Magazine Archive
Small Firms, Big Impact
When asked to be the guest editor of this issue, I was excited to share some of the topics that are relevant to me now as the owner of a small law firm as well as things that helped when I first started out. Truly, the growth of my firm would not be possible without...
Read ArticleManaging Caseloads For Success: Points for Efficiency, Client Scheduling, and Growing Your Pipeline
Managing legal caseloads is challenging for solo attorneys and small law firms. Balancing cases, client expectations, and administrative duties while maintaining a healthy pipeline of prospective business requires a balance of planning, strategy, discipline and the right tools. Mastering these skills will help avoid burnout and go a long way to building a thriving, rewarding...
Read ArticleChallenges Faced by Solos and Small Firms & How to Overcome Them
Running a solo practice or a small law firm can be daunting. It can also be extremely rewarding. As you will quickly realize, just being a great attorney is not enough to succeed in the business. You have to spend your precious and limited time wisely. You must learn to hand off tasks to the...
Read ArticleChecklist for Starting a Law Firm
Introduction The process of starting your own law firm can be both exciting and intimidating. Reasons for being your own boss include work-life balance, work flexibility, autonomy, unlimited decision-making, and financial freedom. With that comes stress, uncertainty, consequences for bad decision-making, and the risk of insolvency. Planning is key to successful start. Most new businesses...
Read ArticleIndependent Contractor v. Employee: Considerations When Scaling in California
Under California law, independent contractors are generally less costly to a company than an employee because they do not require costs associated with, inter alia, workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and entitlements such as overtime, meal and rest breaks and reimbursement for necessary work-related expenses.[1] This makes independent contractors more desirable than employees, at least...
Read ArticleSolo or Big Firm, A Choice by Design: Choosing the Path Where Success Aligns
My legal career resembles the hiking trails that I often choose to traverse with twists, turns, rocks in my shoe, inclines and descents, a lot of sweat, a few steep switchbacks for good measure, a spectacular view at the top, and of course nothing ever goes as planned. Up until a few months ago and...
Read Article