Solo practitioners are popularly viewed as rugged individualist, self sufficient, and brimming with self confidence.
If only that were true.
Over the years I have talked with and heard from solo practitioners from all over America who expressed their frustrations, concerns, and fears. Many of them have no one to talk to about their problems and many of them feel like no one really cares. Feelings of isolation are common and as technology opens more vistas through the computer and the internet, we will all be spending more time alone.
Like all solos, I understand the concept of isolation. We have experienced it, but it is neither a necessary nor a permanent condition of solo practice. In an earlier time when there was greater collegiality in the profession, a solo practitioner could call upon almost any experienced member of the bar to get some practical advice. This informal mentorship provided many newer lawyers, and particularly solo practitioners, with a helpful initiation into the practice. Unfortunately, in the competitive environment of the late 20th century, this does not seem to be the norm anymore.
Many lawyers who are having difficulty in locating employment find it easier to claim to be self-employed than to admit that they are unemployed. For those unemployed lawyers who remain determined to practice, solo practice then becomes their only alternative.
Although some bar associations, including the State Bar of Texas and the Houston Bar Association, have formal mentor programs, the supply of mentors is woefully inadequate for the needs of those who could use a mentor.
Several years ago I was privileged to serve on a special task force of the American Bar Association that dealt with the needs and concerns of solo and small practitioners. In the course of my service on this committee, I learned of an organization in Atlanta, Georgia that touted itself as the "largest law firm in Atlanta" and that it had regular monthly meetings. As I looked into its operations, I saw that this was not an actual law firm, but was a euphemism for a large group of solo practitioners that had banded together in a supporting organization.
I thought to myself that if something like that could work in Atlanta, it certainly could work in Houston, and with a small group of fellow solo practitioners, I began to explore the possibilities. The result was the formation of a loosely organized group known as Solos Supporting Solos.
It all began with a mailing sent to approximately 200 solo practitioners inviting them to an organizational meeting held in September, 1994. Making the list was not the difficult part. Finding a place to meet was. We located a cafeteria that was open for breakfast and that had a private meeting room. A cafeteria avoids the problems of reservations, guarantees, and handling money, and perhaps most important, there was no charge for the meeting room.
Our initial mailing simply announced a breakfast to discuss the problems of Houston solo practitioners and to determine if there was enough interest in organizing a group. In response to that initial announcement, 56 lawyers showed up to express their enthusiasm and willingness to participate. From that nucleus, the group has met each month and with the August, 1999 meeting, has completed five years of fellowship.
In the intervening years, we have had to move to a second, and now a third, location. Our current meeting place is in a private room in a cafeteria located just on the outskirts of downtown Houston.
We begin our meetings promptly at 7:30 a.m. by going around the room and letting each person stand to make a personal introduction to include the office location and nature of practice. This is in addition to name tags worn by most of the participants. Announcements are made following the introductions, and after the announcements, the floor is open for a discussion of problems and opportunities.
It is at this portion of the program, where our concept really shines. It is here that solos can get support from their fellow solos. For example, one person stood up and said she needed someone who could translate Chinese. Amazingly, one of the other participants raised her hand and announced that she could help. After the meeting concluded, these two were busily exchanging information. The remainder of the time is devoted to a speaker and the meetings conclude promptly at 8:30 a.m. In contrast to many other programs and meetings involving in lawyers in big cities, there usually are six or eight people still visiting thirty minutes after the program has adjourned.
Although legal topics are frequently discussed, no effort is made to obtain MCLE credit. Some of the non-legal topics have included "Office Sharing Locators For Lawyers"; "Operations Of And How To Avoid The Grievance Committee"; "Litigation Support And Paralegals For Lawyers"; "Use Of Videos For Demonstrative Evidence"; "What A Business Coach Can Do To Help Solos"; "The Proper Care And Feeding Of A Private Investigator"; and "Business Etiquette".
The meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month for one hour. There will be a special two hour meeting on October 21, 1999 where the topic will be "Dealing With The Death Or Disability Of The Solo Practitioner." We will have a facilitator at this meeting with the goal being to attempt to define those things that we, as solo practitioners, could do to simplify the work of those who must handle our affairs when we no longer are capable. On November 18, "Understanding Legal Malpractice Insurance" will be the topic.