Solo practitioners enjoy various benefits that larger firm practitioners may lack, such as complete freedom over the cases they choose and the nature of their practice. That being said, there are some downsides to becoming a solo practitioner, including reduced staffing and a lower average salary as compared to larger firm practitioners. All in all, you should weigh your options and consider becoming a solo practitioner if it is the right fit for you.
1. Why did you decide to become a solo practitioner?
I am very well organized so I did not fear a bit when I embarked on my solo practice. I had tested my mettle while working for someone and making bold decisions and frankly most of them (if not all) turned out to be beneficial for the clients. Also, if you can juggle around efficiently while wearing different hats, solo law practice is the place to be. You have complete freedom to execute each and every facet of your law practice. Honesty, Candidness, Frankness, Meekness, People Skills etc. are only some of the many virtues which you can explore to the maximum.
2. What is the best part of being a solo practitioner?
I am answerable to myself and I am not forgiving. So, I keep myself on a tight leash. Procrastination is not in my vocabulary. I try to lay out the law and facts in as easy and comprehensible a manner as possible to my client. I make it a point that when the client is done with my consultation, he should walk out the door as my next source of referral. That, I believe will only happen if he is more than 100% confident and at ease with me. Also, upon approval of the case, the client knows that it was my effort and the credit is not divided amongst the other members in the law firm.
3. What is the worst part of being a solo practitioner?
At times I feel that there is no one whom I can share my level of work load. I have to take it upon myself to do every job relating to the case. At times, the work does not go through a different set of eyes and another frame of mind, and so I feel the need for a second opinion.
4. What advice would you give to others looking to become a solo practitioner?
Think, plan well ahead of time and do your best. Clients will come to you because of who you are and what you and only you can do. People will approach you not only because you can provide remedy for their legal issues but also because you can humanely analyze their situation, provide them with their customized solutions and best of all be able to not only speak but also engrain your words in their minds and hearts.
5. What is a typical day like for you as a solo practitioner?
I wake up early and I always have my to do list planned ahead of time. I try to complete my work at the very first available opportunity. I tend to be flexible in time and place. Having three offices (including my home office which is fully equipped to serve as a professional office), I meet clients at their availability. I keep my calendar open for any unforeseen walk in clients and this has helped me a lot as I do not have to fear about attending to existing cases. I get to walk my kids to school, run a few errands here and there and still manage to do all my work (meet clients, prepare and file cases, respond to e-mails, mails, and do some research) at a very manageable pace.
6. Is there anything else that is important to know about you and your practice, or that you would like to add?
We all have some or the other profession to adopt in this life. I consider myself blessed to have been able to choose and pursue this noble profession. I try to make a personal connection with each of my client so that they have a personal rapport with me. They should have unconditional trust in me and my abilities and even if something does not turn up as planned, they should still believe that there was nothing else that could be done.
I am a very practical person and I would rather go ahead and start doing it instead of talking and encouraging others to do it. I would rather lead by example.
