Advice on Starting and Maintaining a Part-time Solo Practice and Finding a Mentor
Hello:
I am an attorney who decided to embrace the legal field after 13 years of teaching. Currently, I am an assistant director at a major university and am trying to start a part-time solo practice. My hours are flexible. I am also a volunteer attorney for a local consumer law clinic and a member of the local and state bar associations.
Before I obtained my current position, I practiced civil law (matrimonial law and LL/T law) I also worked for the university's International Department, where my primary duty was aiding academic departments in obtaining H-Visas for faculty and/or staff hired from other countries.
I would appreciate your advice or recommendation on starting and maintaining a successful part-time solo practice. I've connected with an attorney who is reviewing my work ( a will) for my first client. The problem is he is very busy and often cannot review or give me feedback when needed. I understand that time is precious and am grateful for his advice. I attend CLEs and am reading resources in the areas of interest i.e wills, trust, and estates, realestate closing, traffic and vehicle law and uncontested divorces. I also met with another attorney who owns a solo practice. She offered to guide me through real estate closings, etc. I've contacted her and sent her referrals; but have yet to hear from her. My question to you is how do I find a mentor willing to spend a little time with me or someone who will allow me to occasionally shadow him/her? I will continue reading and attending CLEs; however, it's nothing like the actual practice or the advice of an experienced attorney Understand, I do not want anyone to hold my hand; however, I would like to have someone I can call or email when I can't find an answer to a question.
Thank you in advance for your advice on starting and maintaining a part-time practice and finding a mentor.
TJBook
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Comments
Is there anyone out there
Is there anyone out there who can give me advice? I welcome it.
Still Waiting
Going solo
This is a great site. However, if you have not received any responses to your post, I suggest that you check out myshingle.com and email Carolyn Elefant. Good luck!
a good blog
There is a blog that is likely an excellent resource for you: http://www.susancartierliebel.typepad.com/. It is also linked from the Ms. JD blogroll.
Thank You
I appreciate your recommendations. I will explore both sites.
TJBook
In my book, Solo by Choice,
In my book, Solo by Choice, there's lots of advice on starting a firm and a special section devoted to Part Time practice with advice on starting and running a firm part time.
Carolyn Elefant
Carolyn Elefant
Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant, Washington DC
www.carolynelefant.com
My Shingle.com - Inspiring Solo and Small Firm Lawyers