Solo by Choice: How to Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be
"Solo By Choice is a much-needed manual. (It contains) so much information that it ought to be required reading, and everyone from seasoned veterans to law students will find something in this book they knew little or nothing about ... or were totally misguided about. Regardless the stage of your legal career, buy this book. It's filled with great information aggregated in one-easy-to-read collection." --Susan Cartier Liebel, solo practice consultant"There are a thousand decisions and considerations to make in starting your own practice, but with 'Solo By Choice' you will be so far ahead of the curve that your chances of success are increased exponentially. It is a how-to of extraordinary depth and detail. And if I wasn't already a solo, I would become one after reading this book; it's that thorough, balanced and persuasive. I think 'Solo by Choice' is destined to be the bible for going solo." --Scott Greenfield, solo blogger/Court TV legal analyst"When I graduated from law school, we had Foonberg's 'How to Start & Build a Law Practice'. But this new book seems to be the guide for a new age. It's a detailed and inspirational road map for anybody who wants to succeed in the solo practice of law, and there does not seem to be a detail or consideration not covered. It's a must-read." --Chuck Newton, solo blogger"Is there a need for another book on going solo? Yes, this one. Where it really shines is on the planning and practical aspects of opening a solo law practice, including location, jurisdiction, practice area, home office vs. commercial space, and more. It also goes into considerable detail about other critical issues such as how to leave your firm to go solo, when to give notice, how to negotiate severance pay, how to handle the clients; even a section on 'Who owns the blog?' Author Carolyn Elefant is less a cheerleader for solo'ing than a wise business coach who wants you to succeed but also knows you need the unvarnished truth before you strike out on your own. This practical, balance approach is a breath of fresh air, and I applaud her for having the courage to tell it like it is." --Sheryl Schelin, solo practitioner"Solo by Choice contains 300 pages packed with down-to-earth, well-organized advice on everything from making the decision to set up your own law firm, to deciding if and when to expand your solo practice. And there are appendices on everything from writing a business plan to creating a forms library. And the four chapters on marketing are some of the best prose I've read about the topic, even by trained marketers. "Solo's" author author tackles everything from alternative billing methods to finding good suppliers, all with common sense and good humor. I appreciated her refreshingly realistic attitude." --Margaret McCaffery, law firm marketing consultantIf you're even vaguely familiar with the legal blogosphere, you know about Carolyn Elefant, a Washington DC solo who is widely regarded as a leading spokesperson for, and authority on, solos and small-firm lawyer issues. Solo by Choice is her first book, and it covers every aspect of sole practice, from making the gut-wrenching decision to hang your own shingle to meeting the financial and client-relations demands of a sole practice. There is not an ounce of fat in this book: it is lean, powerful, tightly written and economical. Carolyn tells you everything you need to know about life as a solo and not a word more, making it the rare text that is both comprehensive and readable: her blogging background is evident in the concise style. Solo by Choice is an outstanding guide to the practical realities of being a lawyer, absolutely essential for solo and small-firm lawyers and valuable for lawyers in mid-size or large firms too. Highly recommended. --Jordan Furlong, Esq., editor Canadian Bar Assn magazineSolo By Choice is a remarkable reference for two reasons. First, with all of the stress and complications of a solo practice, the book offers welcomed support. It says that going solo is an okay choice, and perhaps even a good choice. Second, it's a handbook that provides answers, reinforcing the things you know and providing a glimpse into some things you didn't know about practicing on your own and running a successful business. Carolyn Elefant's blog has been a resource to my solo business for years, and her book seems to be an apex to the great advice she's gathered during that time. Put Solo by Choice on that  bookshelf in your new office ... it certainly won't collect dust. --Scott Wolfe, Esq., law bloggerSolo by Choice contains 300 pages packed with down-to-earth, well-organized advice on everything from making the decision to set up your own law firm, to deciding if and when to expand your solo practice. And there are appendices on everything from writing a business plan to creating a forms library. And the four chapters on marketing are some of the best prose I've read about the topic, even by trained marketers. "Solo's" author author tackles everything from alternative billing methods to finding good suppliers, all with common sense and good humor. I appreciated her refreshingly realistic attitude. --Margaret McCaffery, law firm consultantThere are a thousand decisions and considerations to make in starting your own practice, but with "Solo By Choice" you will be so far ahead of the curve that your chances of success are increased exponentially. It is a how-to of extraordinary depth and detail. And if I wasn't already a solo, I would become one after reading this book; it's that thorough, balanced and persuasive. I think "Solo by Choice" is destined to be the bible for going solo. --Scott Greenfield, Esq., Court TV legal analystWhen I graduated from law school, we had Foonberg's "How to Start & Build a Law Practice". But "Solo By Choice" seems to be the guide for a new age. It's a detailed and inspirational road map for anybody who wants to succeed in the solo practice of law, and there does not seem to be a detail or consideration not covered. It's a must-read. --Chuck Newton, Esq., solo blogger" ... Solo by Choice is both practical and informative; a reliable guide whether you're considering opening up your own solo or small firm practice, or looking for ways to work smarter and more cost-effectively." --Trial Magazine