Comments on: The Challenges Of Being A Solo Practitioner http://koehlerlaw.net/2010/01/the-challenges-of-being-a-solo-practitioner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-challenges-of-being-a-solo-practitioner Criminal and DUI Defense in Washington, D.C. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:38:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Carolyn Elefant http://koehlerlaw.net/2010/01/the-challenges-of-being-a-solo-practitioner/comment-page-1/#comment-176 Carolyn Elefant Sun, 17 Jan 2010 01:29:03 +0000 http://koehlerlaw.net/?p=1243#comment-176 I always felt much lonelier when I worked at an office with people who were polite enough, but with whom I wasn't particularly good friends. When I started my practice, I felt as if I was meeting people all the time. I did court appointed criminal work at DC Superior when I started out, and every morning that I had court, I'd hang out with the lawyers in the Lawyers' Lounge - I met so many people many of whom later helped me out with cases. Between that and bar events, trade association events and a Citizens' Committee that I joined, I couldn't wait to spend time by myself! What people don't realize about solo practice is that you actually get to pick who you want to hang out with. Instead of being stuck with people who you don't like because of an office environment, you can pick the events you attend and the people you meet for lunch. I stopped being lonely when I started my firm. I always felt much lonelier when I worked at an office with people who were polite enough, but with whom I wasn’t particularly good friends. When I started my practice, I felt as if I was meeting people all the time. I did court appointed criminal work at DC Superior when I started out, and every morning that I had court, I’d hang out with the lawyers in the Lawyers’ Lounge – I met so many people many of whom later helped me out with cases. Between that and bar events, trade association events and a Citizens’ Committee that I joined, I couldn’t wait to spend time by myself!

What people don’t realize about solo practice is that you actually get to pick who you want to hang out with. Instead of being stuck with people who you don’t like because of an office environment, you can pick the events you attend and the people you meet for lunch. I stopped being lonely when I started my firm.

]]> By: Michael McLees http://koehlerlaw.net/2010/01/the-challenges-of-being-a-solo-practitioner/comment-page-1/#comment-164 Michael McLees Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:35:40 +0000 http://koehlerlaw.net/?p=1243#comment-164 The quote wasn't from a naysayer... but from my own father of all people. It wasn't intended to deter my from making the decision to Solo, but rather to put a a layer of reality into the decision. The fact is, when you're working solo, you're not only doing work for clients, but you're also trying to be a rainmaker for the firm. Those are 2 distinct jobs, and it makes you appreciate all the non-legal talent out there promoting large firms. I wish you well on your practice and hope you find the kind of success you're looking for, even if it isn't golf. The quote wasn’t from a naysayer… but from my own father of all people. It wasn’t intended to deter my from making the decision to Solo, but rather to put a a layer of reality into the decision. The fact is, when you’re working solo, you’re not only doing work for clients, but you’re also trying to be a rainmaker for the firm. Those are 2 distinct jobs, and it makes you appreciate all the non-legal talent out there promoting large firms.

I wish you well on your practice and hope you find the kind of success you’re looking for, even if it isn’t golf.

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