If you’ve not seen this great letter, How to Succeed as A Lawyer (Roland Boyd), that was first published more than 40 years ago in the Texas Bar Journal, then put down what you’re doing and read it now. On the surface, the letter simply dispenses tips from a father to a son on how
September 2005
BigFirm Associate Salaries Are Really Small Potatoes When You Do the Math
At least one small firm lawyer isn’t very impressed by the recent news that first year associate salaries at some firms will increase to $135,000. In a listserve post, attorney Robert Hughes noted that:
Let’s see. $135,000 per year equals $2600 per week divided by about 90 hours per week equals $28.85 per hour. What…
Some FAQ on Solo Practice
Below, a reader writes in with advice on some frequently asked questions related to solo practice. The reader’s questions and our answers are interspersed below. Readers, since I’ve only started one practice, after all, I’m the first to admit that I’m not an authority on all ways to go solo. What I’ve learned from blogging…
You Gotta Know When to Fold…
While you may never find an ideal time to start a firm, hopefully, you’ll realize when it’s time to stop. The attorney described in this article, Attorney Loses License Again, Kevin Eigelbach (9/21/05) apparently didn’t so now the bar’s stopped his practice for him. Attorney Gabbard of Kentucky has been suspended from practice…
More on Katrina Related Small Firm Impacts
As a follow up to this earlier post, it’s been three weeks since Katrina and solo and small firm practitioners are starting to contemplate the consequences and plan for the future. This article, Many Small Law Firms May be Gone, Adrian Angelette, reports on small firms’ biggest problem – loss of clients. From…
Say Nay To the Naysayers
Editor’s Note: Recently, I’ve been receiving a number of inquiries seeking advice on starting a practice. I’m going to try to address as many as I can, as quickly as I can, in what will hopefully be a regular "Questions & Advice" column. If you send me an email with a question, try to eliminate…
I’m A Law Star
I was interviewed last week by a writer from Law Crossing and surprised to see the article appear so quickly in the Law Stars Hall of Fame. Another benefit of blogging, that’s for sure.
What They Don’t Teach At Harvard Law School
The Harvard Law School newspaper put out a career guide which included all kinds of articles like Why Not to Be A Government Lawyer (as a former FERC attorney, I’ve got to agree with that one), the downside of biglaw and careers in public interest. Sorely missing from the list of possibilities is the one…
To Disclose or Not to Disclose, That Is the Question
This article, Is Mandatory Disclosure of Malpractice Coverage a Good Idea? Ann Sherman, Small Firm Business (9/19/05) writes about the debate over mandatory malpractice disclosure rules taking place before many state bars across the country. Below from the article is an excellent summary of the pros and cons of mandatory disclosure from Bob Weldon of…
This Lawyer Was Lucky…But I Wouldn’t Try This Trick At Home
This article, Winning As Your Own Lawyer, NY Lawyer (9/15/05) reports on one of the unusual instances where a lawyer represented himself before a disciplinary board – and won! From the article:
In 2002, Ziegler took over the defense of a robbery charge against a member of a family he had represented for years,…