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starting out  It's a combination of loneliness and exhilaration. How do I deal with partners? How do I run my business? Can I handle being out on my own? Whether you're starting your journey or charting a new career course, firsts can be frightening. These insightful resources focus on new lawyers as well as solo- and small-firm challenges.

New Lawyers & Students Better Public Speaking For Lawyers For a trial lawyer, public speaking is a critical skill needed to persuade a judge or jury. For others, it's a great way to increase your visibility and market your law practice. There's a common misconception that because you’re a lawyer, you’re automatically a fearless orator. But what if you’re not a natural public speaker? Don’t sweat it. Public speaking is a learned skill. More... My Last Lecture: Unsolicited Advice for Future and Current Lawyers (.pdf) University of Missouri-Columbia law professor Stephen Easton's fictional final lecture to a group of law students where he presents advice on how to increase professionalism, civility, job satisfaction, happiness and service while practicing law. Winner of the 2004 American Inns of Court Warren E. Burger prize. Originally published in the South Carolina Law Review. More... What You Didn’t Learn in Law School: Top Tips for New Lawyers Law schools teach students how to think like lawyers and expose them to various areas of substantive law, but they can’t teach everything about putting it into practice. You have theoretical knowledge about law, but what do you really know about applying it? Here's a quick primer to help fill the knowledge gap. More... Keep Your Head Above Water Graduating law students are entering a job market that is the toughest it’s been in years. Here’s what you need to know about the new legal economy, how to get the job you need, and how to keep yourself afloat until the tide comes in. More in National... Going Solo Solo Practitioners Explore a Range of Networking Options Toronto sole practitioner Bo Arfai has been practising law for just a few months, but already he has a trusted network he can call on for support and advice: jeff, chris, karen, ottawa student, ba2llb and anonymous... More... Secrets of the Business of Law – Opening Your Own Office: What Will It Cost? Like many lawyers today, you might be feeling a call to go solo and build your own destiny. And as those who make it know, there’s so much to do and so little time to do it, it’s hard to know where to start. To help guide your thinking, let’s take a look at the major expenses of opening a solo practice. More... SMART Growth for Law Firms A surprising number of lawyers express real reluctance about growing their firms. Some fear that growth would put them further behind in their professional and personal obligations; others feel that they'll lose flexibility and control of their practices. Put these fears to rest by growing your firm the SMART way. More... Starting a New Firm: Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid and Top 10 Tips for Success Starting a new firm is quite distinct and separate from practicing law. Despite the continuing insistence of some that law remains a profession and not a business, a law practice is fundamentally the business of providing legal services to individuals and organizations. Start with these tips to get you on your way. More... Independence Day: Starting Your Own Law Firm Learn how to quickly develop a firm starring you, and only you, from someone who’s done it them self. And this feature doesn’t skimp on plot. From staff to furniture and even stationery, this article covers all the bases. More... Other Articles Technologies for Solo, Home, and Mobile Lawyers Technologies for the Solo, Home, and Mobile Office: Networking and Data Protection “Packing My Own ’Chute” series Technologies for the Solo, Home, and Mobile Office: Networking and Data Protection Taking Care of Business Limited Liability Partnerships Revitalization: A Key to Planning Successful Firm and Solo Practice Transitions

Quick Tips Practical and concise tips for those starting out on their own, or just plain starting out. Resources Flying Solo (.pdf) - A CBA Guide to Solo Law Practice in Canada. National Magazine Special Law Students Edition MyShingle Online Guide to Starting a Law Firm ABA - How to Start and Run a Law Firm OBA Free Online Video Presentations   Newsfeeds Feed of the Week More blogs/RSS feeds at blawg.org. Links & Blogs Amazing Firms, Amazing Practices CBA General Practice Solo and Small Firm Conference ABA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division MyShingle.com Small Law Blog