Solo Lawyers Are Thriving

SUMMARY Solo attorneys report high career satisfaction, with nearly 75% content in their practice. Flexibility in scheduling, client selection, and work matters drives their well-being. Challenges include workload stress, income inconsistency and burnout risk affecting about half of practitioners. Success depends on maintaining boundaries, building professional networks and practicing financial prudence. Solo practice offers a … Read more

Artificial Intelligence and Attorney-Client Privilege

SUMMARY Attorney-client privilege faces significant challenges with AI use. When lawyers input client information into AI systems, they risk waiving privilege by sharing confidential data with third-party providers. The Rules of Professional Conduct require attorneys to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate technological competence and ensure adequate safeguards. Lawyers should anonymize information, use specialized legal AI tools with … Read more

Equity or Cash: Temptation & Risk for Lawyers

Sooner or later a startup lawyer will hear the suggestion that payment be postponed or waived in exchange for equity. What is the lawyer to do when the client cannot (or would rather not) pay and offers stock instead? On its face, taking equity looks like a practical solution. The client preserves cash, the lawyer … Read more

Alternatives to the Attorney Hourly Rate

In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, many law firms rethought their traditional billing practices. Clients, under financial pressure themselves, began to demand more value and predictability in their legal costs. This shift in client expectations, coupled with the rise of legal resources available online, led to the growing popularity of alternative fee agreements. … Read more