This 2nd edition of Solo by Choice is dedicated to every lawyer who ever wanted to run the show but worried that going solo was career suicide ... to every lawyer who wanted to solo but didn't know how to set up the office and make it work ... to every lawyer who never set foot in a courtroom or a boardroom but dreamed of one day practicing law their way ... and to every lawyer captivated by the promise of technology to enable better, cheaper ways of serving clients and expanding access to justice but was stymied by naysayers. In short, this book is dedicated to becoming the lawyer you always wanted to be.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Review of 1st edition: "Solo by Choice is both practical and informative; a reliable guide whether you're considering opening up your own solo or small firm practice, or looking for ways to work smarter and more cost-effectively." --Trial Magazine
Review of 1st edition: "There are a thousand decisions and considerations to make in starting your own practice, but with 'Solo By Choice' you will be so far ahead of the curve that your chances of success are increased exponentially. It is a how-to of extraordinary depth and detail. And if I wasn't already a solo, I would become one after reading this book; it's that thorough, balanced and persuasive. I think 'Solo by Choice' is destined to be the bible for going solo." --Scott Greenfield, solo blogger
Review of 1st edition: "When I graduated from law school, we had Foonberg's 'How to Start & Build a Law Practice'. But Carolyn Elefant's Solo by Choice seems to be the guide for a new age. It's a detailed and inspirational road map for anybody who wants to succeed in the solo practice of law, and there does not seem to be a detail or consideration not covered. It's a must-read." --Chuck Newton, solo blogger
Review of 1st edition: "If you're even vaguely familiar with the legal blogosphere, you know about Carolyn Elefant, a Washington DC solo widely regarded as a leading spokesperson for, and authority on, solos and small-firm lawyer issues. Her book covers every aspect of sole practice, from making the gut-wrenching decision to hang your own shingle to meeting the financial and client-relations demands of a sole practice. There is not an ounce of fat in this book: it is lean, powerful, tightly written and economical. Carolyn tells you everything you need to know about life as a solo and not a word more, making it the rare text that is both comprehensive and readable: her blogging background is evident in the concise style. Solo by Choice is an outstanding guide to the practical realities of being a lawyer, absolutely essential for solo and small-firm lawyers and valuable for lawyers in mid-size or large firms too. Highly recommended." --Canadian Bar Association Magazine
Review of 1st edition: "Solo By Choice is a remarkable reference for two reasons: first, with all of the stress and complications of a solo practice, the book offers welcomed support. It says that going solo is an okay choice, and perhaps even a good choice. Second, it's a handbook that provides answers, reinforcing the things you know and providing a glimpse into some things you didn't know about practicing on your own and running a successful business. Carolyn Elefant's blog [MyShingle.com] has been a resource to my solo business for years, and her book seems to be an apex to the great advice she's gathered during that time. Put Solo by Choice on that bookshelf in your new office ... it certainly won't collect dust." --Scott Wolfe, solo
Review of 1st edition: "There are a thousand decisions and considerations to make in starting your own practice, but with 'Solo By Choice' you will be so far ahead of the curve that your chances of success are increased exponentially. It is a how-to of extraordinary depth and detail. And if I wasn't already a solo, I would become one after reading this book; it's that thorough, balanced and persuasive. I think 'Solo by Choice' is destined to be the bible for going solo." --Scott Greenfield, solo blogger
Review of 1st edition: "When I graduated from law school, we had Foonberg's 'How to Start & Build a Law Practice'. But Carolyn Elefant's Solo by Choice seems to be the guide for a new age. It's a detailed and inspirational road map for anybody who wants to succeed in the solo practice of law, and there does not seem to be a detail or consideration not covered. It's a must-read." --Chuck Newton, solo blogger
Review of 1st edition: "If you're even vaguely familiar with the legal blogosphere, you know about Carolyn Elefant, a Washington DC solo widely regarded as a leading spokesperson for, and authority on, solos and small-firm lawyer issues. Her book covers every aspect of sole practice, from making the gut-wrenching decision to hang your own shingle to meeting the financial and client-relations demands of a sole practice. There is not an ounce of fat in this book: it is lean, powerful, tightly written and economical. Carolyn tells you everything you need to know about life as a solo and not a word more, making it the rare text that is both comprehensive and readable: her blogging background is evident in the concise style. Solo by Choice is an outstanding guide to the practical realities of being a lawyer, absolutely essential for solo and small-firm lawyers and valuable for lawyers in mid-size or large firms too. Highly recommended." --Canadian Bar Association Magazine
Review of 1st edition: "Solo By Choice is a remarkable reference for two reasons: first, with all of the stress and complications of a solo practice, the book offers welcomed support. It says that going solo is an okay choice, and perhaps even a good choice. Second, it's a handbook that provides answers, reinforcing the things you know and providing a glimpse into some things you didn't know about practicing on your own and running a successful business. Carolyn Elefant's blog [MyShingle.com] has been a resource to my solo business for years, and her book seems to be an apex to the great advice she's gathered during that time. Put Solo by Choice on that bookshelf in your new office ... it certainly won't collect dust." --Scott Wolfe, solo
From the Publisher
Solo by Choice 2011-2012 is an outstanding guide to the practical realities of being a lawyer, absolutely essential for solo and small-firm lawyers and valuable for lawyers in mid-size or large firms too.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By 1821 Reviews
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I just started considering opening my own firm and going solo after quite a few years of medium firm private practice. I never though of solo practice as something I would ever want to do-- thinking it very daunting and more stressful than straight employment in a larger firm. However, after speaking with other colleagues who had made the transition, I grew more comfortable with the idea. But where to start? How to keep from forgetting something? I do not want to start only to fold a few years later as my expenses get away from me (a real possibility in this new economy). I didn't want to start haphazardly or spend money on something I really didn't need and forget to invest in something I did need. I want to be organized and in control right from the start as much as one can be with a new business. The other books lawyers and friends of mine swore by as being the "must have book" for anyone who wants to fly solo seemed dated or out of print. I wanted a "first read" book that was as current as it gets, that considers today's current economic climate as well as considers the growth of the internet, technology, virtual spaces, and social media as options and factors to consider. I can say that as a up to date primer, as the initial book you buy when you have no idea how to begin, THIS IS THE "FIRST READ" BOOK FOR ME.
The tasks ahead seemed huge-- this book put things in a more manageable perspective. As a person generally adverse to taking personal risks without ensuring as much financial security as possible (and who isn't in this economy?) this book provides an up to date, easy to read, topically organized outline of what you need to think of and plan for before you take the plunge. It is well organized, taking you through several key sections in its table of contents: (1) "The Decision" - the pros and cons of deciding to go out on your own; (2) "Planning the Launch" -setting out preliminary business and legal steps before you hang out your shingle (and the first section I read which helped me tremendously); (3) "The Practice" -giving very helpful practice pointers as you start and grow your business and client base; (4)"Solo Marketing" - outlining marketing in today's modern world (no dated information that I can see but I admit I am not tech savvy); and (5) "Solos in Transition" with some great Q/A sections and comments from attorneys who have made the leap in real life. It is very easy to pick up this book and just skim through it or jump ahead to a particular chapter for general ideas before reading it cover to cover. It helped me consider things that I didn't even realize were issues and options. I especially liked how with a lot of sections it very clearly states the PROS and CONS for you to consider right from the outset. It helps me organize my thoughts and prioritize what areas I still need to research further. It does not provide check lists per se, I still need to create my own "to do" lists, but it helps make the task more manageable. I also appreciate that it is highly aware of ethical and legal issues even as it provides you an organized summary of the practical decisions you need to make in opening and running as solo firm.
The book's tone is frank, open, and not condescending. There is a lot of practical advice and dispelling of rumors. There are useful quotes and anecdotes. It offers objective advice and takes time to remind the reader of possible pitfalls as well as alternatives or non traditional business solutions. It will still require however a great deal of other research and time pricing out options before I make certain decisions, but the book provides you with a framework to make those decisions as you price out your options in starting and then running your future firm. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't a comprehensive source list or bibliography of other print and electronic sources in this text. I do note that there is a companion book to this one on Amazon which I have not yet purchased which may fill in those gaps.
I will say I probably will invest in other books focusing on particular areas of practice or business to gain more in depth specialized information, but as a comprehensive starting point, this resource fit my needs, my style and provides critical up to date information of options, issues, pros, cons, and concerns in today's market. This is a great first and foundational resource to read at if you are considering solo practice for the very first time.
The tasks ahead seemed huge-- this book put things in a more manageable perspective. As a person generally adverse to taking personal risks without ensuring as much financial security as possible (and who isn't in this economy?) this book provides an up to date, easy to read, topically organized outline of what you need to think of and plan for before you take the plunge. It is well organized, taking you through several key sections in its table of contents: (1) "The Decision" - the pros and cons of deciding to go out on your own; (2) "Planning the Launch" -setting out preliminary business and legal steps before you hang out your shingle (and the first section I read which helped me tremendously); (3) "The Practice" -giving very helpful practice pointers as you start and grow your business and client base; (4)"Solo Marketing" - outlining marketing in today's modern world (no dated information that I can see but I admit I am not tech savvy); and (5) "Solos in Transition" with some great Q/A sections and comments from attorneys who have made the leap in real life. It is very easy to pick up this book and just skim through it or jump ahead to a particular chapter for general ideas before reading it cover to cover. It helped me consider things that I didn't even realize were issues and options. I especially liked how with a lot of sections it very clearly states the PROS and CONS for you to consider right from the outset. It helps me organize my thoughts and prioritize what areas I still need to research further. It does not provide check lists per se, I still need to create my own "to do" lists, but it helps make the task more manageable. I also appreciate that it is highly aware of ethical and legal issues even as it provides you an organized summary of the practical decisions you need to make in opening and running as solo firm.
The book's tone is frank, open, and not condescending. There is a lot of practical advice and dispelling of rumors. There are useful quotes and anecdotes. It offers objective advice and takes time to remind the reader of possible pitfalls as well as alternatives or non traditional business solutions. It will still require however a great deal of other research and time pricing out options before I make certain decisions, but the book provides you with a framework to make those decisions as you price out your options in starting and then running your future firm. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't a comprehensive source list or bibliography of other print and electronic sources in this text. I do note that there is a companion book to this one on Amazon which I have not yet purchased which may fill in those gaps.
I will say I probably will invest in other books focusing on particular areas of practice or business to gain more in depth specialized information, but as a comprehensive starting point, this resource fit my needs, my style and provides critical up to date information of options, issues, pros, cons, and concerns in today's market. This is a great first and foundational resource to read at if you are considering solo practice for the very first time.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I put off buying a how-to book for a couple of months, thinking that I'd just figure stuff out on my own as I started up my solo practice. And while I didn't make any huge mistakes, I spent a lot of time figuring out how to do things on my own. I finally bought this on the recommendation of a friend from law school. I wish I would have bought this book sooner--it would have saved me a lot of time.
The book discusses most of what you'll need to know to set up your own law practice and get it running. It's incredibly practical, and it's very light on the flowery, excessive language I've seen in other how-to-run-a-law-practice books. And it's up-to-date on modern technology, ethics rules, etc.
I highly recommend this book, and I recommend you get it before you start setting up your law firm. It's a fantastic resource.
The book discusses most of what you'll need to know to set up your own law practice and get it running. It's incredibly practical, and it's very light on the flowery, excessive language I've seen in other how-to-run-a-law-practice books. And it's up-to-date on modern technology, ethics rules, etc.
I highly recommend this book, and I recommend you get it before you start setting up your law firm. It's a fantastic resource.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
If You Only Buy One Book on Launching a Solo Law Practice, This Is the One to Buy
January 4, 2012
Format:Paperback
Although I read a number of how-to books before I set up my own law firm a couple of years ago, this is the only one that, until just recently, still sat on my desk. Elefant writes well. She is both inspirational and realistic. Because she seems to have an intuitive feel for precisely the type of questions that you will have, the book is comprehensive without overburdening you with information. In addition to the very practical advice (all of which has proven to be true), I used the book as a roadmap/checklist for all the things I needed to do.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A mandatory resource for starting a law practice
Understanding the elements of the business side of a law practice can be a daunting task. This book breaks down the complex issues into bite size pieces in a plain English format.
Published 3 months ago by BLD
5.0 out of 5 stars
My inspiration for going solo
this book is filled with excellent information for anyone considering starting their own practice. I've written down many notes and I am working on starting my own law firms in a... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Cinthia Rivera
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not impressed
This book came highly recommended by a solo attorney, so clearly it helps some people. I personally found it trite and unhelpful. Read more
Published 14 months ago by havana
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best
This is a great book. Anyone considering going solo or who just wants a different perspective on practicing law should read this book. The update is great, too. Read more
Published 15 months ago by A. J. Rushie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great resource for anyone considering solo practice
Solo by Choice is an excellent starting point for anyone who is thinking about opening their own practice, as well as those who already have their own practice but are looking for... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Beverly Bracker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must read for anyone contemplating a solo practice
By far the most useful solo law-practice guidebook I've read (and at this point, I've read a lot). I have the 2010-11 version, the combination of practical information and links... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Connie Hall
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