GOING SOLO ?
Law School Life
GOING SOLO ?
By Erik J . Provitt 3L , Atlanta ’ s John Marshall Law School
While the job market for new lawyers is certainly improving , it is not the panacea many of us dreamed of when we made the decision to attend law school . Whether you decided to go to law school as a means to earn a comfortable living or you went to address deficiencies in our society that can only be cured by a lawyer , the means to accomplish your goals may no longer be found in a downtown firm or the local legal aid society . The State Bar of Georgia and the five ABA-approved law schools in Georgia may have created a realistic path to that dream in the form of solo practice .
The Lawyers for Equal Justice ( LEJ ) is an 18-month incubator program for newer lawyers to start innovative , socially conscious law practices providing affordable services to low and moderate income clients . The vision of its Executive Director is that the participants will leave the incubator with thriving , innovative legal practices that “ break the mold ” to provide cost-effective services throughout Georgia . In addition , participants will implement best business practices that allow them more freedom , control and flexibility to enjoy their practice and life outside their practices .
Stephanie Everett is the first Executive Director of the LEJ . She is a 2002 graduate of Georgia State University ’ s law school . She may be the perfect person to help lead new lawyers through the gauntlet of starting a practice . In 2007 , Ms . Everett left Big Law to start a boutique firm . Despite the headwinds of the recession at the time , she helped grow that practice into a 20 lawyer firm in just seven years . Ms . Everett managed all aspects of her firm ’ s operations — from firm finances to attorney training and mentoring . It was her passion for teaching and creating successful businesses that led her to Lawyers for Equal Justice . She knows that starting your own law firm can be an overwhelming task for a new lawyer fresh out of law school . Ms . Everett stated , “ You have to figure out how to start and run a business , attract and retain clients , and practice your substantive area of law - all on your own .” She continued , “ this program solves those problems .” The incubator program is a collaborative community that allows participants to develop their practice while receiving first-class training , mentoring and support on business and legal issues .
Participants will be chosen through a competitive selection process that includes a personal statement and interview . In addition to being a graduate of one of Georgia ’ s ABAapproved law schools and a member of the state bar , the ideal candidate should :
• Have an entrepreneurial spirit and be excited to explore the latest innovations in legal practice management and delivery ;
• Be committed to the access to justice and using the power of law to impact client ’ s lives and build better communities ;
• Be creative , flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances
• Be willing to commit to 18 months of participation in LEJ
A new group of 10 lawyers will be brought in every six months , with a total of 30 lawyers in the program at any given time . Participants will be provided with assistance in establishing a solo or small firm practice serving the legal needs of low and moderate-income individuals and small businesses . Additionally , they will have a shared office space in a collaborative environment fostering innovation , practice resources , including law practice management technology and will receive mentoring by experienced and respected practitioners . Ms . Everett noted , “ Several judges and experienced practitioners have reached out to me and expressed how they wished this program existed when they graduated !”
If you are thinking of establishing a solo practice and would like to best position yourself for selection into the Lawyers for Equal Justice ’ s incubator program , Ms . Everett recommends , “ Begin to think about what you want for your life and your practice . Start creating a vision for your law firm .” Additionally , you should “ take advantage of law school clinics ” and “ consider taking classes that focus on the business of law .” If you are still “ in love with the law ” and have been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug , submit your application to the Lawyers for Equal Justice .
More information about the Lawyers for Equal Justice can be found at : https :// lawyersforequaljustice . legal . io /
14 THE ATLANTA LAWYER January 2016 The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association