New Solo
107 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 88 ratingsSo, you’re a new lawyer or you’re new to practicing solo. You’ve got your game plan. Now what? First, know that you’re not ‘alone. It’s the fastest growing segment of the legal profession. Welcome to New Solo here on the Legal Talk Network, where you’ll learn a lot about practicing law. SOLO!
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Episodes
Polish and Perfect Your Legal Writing Skills
October 20, 2017 22:33 - 39 minutesAs a lawyer, you write a lot. Whether it’s a contract, report, proposal, or even just a long email, your writing needs to be professional and clear of errors. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Ivy Grey and Daniel Heuman of Intelligent Editing’s PerfectIt about the editing services that their product offers and how it helps lawyers on a daily basis. They also discuss the importance of technology competence for lawyers and share their favorite apps and tips to saving ti...
Word Up: Using Microsoft Word Like a Pro
September 21, 2017 21:43 - 1 hourIf you’ve ever experienced frustration with Microsoft Word or other word processors, you’re in luck. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares and guest Allan Mackenzie go in depth about how to use Microsoft Word effectively, including tips and tricks you can put into practice before the podcast ends. They cover keyboard shortcuts, setting defaults, and how to set up the quick access toolbar to meet your specific needs. Allan Mackenzie is a 25-year veteran of the legal technology wor...
Using Technology to Sustain a Rural Practice
August 21, 2017 19:25 - 41 minutesLawyers are often hesitant to set up a practice in a rural area because they believe it will be difficult to find enough clients and sustain a business, but this isn’t necessarily true. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Jeff Alford about why he chose to set up shop in small-town Kentucky and what technology he uses to help his practice thrive. They also discuss Ernie Svenson’s Small Firm Boot Camp and why conferences are important even for those who run in smaller cir...
From Desktop Search to Video Conferencing: Technology for Solo and Small Firms
July 20, 2017 22:48 - 48 minutesIn this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares, along with guest Todd Smith, cover a wide range of topics, including bar association benefits, outsourcing IT support, and transitioning from large firms to solo practices. While discussing these subjects, they dive into the relevant technology and software that will help your own solo or small firm thrive. This includes full desktop search tools, wireless scanners, and video conferencing software. Todd Smith is a civil appellate lawyer base...
Top Tech Tools for Solo Attorneys
June 20, 2017 17:43 - 38 minutes“Solo” may be part of the title when you’re starting your own solo legal career, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to JoAnn Holmes about the resources she uses to make her solo law firm successful. Some of these resources include communication tools and automation software. She also shares advice for fellow new solos about allocating resources and not working alone. JoAnn Holmes is the founder of HOLMES@LAW and a business, ...
Running Your Firm with Microsoft
May 22, 2017 23:41 - 49 minutesMicrosoft products assist lawyers daily in document review and communication. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Ben Schorr, senior content developer at Microsoft, about the different tools Microsoft provides and how they lend themselves to a successful law firm. Their conversation includes Microsoft Office 365, OneDrive, and Outlook. They also discuss resources you can use to learn even more about Microsoft products. Ben Schorr is a Senior Content Developer at Micros...
Treat Your Solo Practice as a Small Business (Because it is)
April 26, 2017 16:55 - 33 minutesLaw schools are gradually catching on, but not a lot of lawyers emerge from law school ready to start their own business, which is what starting a practice is. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Matthew Moeller, owner of the Moeller Firm, about how he started his practice, what technology he’s using, and how his business experience has helped him. He also talks about the upsides and downsides of a shared office space and why he ended up moving to his own suite. Matthe...
Diving Into Solo Practice Part 2: More Advice from Experts
March 23, 2017 16:38 - 40 minutesTaking the plunge into solo practice can be intimidating. Maybe even downright terrifying. But it doesn’t have to be. This is part 2 of the New Solo episode in which host Adriana Linares talks to Rose-Ellen Fairgrieve, Tony Chiosso, and Albert Thuesen about their experiences running their own solo law firms and advice for those thinking about doing the same. Their tips and tricks range from scanners they use in the office to marketing techniques and social media. Whether you are looking for e...
Diving Into Solo Practice: Advice from the Experts
February 21, 2017 17:48 - 31 minutesNothing encourages the jump into starting a solo practice than the advice of those who have already done it. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks to Rose-Ellen Fairgrieve, Tony Chiosso, and Albert Thuesen at the Bar Association of San Francisco’s first annual Solo and Small Firm Conference. Together they discuss their own solo experiences, focusing on how they started and what it took to grow as a firm. They also talk about the tech they use, like Google Voice, GoDaddy, and...
The Benefits of Unbundling Legal Services
January 20, 2017 18:42 - 43 minutesThe market is changing for law firms. A majority of clients cannot afford full representation as it traditionally functions. Recently, attorneys have been adjusting or “unbundling” their services to make them more affordable, a process also known as limited scope representation. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares discusses unbundled legal services with Dave Aarons, CEO of Unbundled Attorney, a company that works with attorneys who offer these types of services. In their discuss...
Gaining the Courage to Start Your Own Firm
December 05, 2016 17:34 - 33 minutesStarting a new practice can be intimidating and many attorneys never take the leap towards owning their own firm. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with Cahill-IP, PLLC Founder Amy Sullivan Cahill about her journey and how podcasts helped her gain the courage to start her own firm. Amy Cahill is founder of Cahill-IP, a law firm based out of Louisville, KY. Her practice focuses on trademark and copyright litigation, advertising review, trademark prosecution, trade secret...
From Big Law to Solo
November 11, 2016 19:14 - 45 minutesDeciding to leave a large law firm is a challenging decision and can often leave an attorney questioning what the future holds. It can be even more intimidating starting your own solo law firm during such a tumultuous time. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with Cade Law LLC owner Nate Cade about his experiences leaving a large law firm and starting his own solo practice. Nate Cade is the owner of Cade Law LLC, which he started on March 1, 2013. Prior to forming his own...
6 Steps to Make Alternative Fees Profitable
October 07, 2016 17:43 - 32 minutesMany attorneys are reluctant to try alternative billing methods because they fear that moving away from the billable hour will be complicated and less profitable. Furthermore, lawyers who are interested in billing alternatives often don’t know where to find resources to help them implement such changes in their own law firms. In this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with Vandenack Weaver LLC founder Mary Vandenack about her six simple steps for any lawyer looking to successfull...
Implementing Alternative Billing in your Law Practice
October 06, 2016 18:07 - 38 minutesIn this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with Vandenack Weaver LLC founder Mary Vandenack about lawyers using alternative billing models. Mary defines alternative billing as any way of charging for a law firm's services that isn’t the billable hour and talks about her experiences breaking away from a large firm and starting her own. She shares an interaction with a client that led her to consider alternative fees and explains that a common fear among lawyers when discussing alt...
Lawyers Using Apple Mobile Devices in Their Practice
September 01, 2016 17:23 - 38 minutesIn this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares talks with Adams and Reese LLP Partner Jeff Richardson about publishing his blog “iPhone J.D.” and his tip for lawyers using Apple mobile products. Jeff opens the interview with a brief history of his occupational past and talks about his New Orleans upbringing. He states that his law practice focuses on class action and complex litigation typically representing defendants when they are sued and that half of his work is appellate practice for all s...
CRM: Using Client Relationship Management in Your Law Firm
August 02, 2016 17:17 - 41 minutesClient Relationship Management, or CRM, is a strategy implemented in business to maintain effective knowledge about and connections with your current, previous, and potential clients. Using technology, employees are able to nurture relationships with their clients by tracking conversions and setting notifications. But many lawyers, especially solos and small firm lawyers, aren’t using CRMs; they don’t know the potential value of these systems or even what they are. So why should attorneys bot...
New Trends in Practice Management
July 01, 2016 23:00 - 24 minutesStarting your own law firm can be a daunting task for any solo attorney. What new trends will help you manage your practice and how can you harness available technology to better communicate with your clients? In this episode of The New Solo, host Adriana Linares speaks with Clio CEO Jack Newton, who shares what he believes are two big trends in practice management. Jack discusses client portals and lists the benefits, such as document management and security, that having a collaborative way...
Top Tips for Attorneys from the 2017 ABA TECHSHOW Board
May 25, 2016 19:24 - 33 minutesAs attorneys graduate and head into the legal marketplace, or leave a law firm to start a solo practice, it can be hard to know where to find resources with tips on starting your new career. What are the most important things that a newly solo practitioner should know? What are some best practices for lawyers just starting out in the field? In this episode of The New Solo, host Adriana Linares talks with the ABA TECHSHOW 2017 Planning Board to provide need to know advice for newly solo attor...
How Ernie the Attorney Started His Solo Practice
December 16, 2015 19:09 - 30 minutesAmong solo practitioners, Ernest “Ernie the Attorney” Svenson is well-known for consulting on technology and, specifically, going paperless. But what many lawyers don’t know is how Ernie transitioned from a commercial litigator in a big New Orleans law firm to a tech savvy solo. In this episode of New Solo, learn all about how Ernie’s experience practicing in a big firm and Hurricane Katrina led him to go solo. He talks with Adriana Linares about using technology and automation to lower his o...
Sharing Office Space, Equipment, and Employees
December 02, 2015 20:19 - 27 minutesIn this episode of New Solo, host Adriana Linares stops by the shared offices of Barbara Leach and Conti Moore. Together they discuss the cost savings, benefits, and logistics of splitting office resources. Through mutual trust, compromise, and similar views on work-life balance, these lawyers are achieving the strengths of partnership without losing the privilege of being the boss. Tune in to hear how they did it and why you should consider this practice model. Barbara Leach is a solo pract...
T.V. Advertising: What to Expect
November 18, 2015 18:25 - 24 minutesAlthough television commercials seem too expensive for a solo practice’s marketing budget, they are not! In fact, advertising on T.V. can be a great alternative or addition to an online marketing campaign, as long as it’s done correctly. So what should solos expect with these ads and how can we optimize the return on investment? In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares and Jason Marsh interview Conti Moore, a small firm lawyer with a successful television commercial, about the process an...
Automate Your Solo Practice: Part 2
October 28, 2015 19:05 - 33 minutesIn the previous episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviewed Andrew LeGrand, a lawyer who has a largely automated practice, about Text Expansion and forms to increase efficiency for lawyers. Because automation is such an enormous topic, Adriana invited Andrew back to discuss more in-depth systems and tools to avoid wasting time on menial tasks and improve accuracy, consistency, and professionalism. Does it seem too good to be true? Tune in for automation suggestions for lawyers at any le...
Automate Your Solo Practice!
October 19, 2015 17:35 - 21 minutesAdriana Linares interviews Andrew Legrand, a solo lawyer who started his practice immediately out of law school using technology to increase efficiency. His tips start with something as small as an autocomplete for your signature to auto filling forms he regularly uses. Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
Using Social Media to Market Your Solo Practice
June 25, 2015 18:05 - 29 minutesIn this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares and Jason Marsh interview C. Todd Smith, a small firm lawyer who has used various forms of social media for marketing his practice. Jason Marsh, an online marketing specialist for small businesses and law firms, also give his insight into the importance of social media. For lawyers launching a solo practice, this podcast will provide a broad idea of where to start with your social media campaign. Todd Smith recommends that lawyers choose one or ma...
Effective Online Marketing Strategy for Solo Law Firms
June 17, 2015 21:41 - 27 minutesIn this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews internet marketer Jason Marsh about the most effective marketing process for lawyers beginning a solo practice, how much they should spend on a website, and what it means to optimize your business for the search engines. Special thanks to our sponsor, Solo Practice University.
Agile and Lean: Methodologies to an Efficient, Better, and More Profitable Practice
April 24, 2015 21:44 - 29 minutesIn this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews John E. Grant, an agile attorney consultant, about what it means to have a lean practice, how businesses have soared ahead of law firms in this way, and things every lawyer can do to add value to their services. Grant, a solo practitioner himself, discusses his move from the business world to the legal world and how he has seen the agile manifesto change the way that businesses work. He mentions ways lawyers can effectively streamline wo...
How David Sparks Started His Solo Practice
March 18, 2015 18:05 - 31 minutesIn this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews David Sparks about why he decided to go solo, the first actions he took, and struggles he encountered during the process. Sparks’ first steps involved evaluating the potential costs of research, insurance, malpractice, and other legal necessities, and comparing it to an assumed client income. He talks about being a lawyer who uses Apple products and how he chose, or didn’t choose, products like Ruby Receptionists, Clio, Rocket Matter, an...
How Michael Downey Started His Solo Practice
March 05, 2015 21:16 - 26 minutesIn this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews legal ethics attorney Michael Downey about the solo practice he started in 2015. Together they discuss why he decided to leave a big law firm to start his own law practice, the decisions he had to make, and how he dealt with everything from choosing technology to successfully parting ways with his old firm. Downey talks about the research he did with different practice management tools, the process of deciding on a name and buying releva...
Legal Research Tools and Tips
January 15, 2015 18:45 - 32 minutesEd Walters started as a lawyer in a big law firm in Washington D.C. In the late 1990's, he was approached by a client asking him to research a relatively new legal issue without using LexisNexis or WestLaw, as they were trying to reduce online legal research costs. His inability to do this set off a chain of events leading him to create the company Fastcase. His story begs the question, are lawyers simply paying too much for online legal research sources? What are some ways particularly solo ...
Strategic Partnerships and Referral Networks
December 18, 2014 18:45 - 27 minutesThere are numerous sources in the legal world claiming that lawyers need to work on building and growing their networks in order to gain referrals. But with hundreds of connections, how is a solo lawyer able to build and develop proper relationships with everyone? Maybe lawyers should be thinking about the quality of their connections rather than the quantity. What should a solo or small firm attorney do to build a good referral network? In this episode of New Solo, Adriana Linares interview...
Setting Legal Fees in Your Law Practice
November 05, 2014 17:43 - 31 minutesWhen starting your solo practice, figuring out how to price your services can be very difficult. Many new lawyers undercut the market or undervalue what they have to offer. Additionally, in this emerging market of flat fees, they have to consider their strategy for setting legal rates. When charging for hourly legal services, what should be the lowest starting rate? How should a solo lawyer structure a system for flat fee pricing? What are the signs of undercharging and how should attorneys c...
Practice Management Essentials for $4,000 or Less
October 13, 2014 20:47 - 31 minutesThese days there are so many options for legal practices that lawyers starting a solo practice often get carried away and spend too much. It is difficult to distinguish the essential hardware and software needs from supplementary products. With everything solo lawyers have to think about, technology questions can seem overwhelming, expensive, and important. Is a Mac or a PC better for a practice? Is it necessary to have a printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine? What about all of the softwa...
Choosing Your Specialty: Areas of Law for the Successful Solo Practitioner
September 11, 2014 19:47 - 29 minutesMany lawyers want to start their solo careers as a general practice, thinking that they will attract more clients if they offer a variety of services. However, when it comes to marketing strategy, lawyers who focus on one practice area create a stronger brand and are more successful in the long run. The right solo practice could involve a personal interest, fill a hole in the market, and/or provide previously unavailable online or unbundled services. The important thing is for every lawyer st...
Client Intake: Best Practices and Procedures
August 12, 2014 17:54 - 31 minutesAs any solo lawyer knows, taking a new client is not simply shaking a hand and signing a checkbook. After marketing and selling legal services, there are still several necessary steps before beginning work. A conflict check must be done, the client's data and information need to be gathered, and a retainer engagement letter must be drafted and sent off. Many new solo practitioners think they will be able to remember every matter and deal with situations as they come, but it is much more effic...
What You Should Consider When Starting A Solo Law Practice
July 21, 2014 15:59 - 32 minutesWhen starting a solo or small practice, a lawyer has to consider many new business details that were unnecessary while working for a larger firm. How do taxes differ for sole proprietorships versus other entity types? What are the necessary business or trust accounts for each individual lawyer? What is the most important thing to consider when paying taxes and acquiring insurance? Any lawyer who is starting a solo practice, confused by the options and information available, can make costly mi...
Staying Motivated While Starting A Solo Law Practice
June 25, 2014 18:01 - 27 minutesStarting a solo law practice can be invigorating, frightening, and exciting at first. But after the adrenaline and excitement of starting a solo practice fades, how do lawyers stay motivated? Unlike working in a large firm, an attorney's personal life and solo practice become interconnected, causing unique and often unexpected challenges. Many lawyers experience inner turmoil that requires a different resolution than a well thought-out business plan or financial planning. On this episode of ...
Starting Your Own Law Firm: Conversation with Jay Foonberg
May 30, 2014 19:29 - 34 minutesStarting a law firm from scratch can be a daunting endeavor. With a down economy, limited budget, and not enough clients, solos can have a tough time breaking into the market. In her debut as the new host of New Solo, Adriana Linares interviews Jay Foonberg, the most influential author on the subject of starting your own law firm. Together they discuss where to find clients, how to get paid, and recommended practice areas. Tune in to learn how attorneys stay relevant with new technology, why ...
Starting Your Own Bankruptcy Practice
October 24, 2012 09:56 - 19 minutesDid you ever think of starting your own bankruptcy practice? New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher chats with Attorney Christina M. Turgeon, about some of the pros and cons of opening a bankruptcy practice, professional organizations a new lawyer should join when starting a bankruptcy law practice and important resources that would assist a new bankruptcy law practitioner.
What Should Solos Be Charging?
July 26, 2012 11:38 - 24 minutesAre you confused about what to charge your clients? New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher talks to Attorney Jeremy Byellin, from Byellin Law, PLLC, about how a solo can determine how much to charge, the Laffey Matrix, the pros and cons of charging flat rates to clients and offers advice on how to communicate fees during the initial client meeting.
The Path to Becoming a Solo Practitioner
June 25, 2012 15:06 - 15 minutesNew Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, spotlights solo attorney Carl Irace and his path to becoming a successful solo practitioner. Carl discusses his career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City and explains the challenges of moving from the public to the private sector. Carl also gives tips for marketing solo practices in small markets.
Turn Your Solo Practice into a Highly Utilized Business
May 18, 2012 10:46 - 26 minutesLooking to get your solo practice off the ground but aren’t sure how? Learn about the tools you need to turn your solo practice into a highly utilized business when New Solo host and solo practitioner, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, talks to Alex Vega ,a law firm consultant with The Vega Firm. Alex shares his great insight on the basic human skills a lawyer needs for a successful practice, how a solo can develop an effective word of mouth campaign and the importance of a realistic marketing plan.
Solos, Structured Settlements, & Medicare Set Asides
April 30, 2012 14:39 - 27 minutesSolo attorneys need to know what is happening in the structured settlement industry for a more successful practice. New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner looks to the experts, Ringler Associates Consultant Peter Early, and Vincent Polinsky, Director of Operations at Ringler Medicare Solutions, to explain the evolving role of the structured settlement consultant today. Hear the discussion about the advantages of a Medicare Set-Aside, and the benefits overall to your cl...
It’s a Blog Eat Blog World: Legal Blogs and the Solo Practitioner
March 30, 2012 11:02 - 27 minutesAre you looking to start your own blog but don’t know where to begin? New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association joins legal blogger, legal technology guru and co-host of Legal Talk Network’s Lawyer2Lawyer, Attorney Bob Ambrogi, to offer tips to solos on starting your own blog. Bob talks about everything from which platform is best, to what type of information you should contribute...
Helpful Tips for Women Solo Practitioners
February 28, 2012 15:28 - 25 minutesNew Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association is joined by Attorney Melissa Conner, from the Conner Law Offices out of Boston, Massachusetts, to spotlight women solos. Melissa shares her recommendations on everything from which organizations female attorneys can join when first starting their office, to the benefits of a women’s bar association to how to find a mentor.
How Pro Bono can be a market strategy for Solos and Law Students
January 31, 2012 14:43 - 26 minutesSolos and Law Students-have you considered Pro Bono as an investment? It can expand your client base and knowledge, open doors for employment and networking, and enrich your standing in the community. New Solo host, Attorney Kyle R. Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association discusses with Attorney Luz Herrera, Assistant Professor of Law at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California how she used...
Blogging, Branding & Marketing for Solos
December 29, 2011 11:42 - 31 minutesNew Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, joins Frank A. Cseke, a Fort Collins, Colorado-based attorney and founder of the blog, The Solo Lawyer, to discuss some hot topics in the solo attorney community. Kyle & Frank take a look at the power of blogging, and a host of other topics including: marketing, rainmaking, "good" clientele and taking a Zen approach to the law.
How Solos Can Build an International Law Practice
November 29, 2011 14:20 - 30 minutesAre you looking to build your international law practice? New Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, joins Attorney Charles Whittier from the Whittier Law Firm, to talk about how solo attorneys can develop international law as a private practice area. Charles shares his insights on how a new lawyer can build an international law practice, avoid controversy in international advertising...
Using Technology to Provide Better Client Service
October 27, 2011 12:18 - 24 minutesLooking for innovative, practical solutions to improve client services? New Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and the most recent Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, joins Catherine Sanders Reach, Director at the American Bar Association's Legal Technology Resource Center, to highlight the many ways you can use technology to provide better client service. Catherine discusses Google tools and resources, information about credit card t...
Building your Client Portfolio
September 30, 2011 16:36 - 27 minutesWant to know how you can build your client portfolio? New Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association, joins marketing expert, Richard DeLuca, Principal of MarketerAtLaw.com, to offer tips on how to build a solid client base. Rich talks about the approach new lawyers should take if attending a conference, the importance of blogging and search engine optimization (SEO) and how a new lawyer can stay motivate...
New Lawyers and Business Etiquette
August 31, 2011 11:14 - 25 minutesOnline profiles and posts, email and smartphone etiquette, courtroom attire and socializing with co-counsel - what to do? These are just some of the areas of interest and concern for new lawyers in an ever changing legal business environment. New Solo host, Attorney Kyle Guelcher, a solo practitioner and Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Massachusetts Bar Association taps the expertise of Donna Gerson, attorney, frequent speaker and author of several books on legal career topics in...