, and to look forward towards her planned run for Florida Bar president (and why being a solo practitioner is an asset for the role).
Adriana Linares hosts solo lawyers and married couple Renee and Phil Stackhouse. They discuss their individual careers and delve into how they manage their personal lives as a couple and as parents. They go on to discuss how they manage their practices from a business perspective, from office space to legal technology to financial matters. In their final segment, Renee and Phil talk about their work in military law, describing the types of matters they deal with and highlighting interesting cases.
There are so many unknowns when starting a new law practice – what should and shouldn’t new solos do when first striking out on their own? In this episode, host Adriana Linares talks to solo/small lawyers Paige Greenlee and Brittany Maxey-Fisher about their career experiences. They discuss what led them to decide to go out on their own and what strategies they have used to grow their practices. They offer tips for solos on technology, practice management, networking, organic marketing, hiring, and more.
Lawyers, if you’re looking for a new tech product or don’t know what you might be missing, tune in for some great ideas. In this episode, host Adriana Linares talks to Neil Squillante of TechnoLawyer about TL NewsWire’s top 25 products awards. The top-25 list, determined by reader interest, gives a wide-ranging look at the most useful and sought-after tech products and services for the legal industry.
Engaging with your clients from start to finish (and beyond) can boost your firm’s success. In this episode, host Adriana Linares talks to Matt Spiegel, co-founder and CEO of Lawmatics, about the software solutions they offer lawyers for streamlining the processes of customer relationship management. From intake to automated marketing — focusing on a good client experience helps lawyers grow their revenue.
Solo lawyers face a demanding but rewarding profession. Host Adriana Linares talks to a panel of solo attorneys about their diverse career experiences. They discuss the many challenges of being a solo lawyer and offer practical guidance to solos on a variety of topics including: mentorship, choosing (or not choosing) office space, building independence, developing fee agreements, technology, self-care, and much more.
Solo lawyers face a demanding but rewarding profession. Host Adriana Linares talks to a panel of solo attorneys about their diverse career experiences. They discuss the many challenges of being a solo lawyer and offer practical guidance to solos on a variety of topics including: mentorship, choosing (or not choosing) office space, building independence, developing fee agreements, technology, self-care, and much more.
Jake Heller highlights the benefits of the affordable legal research tool, Casetext. He describes why Casetext is an affordable and effective alternative to the major legal research products on the market. In this episode of New Solo, Heller and Adriana Linares discuss how Casetext’s artificial technology software, known as CARA, works.
One of our listeners has decided to launch his own solo practice. Host Adriana Linares talks to Taylor Darcy about what made him want to go solo and the technology that has helped make his practice successful. They discuss integrating automated systems and how the tools he uses allows him to focus on the important things while technology takes care of the rest.
A chatbot is a form of artificial intelligence software that can participate in conversation and websites use them to engage with site viewers. Host Adriana Linares talks to Tom Martin about how small firm lawyers can implement chatbots on their own websites. They discuss how the technology works and address some of the common hesitations lawyers have when considering the use of a chatbot.
If you’ve ever wondered about using freelance lawyers and the process involved, this may be the episode for you. Host Adriana Linares talks to Greg Garman about New Solo’s new sponsor Lawclerk and what it offers to solo and small firm lawyers. They discuss how posting and responding to projects works within Lawclerk and address common ethical and practical questions lawyers have about using the site.
Host Adriana Linares and co-host Jack Newton talk to Renee Thompson and Zack Zuroweste about how law firms can prepare for and recover from natural disasters. They discuss switching to the cloud in order to eliminate the loss of physical files, ensuring your backups are actually saving everything you need, and the ability to be mobile and take your office with you in a pinch.
You don’t have to have a physical office to be a lawyer. Host Adriana Linares talks to Greg McLawsen about the lifestyle of the nomadic attorney. Greg shares how he decided to wander the globe and how he built his law firm around his desire to travel. He also discusses the technology that enables him to run a mobile law office, from chatbots to visual project management.
Starting your own solo practice in a competitive area is hard enough; raising five kids while running your business is even harder. Host Adriana Linares talks to Bill Galione about how he combined research, personal interest, and passion to establish a niche within personal injury law. He also shares how he balances caring for five kids on top of his solo practice, which could potentially qualify as another kid.
In December 2015, Barbara Leach shared how she managed to split office resources without causing office drama. Adriana Linares talks to Barbara about how to effectively separate after sharing an office with another firm. She also shares tips on hiring and what she does to create a supportive and creative work environment for her coworkers.
Laptops are kind of like that greener grass; they always look shinier in someone else’s hands. But switching around your technology, whether it’s transitioning to using Macs or deciding to use a tablet, could be more work than you think. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Joe Patrice talk about what it really looks like to switch from Windows to Mac and the advantages and disadvantages of using tablets for your business. Sprinkled into their conversation are tips about buying new tech tools, switching to the cloud, and where you can find small firm content on Above The Law. Joe Patrice is an Editor at Above the Law where, for him, making snide remarks about other lawyers is at least as fulfilling as motion practice. Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney.
Microsoft Word has a feature specifically for creating a table of authorities but many are still intimidated when it comes to using the software. In this episode of New Solo, Legal Office Guru Deborah Savadra joins host Adriana Linares to explain the details of creating tables of authority in Word. They review everything from dialog boxes and categories to styles and pagination. They also discuss the complaints they hear the most and the easiest ways for lawyers to save time and prevent mistakes while using Word’s tables of authority software. Deborah Savadra, over the course of her career, has worked in law offices as a legal secretary, paralegal, and technology “fixer upper.” Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney.
Email marketing can be a very valuable tool for solo lawyers. But how can you make your newsletter stand out from spam and competition? In this episode of New Solo recorded at the 2017 Clio Cloud Conference, host Adriana Linares and guest host Liz McCausland talk to Andrew LeGrand about the ins and outs of using newsletters as a marketing strategy. They discuss things like open rates, tracking referrals, and how to make newsletter content relevant and interesting. They also briefly cover blogging and how to use your blog to effectively reuse content you already have. Andrew Legrand is the founding partner at Spera Law Group, LLC, a cloud and paperless law firm in New Orleans, Louisiana. Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney.
As a lawyer, you write a lot. Whether it’s a contract, report, proposal, or even just a long email, your writing needs to be professional and clear of errors. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Ivy Grey and Daniel Heuman of Intelligent Editing’s PerfectIt about the editing services that their product offers and how it helps lawyers on a daily basis. They also discuss the importance of technology competence for lawyers and share their favorite apps and tips to saving time and effort in your business. Ivy B. Grey is the author of “American Legal Style for PerfectIt,” and is a senior attorney at Griffin Hamersky LLP. Daniel Heuman developed PerfectIt, an add-in for MS Word that finds mistakes that spelling and grammar checkers can’t find. Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney.
If you’ve ever experienced frustration with Microsoft Word or other word processors, you’re in luck. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares and guest Allan Mackenzie go in depth about how to use Microsoft Word effectively, including tips and tricks you can put into practice before the podcast ends. They cover keyboard shortcuts, setting defaults, and how to set up the quick access toolbar to meet your specific needs. Allan Mackenzie is a 25-year veteran of the legal technology world. His experience ranges from that of a former night-shift word processor to a Wall Street IT director with a specialty in litigation technology. Microsoft Word Tips for Legal Professionals from LawTech Partners on Vimeo. Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney.
Lawyers are often hesitant to set up a practice in a rural area because they believe it will be difficult to find enough clients and sustain a business, but this isn’t necessarily true. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Jeff Alford about why he chose to set up shop in small-town Kentucky and what technology he uses to help his practice thrive. They also discuss Ernie Svenson’s Small Firm Boot Camp and why conferences are important even for those who run in smaller circles. Jeffery Alford is the owner of and attorney at Alford Law Office. Jeff has tried numerous divorce, custody, civil and criminal cases to final judgment or verdict. Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney.
In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares, along with guest Todd Smith, cover a wide range of topics, including bar association benefits, outsourcing IT support, and transitioning from large firms to solo practices. While discussing these subjects, they dive into the relevant technology and software that will help your own solo or small firm thrive. This includes full desktop search tools, wireless scanners, and video conferencing software. Todd Smith is a civil appellate lawyer based in Austin, Texas. He launched the predecessor to Smith Law Group LLLP in 2006 after practicing for nearly a decade with Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney.
“Solo” may be part of the title when you’re starting your own solo legal career, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to JoAnn Holmes about the resources she uses to make her solo law firm successful. Some of these resources include communication tools and automation software. She also shares advice for fellow new solos about allocating resources and not working alone. JoAnn Holmes is the founder of HOLMES@LAW and a business, tech, and intellectual property attorney.
Microsoft products assist lawyers daily in document review and communication. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Ben Schorr, senior content developer at Microsoft, about the different tools Microsoft provides and how they lend themselves to a successful law firm. Their conversation includes Microsoft Office 365, OneDrive, and Outlook. They also discuss resources you can use to learn even more about Microsoft products. Ben Schorr is a Senior Content Developer at Microsoft. He was a Microsoft MVP for more than 19 years and involved with management and technology for more than 25. Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney
Law schools are gradually catching on, but not a lot of lawyers emerge from law school ready to start their own business, which is what starting a practice is. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Matthew Moeller, owner of the Moeller Firm, about how he started his practice, what technology he’s using, and how his business experience has helped him. He also talks about the upsides and downsides of a shared office space and why he ended up moving to his own suite. Matthew Moeller is the owner of the Moeller Firm LLC where he represents shipyards, vessel owners and operators, contractors, and other maritime businesses.
Taking the plunge into solo practice can be intimidating. Maybe even downright terrifying. But it doesn’t have to be. This is part 2 of the New Solo episode in which host Adriana Linares talks to Rose-Ellen Fairgrieve, Tony Chiosso, and Albert Thuesen about their experiences running their own solo law firms and advice for those thinking about doing the same. Their tips and tricks range from scanners they use in the office to marketing techniques and social media. Whether you are looking for experience with video conferencing software or finding a solo community, these experts have you covered. Rose-Ellen Fairgrieve has been a practicing attorney in the public and private sector for nearly 20 years. She has owned Fairgrieve Law since 2013. Albert Thuesen is the principal of Coit Law Group (CLG), founded in 2014 in San Francisco. CLG is a full service civil practice, focusing on handling litigation claims on behalf of individuals, families, and local business clientele. Tony Chiosso recently started his own firm, Chiosso Law. He has represented clients in a variety of transactional, consulting and litigation matters throughout his career. Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney.
Nothing encourages the jump into starting a solo practice than the advice of those who have already done it. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Rose-Ellen Fairgrieve, Tony Chiosso, and Albert Thuesen at the Bar Association of San Francisco’s first annual Solo and Small Firm Conference. Together they discuss their own solo experiences, focusing on how they started and what it took to grow as a firm. They also talk about the tech they use, like Google Voice, GoDaddy, and Ruby Receptionists, and the importance of researching these products that could save you time and money. Rose-Ellen Fairgrieve has been a practicing attorney in the public and private sector for nearly 20 years. She has owned Fairgrieve Law since 2013. Albert Thuesen is the principal of Coit Law Group (CLG), founded in 2014 in San Francisco. CLG is a full service civil practice, focusing on handling litigation claims on behalf of individuals, families, and local business clientele. Tony Chiosso recently started his own firm, Chiosso Law. He has represented clients in a variety of transactional, consulting and litigation matters throughout his career. Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, PerfectIt, and Unbundled Attorney.
The market is changing for law firms. A majority of clients cannot afford full representation as it traditionally functions. Recently, attorneys have been adjusting or “unbundling” their services to make them more affordable, a process also known as limited scope representation. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares discusses unbundled legal services with Dave Aarons, CEO of Unbundled Attorney, a company that works with attorneys who offer these types of services. In their discussion, Adriana and Dave cover what unbundled legal services are, whether they are accepted by courts everywhere, and the ideal logistics behind law firms that offer these services. They also raise the subject of lowering initial retainer prices and adopting a pay-as-you-go system. The thought is, communicating affordable options to potential clients could be what keeps your clients from walking away from full representation. Dave Aarons is the co-founder and CEO of Unbundled Attorney, a lead generation company that works exclusively with attorneys that offer unbundled legal services, also known as limited scope or discrete task representation. Special thanks to our sponsors, Solo Practice University, Clio, Answer1, and PerfectIt.
Starting a new practice can be intimidating and many attorneys never take the leap towards owning their own firm. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with Cahill-IP, PLLC Founder Amy Sullivan Cahill about her journey and how podcasts helped her gain the courage to start her own firm. Amy Cahill is founder of Cahill-IP, a law firm based out of Louisville, KY. Her practice focuses on trademark and copyright litigation, advertising review, trademark prosecution, trade secret counseling and litigation, licensing, and transactional matters. Special thanks to our sponsors, Solo Practice University, Clio, and Answer1.
Deciding to leave a large law firm is a challenging decision and can often leave an attorney questioning what the future holds. It can be even more intimidating starting your own solo law firm during such a tumultuous time. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with Cade Law LLC owner Nate Cade about his experiences leaving a large law firm and starting his own solo practice. Nate Cade is the owner of Cade Law LLC, which he started on March 1, 2013. Prior to forming his own law firm, Nate was a partner and the general counsel in a large multi-office law firm and previously a partner for 15 years at one of the largest firms in Milwaukee. Special thanks to our sponsors, Solo Practice University and Clio.
Many attorneys are reluctant to try alternative billing methods because they fear that moving away from the billable hour will be complicated and less profitable. Furthermore, lawyers who are interested in billing alternatives often don’t know where to find resources to help them implement such changes in their own law firms. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with Vandenack Weaver LLC founder Mary Vandenack about her six simple steps for any lawyer looking to successfully implement alternative billing methods in their law practice. Special thanks to our sponsors, Solo Practice University and Clio.
In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with Vandenack Weaver LLC founder Mary Vandenack about lawyers using alternative billing models. Mary defines alternative billing as any way of charging for a law firm's services that isn’t the billable hour and talks about her experiences breaking away from a large firm and starting her own. She shares an interaction with a client that led her to consider alternative fees and explains that a common fear among lawyers when discussing alternative billing is under charging for your services. Mary advises attorneys to analyze their process, break those methods down into pieces, and to then price those pieces accordingly. She provides examples of different styles of alternative billing and closes the interview with an analysis of their pros and cons.
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares talks with Adams and Reese LLP Partner Jeff Richardson about publishing his blog “iPhone J.D.” and his tip for lawyers using Apple mobile products. Jeff opens the interview with a brief history of his occupational past and talks about his New Orleans upbringing. He states that his law practice focuses on class action and complex litigation typically representing defendants when they are sued and that half of his work is appellate practice for all sorts of clients. His firm operated on both Macs and PCs at one time but decided to become a PC-only firm in the early 2000s. As a long time Mac user in both his personal and professional life, Jeff started his blog in 2008, focusing on discussing the different ways attorneys can use Apple mobile technology in their law practices and firms. He notes that all tech today is complicated and emphasizes how learning the little things about a device can make people both happy and productive. Jeff covers the top 3 questions lawyers ask him about Apple mobile platforms and goes in depth on the importance of choosing the right size of product for your everyday legal needs. He closes the interview with his list of the 6 apps that lawyers can’t live without and a few examples of how he uses mobile devices in the courtroom. Jeff Richardson focuses on class action and complex litigation, but also devotes a large portion of his practice to appellate litigation. He has defended numerous clients in high-stakes product liability litigation and publishes “iPhone J.D.,” a website for attorneys who use iPhones and iPads that has been named to the ABA Journal Blawg Hall of Fame. Jeff received his J.D. with high honors from Georgetown University Law Center in 1994, and earned his B.A. with highest honors from Emory University in 1991. Special thanks to our sponsors, Solo Practice University and Clio.
Client Relationship Management, or CRM, is a strategy implemented in business to maintain effective knowledge about and connections with your current, previous, and potential clients. Using technology, employees are able to nurture relationships with their clients by tracking conversions and setting notifications. But many lawyers, especially solos and small firm lawyers, aren’t using CRMs; they don’t know the potential value of these systems or even what they are. So why should attorneys bother learning about CRMs? In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares discusses CRMs with Michael Chasin, co-founder and CEO of Lexicata, a law firm CRM and client intake software. Michael talks about the foundation of Lexicata and how it has helped many lawyers find and convert leads. He then explains how CRMs can help solo and small firm lawyers with client intake as well as marketing. By touching base with potential clients, we can create a positive, brag-worthy experience. In this way, clients will return with future legal needs and can also become great referral sources. Michael discusses how the right CRM can automate a significant part of this process, making your client feel attended to without taking up too much of your time. He finishes the podcast by talking about how lawyers should go about choosing the right CRM to build a foundation for the future of their solo practices. Michael Chasin is CEO of Lexicata, a CRM and client intake software designed to help law firms and lawyers increase client satisfaction. Michael is also co-founder of both LawKick.com and Lexicata.com. He has his B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina, and his J.D./M.B.A. from Loyola Law School. Special thanks to our sponsors, Solo Practice University and Clio.
Starting your own law firm can be a daunting task for any solo attorney. What new trends will help you manage your practice and how can you harness available technology to better communicate with your clients? In this episode of The New Solo, host Adriana Linares speaks with Clio CEO Jack Newton, who shares what he believes are two big trends in practice management. Jack discusses client portals and lists the benefits, such as document management and security, that having a collaborative way to communicate directly with your clients provides. He analyzes the advantages that leveraging this technology gives law firms and the convenience it provides lawyers and consumers of legal services. He also talks about campaign tracking which enables law firms to track their marketing channels and determine what kind of return on investment they are receiving from those endeavors. Jack briefly touches on the 2016 Clio Cloud Conference and says this year’s event will focus on helping lawyers take their practices to the next level by embracing the cloud. Special thanks to our sponsors, Solo Practice University and Clio.
As attorneys graduate and head into the legal marketplace, or leave a law firm to start a solo practice, it can be hard to know where to find resources with tips on starting your new career. What are the most important things that a newly solo practitioner should know? What are some best practices for lawyers just starting out in the field? In this episode of The New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with the ABA TECHSHOW 2017 Planning Board to provide need to know advice for newly solo attorneys. This year’s TECHSHOW board consists of Barbara Leach Law PL. Managing Attorney Barbara Leach, Avvo Director of Industry Relations Dan Lear, O’Melveny & Myers Senior Manager of Technology and Development Ivan Hemmans, and Downey Law Group LLC. Founder Michael Downey. Michael emphasizes that small firms and solo attorneys should focus heavily on their cash flow. Dan states that legal professionals can view their businesses through three different mediums, the balance sheet, income statements, or cash flow. The amount of money coming in each month (and how you pay your expenses) is very relevant to the survival of a new business. Barbara encourages solo lawyers to establish their brand immediately and really determine what type of lawyer they’d like to be and what type of clients they’d like to attract. Michael accentuates the amount of credibility strong branding provides to a new attorney and gives insights into the steps he took to create his own brand. Ivan discusses the necessity of thoroughly learning Microsoft Word and the benefits of document organization. The group then closes the interview with an analysis of basic tech competencies, like email management, that all attorneys should master. Ivan Hemmans is the Manager of Technology Development and Communications at O’Melveny & Myers LLP where he uses his extensive experience with information technology to help people find ways to solve everyday problems with the many available tools at their disposal. Ivan often speaks about legal technology at law firms and conferences. He writes a blog and occasionally for legal technology publications like Peer to Peer Magazine. Barbara Leach is the managing attorney of Barbara Leach Law, PL. She is a member of the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar Association, the Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association, the Orange County Bar Association, and the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers. Barbara received her BA from the Hamilton Holt School at Rollins College and obtained her juris doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law. Michael Downey is a legal ethics lawyer and a founding member of the Downey Law Group LLC. He has tried civil and lawyer discipline cases and argued appeals before the Missouri Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, and Illinois ARDC Review Board. Michael received his B.A. from Georgetown University and his juris doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. Dan Lear is a technology lawyer and the Avvo Director of Industry Relations. He is the co-founder of the Seattle Legal Technology and Innovation MeetUp and founder of the Right Brain Law blog. Dan received his BA in international studies from Brigham Young University and his juris doctorate and MBA from Seattle University.
Among solo practitioners, Ernest “Ernie the Attorney” Svenson is well-known for consulting on technology and, specifically, going paperless. But what many lawyers don’t know is how Ernie transitioned from a commercial litigator in a big New Orleans law firm to a tech savvy solo. In this episode of New Solo, learn all about how Ernie’s experience practicing in a big firm and Hurricane Katrina led him to go solo. He talks with Adriana Linares about using technology and automation to lower his overhead for an increased chance of success and, quite frankly, happiness. Adriana and Ernie then discuss the more difficult aspects of transitioning to a solo practice including loneliness, retaining clients, and wanting a paralegal. No longer a practicing attorney, Ernie talks about why he decided to become a technology consultant for other solo and small firm lawyers. If you’re planning to go out on your own, tune in for some tips that might make the difference. Ernest Svenson, also known as “Ernie the Attorney,” practiced commercial litigation for 26 years in a big firm in New Orleans. After starting his own solo practice, he switched to consulting other lawyers on computers, going paperless, and automating tasks. Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares stops by the shared offices of Barbara Leach and Conti Moore. Together they discuss the cost savings, benefits, and logistics of splitting office resources. Through mutual trust, compromise, and similar views on work-life balance, these lawyers are achieving the strengths of partnership without losing the privilege of being the boss. Tune in to hear how they did it and why you should consider this practice model.
Barbara Leach is a solo practitioner in central Florida who, after launching her career with a large national law firm, sought a closer connection to her community and greater interaction with clients. She took the leap to establish her own firm in 2011. Since then, the firm has continuously grown, and Barbara finds herself right where she hoped to be: face-to-face with her clients and practicing in bankruptcy, family law, foreclosure, and litigation.
Conti Moore is the founder of small firm Conti Moore, PLLC where she practices in family law, criminal defense, personal injury, and business law. She has been recognized by the National Bar Association and Impact as one of the Nation’s Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40 and was presented with their Excellence in Service Award for her unyielding commitment to community service. Conti has bar admission in Florida, Nevada, and the U.S. District Court of Nevada.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
Although television commercials seem too expensive for a solo practice’s marketing budget, they are not! In fact, advertising on T.V. can be a great alternative or addition to an online marketing campaign, as long as it’s done correctly. So what should solos expect with these ads and how can we optimize the return on investment?
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares and Jason Marsh interview Conti Moore, a small firm lawyer with a successful television commercial, about the process and price of creating her ad, airing it, and tracking its success.
Included in this episode:
TV network “spots” and your target audience
Measuring success and tweaking television shows
Slow start and a long term commitment
Production company costs and benefits
Creating fresh content and cycling locations
Customizing your airtime package
Choosing a niche area of law for the highest ROI
Conti’s words of advice from the experience
Conti Moore practices primarily family law and criminal defense at Conti Moore Law, PLLC, in Orlando, Florida. She has been recognized by the National Bar Association and Impact as one of the Nation’s Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40. Additionally, the National Bar Association and Impact presented Ms. Moore with the coveted Excellence in Service Award in recognition of her unyielding commitment to community service.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
In the previous episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviewed Andrew LeGrand, a lawyer who has a largely automated practice, about Text Expansion and forms to increase efficiency for lawyers. Because automation is such an enormous topic, Adriana invited Andrew back to discuss more in-depth systems and tools to avoid wasting time on menial tasks and improve accuracy, consistency, and professionalism. Does it seem too good to be true? Tune in for automation suggestions for lawyers at any level of tech-savviness. Topics include: Web automation to replace support staff tasks Clio as a practice management program Integration with Zapier Consistent labels and tagging for easy categorization search Doodle calendar that talks to Gmail Web forums and customer relationship management (CRM) Google Scripting and Google Apps for Work How much the tools cost Forms rule certification In the end, Andrew emphasizes, just knowing these options are out there is important and powerful. Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
Adriana Linares interviews Andrew Legrand, a solo lawyer who started his practice immediately out of law school using technology to increase efficiency. His tips start with something as small as an autocomplete for your signature to auto filling forms he regularly uses.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares and Jason Marsh interview C. Todd Smith, a small firm lawyer who has used various forms of social media for marketing his practice. Jason Marsh, an online marketing specialist for small businesses and law firms, also give his insight into the importance of social media.
For lawyers launching a solo practice, this podcast will provide a broad idea of where to start with your social media campaign. Todd Smith recommends that lawyers choose one or maybe two platforms to focus on rather than trying to tackle all of them.
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews internet marketer Jason Marsh about the most effective marketing process for lawyers beginning a solo practice, how much they should spend on a website, and what it means to optimize your business for the search engines.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews John E. Grant, an agile attorney consultant, about what it means to have a lean practice, how businesses have soared ahead of law firms in this way, and things every lawyer can do to add value to their services. Grant, a solo practitioner himself, discusses his move from the business world to the legal world and how he has seen the agile manifesto change the way that businesses work. He mentions ways lawyers can effectively streamline workflow processes and gives some specific suggestions of books and articles to read in order to learn more. Tune in for more details on how to make your clients happy by increasing your practice efficiency.
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews David Sparks about why he decided to go solo, the first actions he took, and struggles he encountered during the process. Sparks’ first steps involved evaluating the potential costs of research, insurance, malpractice, and other legal necessities, and comparing it to an assumed client income. He talks about being a lawyer who uses Apple products and how he chose, or didn’t choose, products like Ruby Receptionists, Clio, Rocket Matter, and Omnifocus. Sparks discusses the importance of marketing his new solo practice and how setting up the business and accounting aspects took longer than he thought it would. If you are considering starting a solo practice, this podcast is a good place to start. Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews legal ethics attorney Michael Downey about the solo practice he started in 2015. Together they discuss why he decided to leave a big law firm to start his own law practice, the decisions he had to make, and how he dealt with everything from choosing technology to successfully parting ways with his old firm. Downey talks about the research he did with different practice management tools, the process of deciding on a name and buying relevant URLs, and his decision to use Apple computers in his practice. Although he already had a client base that he believed would stay with him, he marketed his new business by collecting articles he had written, developed his mailing list, and updated his LinkedIn account. For those struggling with the decision of starting a solo practice, Downey’s experience is a useful place to start. Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
Ed Walters started as a lawyer in a big law firm in Washington D.C. In the late 1990's, he was approached by a client asking him to research a relatively new legal issue without using LexisNexis or WestLaw, as they were trying to reduce online legal research costs. His inability to do this set off a chain of events leading him to create the company Fastcase. His story begs the question, are lawyers simply paying too much for online legal research sources? What are some ways particularly solo and small firm attorneys can reduce research overheads in their practice? And when is it necessary to pay for LexisNexis or WestLaw?
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews Ed Walters about his experience starting Fastcase, how it interacts with the bigger legal research companies and smaller startups, and the right steps for solo practitioners to take in choosing an online research source. Linares and Walters begin by discussing the differences between a free resource like Google Scholar, a mid-range company like Fastcase, and a larger company like LexisNexis. If an attorney has a boutique practice and needs treatises or specialized databases, Walters says, they will need a big online research company. Otherwise, the lawyer might be paying too much. He urges practitioners to check their local bar, state bar, and other associations or organizations for member benefits that often include research and even practice management tools. There are three startup companies that Walters encourages lawyers to research: Casetext, which focuses on crowdsourcing, Ravel Law, which uses data visualization, and Judicata, which uses semantic analysis to find relationships based on meanings. He encourages all lawyers, but especially those in small firms, to research different options and find the one that fits their practice best.
Ed Walters is the CEO and co-founder of Fastcase, an online legal research software company based in Washington D.C. Before founding Fastcase, Ed worked at Covington and Burling where his practice focused on corporate advisory work for software companies and sports leagues, and intellectual property litigation. He has written for The Washington Post, The New York Times, The University of Chicago Law Review, The Green Bag, and Legal Times, and has spoken extensively on legal publishing around the country. He is an adjunct professor of law at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he teaches The Law of Robots.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
There are numerous sources in the legal world claiming that lawyers need to work on building and growing their networks in order to gain referrals. But with hundreds of connections, how is a solo lawyer able to build and develop proper relationships with everyone? Maybe lawyers should be thinking about the quality of their connections rather than the quantity. What should a solo or small firm attorney do to build a good referral network?
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews family law practitioner Lee Rosen about forming strategic partnerships and setting up a basic referral network. Rosen actually rejects both of those phrases and explains that he thinks of an effective referral network as a collection of close friends who provide value to each other in multiple ways. Lawyers should build relationships with around twenty other lawyers and people in different professions who have the opportunity to provide referrals. Also, he says, you need to LIKE these people, because they will be your friends for the rest of your practice. Once you have found the right twenty connections, use things like social media to maintain these relationships. At the end of the podcast, Rosen explains three important takeaways for solo lawyers: be interested in the other people, be deliberate and calculating when you choose connections, and pick up the phone and start calling people today. He believes this form of networking will grow your practice and make you happy.
Lee Rosen has practiced family law for more than 20 years, with four offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He served as the Law Practice Management editor of the ABA Family Advocate for more than a decade and received the ABA James Kean Award for excellence in elawyering. He also served as chair of the Law Practice Management Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. He's a frequent speaker, often sought out by media as a source of family law insight and commentary and the publisher of DivorceDiscourse.com, a widely popular daily advice blog about law firm marketing, management, and finances.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
When starting your solo practice, figuring out how to price your services can be very difficult. Many new lawyers undercut the market or undervalue what they have to offer. Additionally, in this emerging market of flat fees, they have to consider their strategy for setting legal rates. When charging for hourly legal services, what should be the lowest starting rate? How should a solo lawyer structure a system for flat fee pricing? What are the signs of undercharging and how should attorneys convey the value of their services to the client?
On this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews attorney Ted Waggoner about how lawyers should set their fees, hourly versus flat fee pricing, and educating clients about the true value of their legal services. When starting a new practice, Waggoner explains, lawyers should set their fees based on expenses, investment, the client's budget, and, of course, profit. Each attorney will adjust these fees based on mistakes and experience. However, Waggoner also encourages lawyers to think like business people; have a discussion with the client about how valuable the legal services are and set fees accordingly. Lawyers need to establish a relationship with their clients in order to manage their expectations, educate them about value and benefits, and scope out the case. Waggoner also emphasizes the importance of research through blogs or consultants such as David Maister, Alan Weiss, and Ron Baker. In the end, he says, the fees are set to what the client wants to pay and is willing to pay, and whether the lawyer accepts that amount.
Ted A. Waggoner is the managing partner at Peterson Waggoner and Perkins, LLP in Rochester, Indiana. Waggoner has been an active presenter for lawyers Continuing Legal Education seminars, having lectured at the Solo and Small Firm Conference on topics such as Fundamentals of Successful Solo and Small Firm Practice; Tough Moments with Clients; and Selling Your Client's Business. Waggoner has also contributed to articles in the ABA Journal and other ABA publications.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
These days there are so many options for legal practices that lawyers starting a solo practice often get carried away and spend too much. It is difficult to distinguish the essential hardware and software needs from supplementary products. With everything solo lawyers have to think about, technology questions can seem overwhelming, expensive, and important. Is a Mac or a PC better for a practice? Is it necessary to have a printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine? What about all of the software products available for practice management, document management, email, or a PDF editing processor? Most lawyers with their own practice could use a break down of necessary technology products and how much to spend on each.
On this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews the Lawyerist CEO and Editor in Chief, Sam Glover, about practice management essentials, what hardware and software to buy when starting a solo practice, and how much to spend. Glover discusses laptops and desktops, Macintosh computers versus PCs, what to invest in a printer, scanner, and internet, and why it is pointless to buy a fax machine or copier in 2014. He recommends services that provide a secure VPN, a secure client portal, and that cloud-based softwares are often less expensive, easier to use, and updated more often. Some other top essential products he suggests include a Gmail business account, Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Acrobat Pro, Google Voice, and several potential alternatives. To maintain a professional practice, he also highly recommends a virtual receptionist like Ruby Receptionists. In the end, he stresses the importance of spending the right amount of money on the products your new solo practice needs.
Sam Glover is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Lawyerist.com, an online magazine and reference manual for solo and small firm lawyers. He has written and spoken extensively about legal technology, marketing, management, and ethics, among other topics. In addition, he was a practicing lawyer from 2005 to 2011 for his own firm, The Glover Law Firm, LLC, before he sold it to focus on representing tech startup companies. The Lawyerist is well known for honestly discussing topics and being fair to the subject.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
Many lawyers want to start their solo careers as a general practice, thinking that they will attract more clients if they offer a variety of services. However, when it comes to marketing strategy, lawyers who focus on one practice area create a stronger brand and are more successful in the long run. The right solo practice could involve a personal interest, fill a hole in the market, and/or provide previously unavailable online or unbundled services. The important thing is for every lawyer starting a solo practice to create a business plan and do research before choosing a field of law. Recent law school graduates and lawyers leaving big practices alike need to find their niche area of law for success.
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews law practice management professor Stephanie Kimbro about lawyers starting solo practices, areas of law to consider going into, how to start market research for a business plan, and ways to differentiate a practice from the existing market. Kimbro suggests lawyers find specialized niches based on their interests such as online dispute resolution, veteran law, or immigration law surrounding a specific community in order to engage with their clients and market their services. For lawyers without a niche, she suggests alternate billing, unbundling legal services, integrating technology, and researching market needs for prospective clients. Instead of worrying that technology is replacing legal jobs, lawyers, and specifically solos, need to change the way they think of services, fees, and law firm marketing.
Stephanie Kimbro is an adjunct professor for many law schools including Wake Forest, Conchord, Florida Law School, and Michigan State. She primarily teaches the use of technology in law practice management, unbundling of legal services, and virtual law practice. Prior to working with Burton Law, a virtual law firm, Kimbro operated a web-based virtual law school in North Carolina for six years and delivered unbundled estate planning to clients online. In addition to her virtual law practice, she is a technology consultant and serves on many prestigious law committees.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
As any solo lawyer knows, taking a new client is not simply shaking a hand and signing a checkbook. After marketing and selling legal services, there are still several necessary steps before beginning work. A conflict check must be done, the client's data and information need to be gathered, and a retainer engagement letter must be drafted and sent off. Many new solo practitioners think they will be able to remember every matter and deal with situations as they come, but it is much more efficient to have a data management tool and systematic habits in place when dealing with clients.
On this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews attorney Chad Burton about best practices for client intake and how things differ in a virtual law firm model. He emphasizes that particularly solo and small firm lawyers should remember that a conflict check must be done before payment is accepted. Then a retainer engagement letter is drafted that ought to contain fee structure, disclaimer, shortened terms of service, and preferences like whether the client prefers paper or electronic bills. Additionally, the lawyer should provide an explanation of how costs are handled, what is passed-along, why the client pays for certain things, and whether the firm charges for research so the client never has a question about cost. Burton recommends that the solo or small firm lawyer create a process by working hard to find the right management tool and creating good habits around using it. Even the data in small matters add up.
Chad Burton is the founder of Burton Law, one of the leading firms in virtual law firm structure. Formerly in a big law firm, he now represents technology-oriented companies from startups to multi-national. Additionally, he started Curo Legal, a company that helps legal professionals with serving their clients efficiently and productively.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
When starting a solo or small practice, a lawyer has to consider many new business details that were unnecessary while working for a larger firm. How do taxes differ for sole proprietorships versus other entity types? What are the necessary business or trust accounts for each individual lawyer? What is the most important thing to consider when paying taxes and acquiring insurance? Any lawyer who is starting a solo practice, confused by the options and information available, can make costly mistakes.
In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews Reba Nance and Bill Gibson, two experts in the field of law practice management, about what steps lawyers can take in the beginning of their solo practice to optimize their chance of success. Nance recommends several bank accounts with clear paper trails that are reconciled regularly, acquiring malpractice insurance even if the state does not require it, and not taking shortcuts when pressured by clients. Gibson encourages lawyers who have newly gone solo to seek help and talk to a CPA, pay taxes and automate their payroll systems, and not overlook general liability and workers comp insurance. Both practice management experts highly advise any lawyer to carefully read the professional conduct rules and ethical regulations of each state. Starting a new practice is difficult; no lawyer should be afraid to ask for help.
Reba Nance is a law practice and risk management manager of the Colorado Bar Association. In addition to being a frequent presenter on topics such as legal technology and malpractice prevention, she is the first female chair of the ABA tech show.
Bill Gibson has practiced personal injury litigation in Portland, OR since 1979. Working as a full-time neutral since 2000, he has also written several books on law practice management including one of the latest ABA books called Flying Solo.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
Starting a solo law practice can be invigorating, frightening, and exciting at first. But after the adrenaline and excitement of starting a solo practice fades, how do lawyers stay motivated? Unlike working in a large firm, an attorney's personal life and solo practice become interconnected, causing unique and often unexpected challenges. Many lawyers experience inner turmoil that requires a different resolution than a well thought-out business plan or financial planning.
On this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews consultant Susan Cartier Liebel about how to stay motivated throughout the process of starting a solo law practice. Liebel encourages lawyers to make concrete life goals and envision where they might be 5, 10, and 15 years in the future, both professionally and personally. She recommends integrating personal interests and lifestyle with professional practice, resulting in a support system and a trusting client base. According to Liebel, there are three emotional inhibitors when opening a solo practice: the fear of a malpractice suit, the fear of being alone, and the lack of mentors. By focusing on the endgame, a lawyer can create an internal support system that supplements external support.
Susan Cartier Liebel is a coaching consultant for solos and small firms who start their own law practice right out of law school. She has been an adjunct professor for Quinnipiac University School of Law, teaching law students how to start and grow their own law practices. She has since taken on consulting full-time. Her entity, Solo Practice University, now teaches hundreds of attorneys how to become solo practitioners. She is additionally a frequent speaker to law schools, bar associations, and professional organizations around the country.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University, a community dedicated to helping lawyers build their very own solo law practice. Check it out at solopracticeuniversity.com.
Starting a law firm from scratch can be a daunting endeavor. With a down economy, limited budget, and not enough clients, solos can have a tough time breaking into the market. In her debut as the new host of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews Jay Foonberg, the most influential author on the subject of starting your own law firm. Together they discuss where to find clients, how to get paid, and recommended practice areas. Tune in to learn how attorneys stay relevant with new technology, why it's important to train assistants, and how to sustain a long happy marriage.
Jay Foonberg is the author of How To Start and Build a Law Practice (5th edition) and was a practicing attorney in Beverly Hills for over 40 years. He served in the ABA House of Delegates, is on the Advisory Council for the ABA Commission on Evaluation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, and was a founder of the ABA Law Practice Management Section. In addition to being an author of three other important books (all available from the ABA), Foonberg is a much sought after speaker on topics such as client relations, malpractice prevention, and client development in every one of the 50 states and as far afield as Europe, South America, and Asia. He has received the prestigious Harrison Tweed Award and lifetime achievement awards from 4 American Bar Association entities.
Did you ever think of starting your own bankruptcy practice? New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher chats with Attorney Christina M. Turgeon, about some of the pros and cons of opening a bankruptcy practice, professional organizations a new lawyer should join when starting a bankruptcy law practice and important resources that would assist a new bankruptcy law practitioner.
Are you confused about what to charge your clients? New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher talks to Attorney Jeremy Byellin, from Byellin Law, PLLC, about how a solo can determine how much to charge, the Laffey Matrix, the pros and cons of charging flat rates to clients and offers advice on how to communicate fees during the initial client meeting.
New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, spotlights solo attorney Carl Irace and his path to becoming a successful solo practitioner. Carl discusses his career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City and explains the challenges of moving from the public to the private sector. Carl also gives tips for marketing solo practices in small markets.
Looking to get your solo practice off the ground but aren’t sure how? Learn about the tools you need to turn your solo practice into a highly utilized business when New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, talks to Alex Vega ,a law firm consultant with The Vega Firm. Alex shares his great insight on the basic human skills a lawyer needs for a successful practice, how a solo can develop an effective word of mouth campaign and the importance of a realistic marketing plan.
Solo attorneys need to know what is happening in the structured settlement industry for a more successful practice. New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner looks to the experts, Ringler Associates Consultant Peter Early, and Vincent Polinsky, Director of Operations at Ringler Medicare Solutions, to explain the evolving role of the structured settlement consultant today. Hear the discussion about the advantages of a Medicare Set-Aside, and the benefits overall to your client’s settlement.
Are you looking to start your own blog but don’t know where to begin? New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association joins legal blogger, legal technology guru and co-host of Legal Talk Network’s Lawyer2Lawyer, Attorney Bob Ambrogi, to offer tips to solos on starting your own blog. Bob talks about everything from which platform is best, to what type of information you should contribute as a blogger, to how to promote your blog and stand out from the others.
New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association is joined by Attorney Melissa Conner, from the Conner Law Offices out of Boston, Massachusetts, to spotlight women solos. Melissa shares her recommendations on everything from which organizations female attorneys can join when first starting their office, to the benefits of a women’s bar association to how to find a mentor.
Solos and Law Students-have you considered Pro Bono as an investment? It can expand your client base and knowledge, open doors for employment and networking, and enrich your standing in the community. New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association discusses with Attorney Luz Herrera, Assistant Professor of Law at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California how she used Pro Bono to build her practice and strengthen her community.
New Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, joins Frank A. Cseke, a Fort Collins, Colorado-based attorney and founder of the blog, The Solo Lawyer, to discuss some hot topics in the solo attorney community. Kyle & Frank take a look at the power of blogging, and a host of other topics including: marketing, rainmaking, "good" clientele and taking a Zen approach to the law.
Are you looking to build your international law practice? New Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, joins Attorney Charles Whittier from the Whittier Law Firm, to talk about how solo attorneys can develop international law as a private practice area. Charles shares his insights on how a new lawyer can build an international law practice, avoid controversy in international advertising, and the risks and benefits of practicing international law.
Looking for innovative, practical solutions to improve client services? New Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, joins Catherine Sanders Reach, Director at the American Bar Association's Legal Technology Resource Center, to highlight the many ways you can use technology to provide better client service. Catherine discusses Google tools and resources, information about credit card transaction services for lawyers, programs that would allow a client to "log in" and see the status of their case, and much more.
Want to know how you can build your client portfolio? New Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, joins marketing expert, Richard DeLuca, Principal of MarketerAtLaw.com, to offer tips on how to build a solid client base. Rich talks about the approach new lawyers should take if attending a conference, the importance of blogging and search engine optimization (SEO) and how a new lawyer can stay motivated when the phone is not ringing.
Online profiles and posts, email and smartphone etiquette, courtroom attire and socializing with co-counsel - what to do? These are just some of the areas of interest and concern for new lawyers in an ever changing legal business environment. New Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association taps the expertise of Donna Gerson, attorney, frequent speaker and author of several books on legal career topics including Choosing Small, Choosing Smart, Building Career Connections and The Modern Rules of Business Etiquette as they discuss best practices and how to avoid making that new lawyer type of mistake.
Are you looking to get more actively involved in your Bar Association? In this July edition of New Solo, host Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner from Springfield, MA and Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, is joined by Scott Heidorn, an associate in the Boston office of Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy, to talk about how young lawyers can utilize bar associations for career advancement. Kyle and Scott discuss why a young lawyer would want to join a bar association, how to "give back" to the community through a bar association and take a look at some resources that bar associations offer to help bridge the learning gap from law school theory to actual lawyering.
Good clients are essential to any growing business. As a lawyer, what is the best way to manage your clients? In this June edition of New Solo, host Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner from Springfield, MA and Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association is joined by solo attorney, Paul E. Mawn, Principal at The Law Office of Paul E. Mawn Jr., out of Newington, CT, to talk about how to conduct an initial client meeting, discuss fees with potential clients and how to best communicate with existing clients.
How do you create a successful virtual law practice? In this May edition of New Solo, host Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner from Springfield, MA and Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association welcomes Attorney Andrea J. Hable, to talk about her unique practice. Andrea discusses her alternative office arrangements, harnessing technology, dual admittance, differing fee structures and much more.
What steps should you take to have a successful micro law office? In this edition of New Solo, host Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner from Springfield, MA and Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, welcomes Gen Y Solo, Attorney Rachel Rodgers, owner and principal attorney at Rachel Rodgers Law Office, to discuss starting a Spartan overhead, sharply focused law office - the micro law office. Kyle and Rachel talk about the advantages of a micro law office compared to a "traditional" office, essential pieces of technology for any micro firm, and how social media plays a role in the success of a micro firm.
How can a solo attorney effectively use social media? In this edition of New Solo, host Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner out of Springfield, MA and Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, welcomes Attorney Carolyn Elefant, to take a look at a solo practitioner’s unfair marketing advantage when it comes to social media. Carolyn talks about her book with Attorney Nicole Black, Social Media for Lawyers, The New Frontier, about why a new lawyer would want to invest resources in social media, how to find online potential clients and turn them into real world clients and ethical issues a practitioner should consider when using social media.
In this edition of New Solo, host Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner out of Springfield, MA and chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, welcomes Attorney Ursula Furi-Perry, Professor from the Massachusetts School of Law, to focus on transitioning from law student to lawyer. Kyle and Ursula take a look at the big transition into law practice, getting and keeping a job and networking beyond the resume and your great uncle’s advice!
So you’re hanging a shingle, now what? In this debut edition of New Solo, host Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner out of Springfield, MA and chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, welcomes Attorney Gabriel Cheong, the principal attorney of Infinity Law Group LLC, to talk about some of the things to do after you have started your law firm - networking, rainmaking and generating revenue and how to keep track of all those small business issues.