How Solo Practitioners Can Build a System of Collegiality
You've started your law firm. Now you wonder, "Is this it?” “Is this what it’s all about?” When the shine of running your own shop fades, you may be left feeling quite alone.
The idea behind leaving your larger firm was to generate more income. The perception from the outside world is that you’re making the big bucks and living the dream without the dreaded bureaucracy that sneaks into even the best of large law firms.
The reality is that unexpected line items on your to-do list are piling up. What you see on the horizon are expenses that must be paid. Determining what fees to charge is an ongoing dance. And who knew there were so many extra taxes and costs that would slowly chip away at your bottom line? Not to mention you have to be on top of your game ALL THE TIME since one unintended error could lead to a professional liability claim. You do have professional liability insurance, don’t you?
Finding a New Pack as a Lone Wolf
One of the first things to go out the door after starting your firm is a sense of belonging with other attorneys. Being a lawyer can be a lonely occupation in general. According to the Washington Post, “Lawyers outranked other professionals on a ‘loneliness scale’ in a survey of more than 1,600 workers.” This sense of isolation increases when you go solo.
Maintaining a sense of collegiality in such isolation is a challenging feat. Let’s explore a couple ways that solo practitioners can overcome social and professional isolation:
- Join networking groups
- Find and/or become a mentor
Networking Groups
There are several networking groups that solo or small firm attorneys can join to help create a sense of collegiality in their workplace. Some of the most notable include SoloSez, LawyerSmack, Vistage, and GPSolo.
- SoloSez is an internet discussion forum for solo practitioners and small firm lawyers. It is the American Bar Association’s (ABA) most active email discussion site. Approximately 1,500 solo and small firm e-mail subscribers use it to discuss everything from tech tips and legal opinions to what to wear in court.
- LawyerSmack is a private community for solo attorneys interested in discussing practice-related issues with their peers in real time. Throughout the year, they also host several events where solo practitioners from around the country can meet, network, discuss issues, and have fun.
- Vistage is an advisory peer group comprised of non-competitive business executives from various industries (not just law).
- GPSolo is the American Bar Association's Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division. It is the national voice for solo, small firm, and general practice lawyers - including military and government lawyers. GPSolo provides a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive ABA home. The group hosts several events each year in exciting locations. These events are perfect for networking and socializing with other like-minded attorneys.
Becoming or Finding a Mentor
Serving as a mentor to a junior attorney can be both satisfying and enlightening for you and your mentee. It offers some human interaction and a feeling of contribution. Conversely, finding a mentor to help guide you can also provide these same benefits. Most state bars and law societies have mentorship programs to assist solo and small firm lawyers in finding the support they need. Many voluntary bar associations also offer mentorship programs. Seeking out these opportunities can go a long way toward a sense of collegiality with other attorneys.
Count on an Ally
Your professional liability insurer should serve as both an expert and an ally to you as a solo practioner. Instead of viewing your insurance carrier as a last resort to contact only in a time of crisis such as Malpractice, think of them as a trusted advisor that looks after your best interests as an attorney. They can advise you on numerous topics such as how to start up your own law firm, email disclaimers, preparing for retirement, and much more. If you don’t feel that way about your professional liability insurance carrier, it may be time for a change.
Prioritizing Your To-Do List
We get it. You already have a to-do list a mile long. But many solo practitioners have found that taking proactive steps to maintain collegiality gives them a renewed sense of energy that makes them more productive. It may be worth it to your career to move one of these ideas up to the top of your list. Then you can get back to growing your business and enjoying it more while you do.
