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Going Solo? Tips for Independent Law Practitioners from Someone Who’s Been There, Done That

By Felicia Vallera, J.D., M.B.A., C.P.A., Law Office of Felicia Vallera

I learned one thing very quickly when I declared my independence and launched my own law practice seven years ago: “solo practitioner” is a misnomer. It’s not possible to do this alone. Every independent practitioner needs a mutually-supportive network of mentors and peers in order to successfully build and grow their practice.

That’s where bar associations like BASF come in. Voluntary bar association dues can be expensive for a new independent practitioner, and being active in bar activities can be time-consuming. I have learned, however, that dues and time spent in the right places are a very important and worthwhile investment in your law practice. First, by working side by side with peers in section and committee activities like planning MCLE programs or organizing business development mixers, you are able to build terrific collegial relationships for brainstorming on technical issues, cross-referrals of prospective clients, and overall camaraderie. Second, bar association leadership activities provide an embarrassment of riches in law practice mentorship opportunities, as you gain access to some of the most respected legal minds in your field through technical programming, and meet the greatest rainmakers and community servants of the legal profession through board work. Third, staffed services like LRIS, ADR Services, and the Ethics Panel can directly support your business development goals. Gradually, the support structure of a stable, active bar association like BASF can almost become a “virtual law firm” for those who work without the luxury of a large law firm support environment.

When you are an active member of BASF, practicing law solo definitely does not mean practicing alone. My investment in BASF and Barristers Club sections, committees, and board service has introduced me to wonderful colleagues, mentors, and friends in the legal profession, and provided a wealth of resources that have helped me build and grow my law practice. I encourage you to take advantage of the same return on investment!

Felicia Vallera is currently Vice Chair of the Business Law Section of BASF, is past President of Queen’s Bench (2007), and past President of the Barristers Club (2005). She is a former associate with Lillick & Charles LLP, former legal intern with the SEC, and graduated from Hastings College of the Law in 1998 following an 18 year career in corporate finance and technology management.