- Why did you decide to become a solo practitioner?
8 years after graduating law school, becoming a partner in a larger firm simply meant that I would assume more of the firm’s liability and also be responsible for generating my own income. The financial incentive to become a partner was no longer present, plus my young family needed more of my time.
- What is the best part of being a solo practitioner?
Being more flexible with your own time and selection of clients or caseload, which translates to you eat what you cultivate or kill.
- What is the worst part of being a solo practitioner?
Being more flexible with your own time and selection of clients or caseload, which translates to you eat what you cultivate or kill.
It’s all on you, the individual, from administrative, to HR, tax person, to marketing, and maybe 25% of the time actually working on legal cases.
- What advice would you give to others looking to become a solo practitioner?
It is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to have at least six months of financial expenses set aside as reserves. Be prepared to continue in the face of a lot of rejection. Once you think that you’ve made it, is the time to double your efforts and work harder and longer.
- What is a typical day like for you as a solo practitioner?
The day starts in early morning hours by checking various electronic media before I even get into the office, as I am always marketing.
Hopefully, I have early morning hearings around 8 am as court appearance usually means that I am generating or billing someone for my time at the courthouse.
For an hour or so before my lunch hour, I typically conduct some administrative duties that must be done during business hours.
During the lunch hour I am usually preparing for the afternoon activities such as depositions, mediations or afternoon hearings.
Upon returning to the office around 4 pm, I am returning messages via phone or e-mail.
After 6 pm when most of the staff is gone, I go back to administrative duties and some preparation for the next day’s assignments, court appearing or depositions until around 7 or 8 pm.
This routine is repeated 5 days a week and on weekends it is time to catch up with paper work or prepare for trial for the upcoming week.
Although difficult schedule, I believe it is better to work for yourself than for a larger firm, as I would rather have autonomy than to have to work this hard and then have to answer to someone else.
- Is there anything else that is important you left unsaid about your practice?
I’ve been extremely fortunate that my practice has always generated money and covered most of my expenses.
Mr. Hernandez also shared with us photos of a recent trip he took with his mother to Europe for her 80th birthday. He said that while being able to take trips like this can be expensive, “the experience of seeing your 80 year old mother light up like a kid is priceless!” He mentioned that being a solo practitioner allows him to do this.
Here are four photos from his recent trip:
1. How do you keep with an 80 year old up to the top of Acropolis, Athens Greece?
Just follow and observe, as she got to be 80 years old by life experiences, wisdom and sheer perseverance.
2. Rome wasn’t built in a day and true value stands the test of time, so invest in yourself!
3. For good luck always step on the bull’s balls!
4. Like the Venetians have for centuries adapt, survive and thrive!
