Legal Careers
Lawyer’s Guide to Succession Planning: A Project Management Approach for Successful Law Firm Transitions and Exits
John W. Olmstead, published 2016 Sixty-five percent of law firms’ equity partners in the U.S. are in their late 50s or early 60s. Over the next ten years, there will be many partners in firms of all sizes transitioning and exiting their practices. Many solo and sole owner attorneys as well as larger law firms… Read More »
Categories: Book, Firm Management, Legal Careers, Solo and Small Firm, Succession PlanningFlying Solo: A Survival Guide for Solo and Small Firm Lawyers 5th Edition
Edited by K. William Gibson, published 2014, 490 pages Newly revised and updated to meet the needs of today’s legal professionals, Flying Solo is a comprehensive guide to establishing and maintaining a successful solo law practice. The Fifth Edition of this ABA classic includes practical information gathered from a wide range of contributors, including successful… Read More »
Categories: Book, Finances, Firm Management, Legal Careers, Marketing, Solo and Small FirmHow Good Lawyers Survive Bad Times
Sharon D. Nelson, James A. Calloway & Ross L. Kodner, published 2009, 230 pages Worried about the economy? Are you a lawyer out of work? Are you afraid you will be laid off? Are you struggling to manage your firm through a down economy? In a single volume, How Good Lawyers Survive Bad Times, will… Read More »
Categories: Book, Finances, Legal Careers, Marketing, Solo and Small FirmStudent to lawyer: 20 tips for a successful transition
There isn’t a magic formula for mapping out a career in law. You will make some decisions on where you would like to go, but there are many things outside your control which will impact where you end up. Factors such as economic conditions, personal circumstances, and even a bit of luck will affect the… Read More »
Categories: 2017 Student Issue No 5, Articles, Legal Careers, New LawyersJob market scoop: What do law firms look for?
Law students – like all students – are prone to anxiety about their career prospects. High-profile news about the employment challenges faced by new grads in the U.S. and changes in the articling requirements for Ontario have combined to create a climate of worry. But worrying about trends and generalizations can obscure the fact that… Read More »
Categories: 2016 Student Issue 4, Articles, Law students/new lawyers, Legal Careers, New Lawyer Issue, New LawyersResolve to get your law practice off to the best possible start
Professional liability claims can take the wind out of the sails of anyone’s legal career, but can be especially demoralizing for a new lawyer. Your best chance at avoiding claims is to develop great working habits right from the start. Here are some practice ‘resolutions’ that you may want to consider. Want more? Read the… Read More »
Categories: 2016 Student Issue 4, Articles, Law students/new lawyers, Legal Careers, New LawyersSample interview questions
Prepare in advance to increase your chances of a successful interview. How would you answer these questions? Background questions: Tell me a little about yourself. What made you decide on law school? What do you hope to get out of a legal career? What do you know about [our firm]? How do you think [our… Read More »
Categories: 2016 Student Issue 4, Articles, Law students/new lawyers, Legal Careers, New LawyersStudent to lawyer: 20 tips for a smooth transition
This is an abridged version of the LAWPRO article: “20 tips for a successful transition” – a guide for law students through the transition from student life to legal practice. See practicepro.ca/20newlawyertips for the full article. Honestly assess your strengths and preferences to identify what makes sense for you in terms of the type of… Read More »
Categories: 2016 Student Issue 4, Articles, Law students/new lawyers, Legal Careers, New LawyersFinancial success and work satisfaction – the perfect combination
There are two new titles in the practicePRO library that can help lawyers be happier in their jobs in two ways: inner fulfillment and proper compensation. Kathleen Paukert, author of The Fulfilled Lawyer: Create the Practice You Desire, doesn’t have a lot of time for the negativity she increasingly hears from lawyers about the practice… Read More »
Categories: 2016 January Indigenous, Articles, Book Review, Finances, Legal CareersThe day-to-day stresses and challenges of being a lawyer
A sole practitioner and single mom is locked in a room in her house. Her young autistic son, outside the room, has put a chair up against the door to prevent it from opening. There is a lot of yelling and screaming. She calls 911 and the police arrive. One of the constables happens to… Read More »
Categories: 2015 September Blue Sky, Articles, Legal Careers, Legal Technology, Wellness, Wellness