1. I don't like to practice law with someone looking over my shoulder. (Although, as the photo shows, that is not always a bad thing).
2. I get to choose my wardrobe; including whether I will wear a tie today (unless I have to go to Court).
3. I like solitude (unless I need advice; but, isn't that why God invented the Internet?).
4. I like to decide what tech and software I will use. Although, I probably have less of it due to the cost.
5. I don't have to ask permission to go home to watch a baseball game. (Client demands permitting, of course).
6. I hate attending meetings at which the sole purpose seems always to be whether one person can convince another person that they are right about something. I get enough of that in hearings, depositions and mediations.
7. I like not having to mediate disputes between the billing department and the associates.
8. I like having an Umbrella Cockatoo as a secretary.
Hey, I could go on; but, since a lot of you out there are solos, or want to be, how about chiming in with your reasons? I have to go watch an afternoon baseball game.
I think we have a lot in common, especially after reading number 5. Just change baseball to basketball. I don't like getting disturbed too much either. I also pursue a solo practice, so high five for that!
Posted by: Tracy Pierre | February 05, 2012 at 09:42 AM
My childhood friend is also a solo practitioner. She told me that it's less stressful than working in a law firm. She's also learning how to do multitasking, like watching a chick flick while finishing her documents for the next day's hearing.
Posted by: Zachary Shepherd | February 13, 2012 at 02:49 PM
The most convenient thing with going solo is the time you can have for yourself without being pressured to share with others. Isn't it irritating sometimes to share and wait for your turn at an elevator or at the cafeteria?
Posted by: Mike Clark | February 16, 2012 at 01:54 PM
Well… I still stick with the saying, "No man is an island." But it depends on the certain circumstances of people, of course. We all have something we wanna do, and I think that's the sense why the term "solo practitioner" exists.
Posted by: Marlin Sayle | March 07, 2012 at 01:29 PM