Blogging, Small Law Firms

Under the Shingle: 10.11.2010

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I like to think of this column as a conduit for information relevant to small firm practices. Given the variety of practice settings we’re lumping into the phrase “small law,” it’s important that you hear from people other than myself. I know, you’re crushed — me too. Toward that end, I’ll be interviewing small firm lawyers over the coming weeks (months?), and posting their thoughts and responses. I’ve talked to several of you out there (don’t think I’ve forgotten!), and I would love to hear from others interested in sharing their stories (please email me).

As an aside, I’m cognizant of the tension between asking my readers to tell me their stories and writing from behind a pseudonym. I actually would much prefer to drop the “Little Richard” moniker (c’mon, you’ll miss it a little), but am holding off until I get a green light from my current employer. I agree that you should know who’s talking to you, and I’m working on that.

In that vein, there are plenty of people besides me who are already talking to you, and doing so without the anonymity. Thus, I welcome you to my periodic roundup of news and musings from the small firm blogosphere. Think of it as your morning docket, only it won’t be up in the morning, it won’t be every day, and it will probably be less clever.

With that ringing introduction, let’s get to the list…

  • Get some small-firm perspectives on the appropriateness of publicly managing client expectations from Scott Greenfield and Carolyn Elefant, and even a proposed re-write from Susan Cartier Liebel. Also, I’m curious to know whether the 88 percent of readers who deemed the client manifesto appropriate meant that “it’s appropriate for my firm and I’m thinking about or will adopt something similar,” or whether you meant “it’s appropriate because I’m currently frustrated by my clients wish they could read something to that effect.”
  • For the record: Yes, LexisNexis is one of our beloved advertisers. No, that did not have any influence on my review of their newly launched LexisNexis Advance for Solos. Here is a round-up, good and bad, of other thoughts on the product.
  • The three roles of a small law practitioner. There are only three?
  • Hanging your own shingle is not quite as exciting when it’s your only option.
  • One solo’s take on priorities — it’s important to stop and smell the diapers.
  • Hanging out a shingle? Hope you’re in one of these six practice areas.
  • I know you never want to go back to Biglaw, but that doesn’t mean you should burn the bridge.
  • Some people call it a friend; others call it a life coach. Call it what you want, but if you’re looking to be the next successful “lawyerpreneur,” I recommend spending some time here.

Stay tuned this coming Thursday for a follow-up survey on compensation. After a great response to last week’s post, I’m ready to begin collecting some more hard data on this. I’ll be collecting, sorting and analyzing the same as we move forward. There may even be some bar graphs in our future — how exciting!

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As always, feel free to flood my inbox with ideas, comments or amusing anecdotes. Also, I’m nearing a triple-digit following on Twitter — who wants to be number 100?

Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of small law firms

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