Solo by Choice: How to Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

" ... 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

"Solo By Choice is a much-needed manual. (It contains) so much information that it ought to be required reading, and everyone from seasoned veterans to law students will find something in this book they knew little or nothing about ... or were totally misguided about. Regardless the stage of your legal career, buy this book. It's filled with great information aggregated in one-easy-to-read collection." -- Susan Cartier Liebel, solo practice consultant

"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/Court TV legal analyst

"When I graduated from law school, we had Foonberg's 'How to Start & Build a Law Practice'. But this new book 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

"Is there a need for another book on going solo? Yes, this one. Where it really shines is on the planning and practical aspects of opening a solo law practice, including location, jurisdiction, practice area, home office vs. commercial space, and more. It also goes into considerable detail about other critical issues such as how to leave your firm to go solo, when to give notice, how to negotiate severance pay, how to handle the clients; even a section on 'Who owns the blog?' Author Carolyn Elefant is less a cheerleader for solo'ing than a wise business coach who wants you to succeed but also knows you need the unvarnished truth before you strike out on your own. This practical, balance approach is a breath of fresh air, and I applaud her for having the courage to tell it like it is." -- Sheryl Schelin, solo practitioner

"Solo by Choice contains 300 pages packed with down-to-earth, well-organized advice on everything from making the decision to set up your own law firm, to deciding if and when to expand your solo practice. And there are appendices on everything from writing a business plan to creating a forms library. And the four chapters on marketing are some of the best prose I've read about the topic, even by trained marketers. "Solo's" author author tackles everything from alternative billing methods to finding good suppliers, all with common sense and good humor. I appreciated her refreshingly realistic attitude." -- Margaret McCaffery, law firm marketing consultant

If you're even vaguely familiar with the legal blogosphere, you know about Carolyn Elefant, a Washington DC solo who is widely regarded as a leading spokesperson for, and authority on, solos and small-firm lawyer issues. Solo by Choice is her first book, and it 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. -- Jordan Furlong, Esq., editor Canadian Bar Assn magazine

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 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, Esq., law blogger

Solo by Choice contains 300 pages packed with down-to-earth, well-organized advice on everything from making the decision to set up your own law firm, to deciding if and when to expand your solo practice. And there are appendices on everything from writing a business plan to creating a forms library. And the four chapters on marketing are some of the best prose I've read about the topic, even by trained marketers. "Solo's" author author tackles everything from alternative billing methods to finding good suppliers, all with common sense and good humor. I appreciated her refreshingly realistic attitude. -- Margaret McCaffery, law firm consultant

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, Esq., Court TV legal analyst

When I graduated from law school, we had Foonberg's "How to Start & Build a Law Practice". But "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, Esq., solo blogger

Review

"A remarkable reference. With all of the complications of a solo practice, this book offers welcomed support (and is) a handbook that reinforces the things you know, and provides a glimpse into things you didn't know about practicing on your own and running a successful business."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: LawyerAvenue Press (January 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940675587
• ISBN-13: 978-0940675582
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,639 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for embarking on a solo practice, March 26, 2008

By	Allison S (Long Island, NY United States) - See all my reviews

If you've ever considered entering into solo practice, Carolyn Elefant's new book Solo By Choice is a must-read. But the book is so packed with practical advice about running a law office that I'd recommend it even if you're a seasoned practitioner or not currently considering going solo.

Solo By Choice presents a practical, pragmatic and realistic view of solo practice, including reasons to become a solo and a `reality check' on whether you're cut out for solo practice. The book contains step by step advice starting with what to do in your current position before opening your own firm or how to start a solo practice directly out of law school, including essential considerations such as malpractice insurance, choosing a name for your firm, and deciding whether (and where) to look for office space. But the advice doesn't stop there.

Most law schools don't teach the business issues that are essential for any solo (or law firm manager) to master. This book explores how to choose a jurisdiction and practice area, how to create a client-centric practice and how to determine which clients or matters to keep and which to refer to others. Elefant leaves no stone unturned, tackling difficult issues like dealing with `nightmare' clients, essentials of retainer agreements and billing and fees.

In today's climate, no book on solo practice would be complete with out discussions about staffing, outsourcing and creating reliable revenue streams, particularly when starting out as a solo. Elefant addresses them all and provides marketing ideas are straightforward and achievable by lawyers on any budget. For solos facing `growing pains,' the book discusses virtual law firms, affiliations, project partnering and networks.

Throughout, Elefant reminds the reader of jurisdictional quirks, ethical considerations and client concerns that could affect the would-be solo's decisions. She includes stories from her own experience going from a law firm environment to solo practice, as well as the real-life experiences of other solo lawyers (in their own words.) Her writing is straightforward and accessible and she provides resources throughout the book for more information on each of the topics she discusses.

If you're looking for a handbook for starting a law practice or going out on your own, this is it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly practical guide, based on real-world experiences, March 24, 2008

By	David A. (Uniondale, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Carolyn Elefant, the well-respected legal blogger, advocate for solo and small firm lawyers, quality energy regulatory and appellate lawyer, and experienced writer has combined all of her prodigious talents in this book that provides solo and small-firm lawyers with a highly practical guide to opening and managing a law practice. Comprehensive and based on real-world experiences, this book is different from other "how-to" manuals -- it's far more useful than others I've read. Published in 2008, it's up-to-date and incorporates present-day marketing and other concepts. The book examines everything from the initial decision to go solo to planning to the realities of practice to marketing, and also includes FAQs and resources, as well as profiles based on interviews of a number of solo and small firm lawyers, who tell of their experiences. Read this book before you make the jump into the solo life, and you'll have far fewer surprises, and be much more successful at it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference for new solos, March 13, 2009

By	David S. Markowitz (PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"The" book for attorneys starting a solo practice for a long time has been Jay Foonberg's "How to Start and Build a Law Practice." Foonberg is still good but this book is more up to date. I recommend getting Ms. Elefant's work first, then taking a look at Foonberg in the law library.

Highly recommended.