Truth Behind Horror Stories in Small Law?

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>To complement the biglaw horror stories thread, which has been amazing, I figured why not create a thread devoted to uncovering the truth and realities of small law - both the good and the bad - for those who are looking at all areas of law.</p>

<p>I've actually heard a mixture of things about small law. </p>

<p>On the negative side, I've heard that small law operators often constantly have to worry about generating enough business to keep their business afloat. And related to that, clients sometimes do not pay (or, at least, not on time). ...And then there is also dealing with criminals if you're in criminal law. You may have to defend someone who you may suspect is guilty or may be a belligerent or unpleasant personality type. There is also the issue of dubious and unlawful/unethical business practices, such as "ambulance chasing" or billing fraud. I've read about some small practices fudging the billing hours numbers, because they aren't generating enough business and lawyers being faced with a moral dilemma of whether or not to go along. And, lastly, you sometimes hear small law attorneys put down or seen as the "failures" of the legal industry. It seems that biglaw or other "prestigious" law areas look down on small law attorneys. Or, at the very least, it seems you're "trapped" in small law, because you cannot migrate from small law to biglaw, midlaw, or government law (or can you?), but can usually move from the more "prestigious" types of law into small law. ...How much truth and prevalence do these negative stereotypes and stories have to them? What is small law practice like for you guys?</p>

<p>Some of the positives I have heard, on the other hand, are that you can be your own boss in small law and don't have to answer to anyone. The hours are often more predictable and may be less stressful than biglaw. And over the years, you can often get to develop close and meaningful relationships with some of your repeat clients. And in some cases, if you're very good at it and can bring in clients, you can earn even more money than what biglaw attorneys make in areas like trial law. </p>

<p>Would love to hear people's thoughts and experiences. Thanks!</p>

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<p>I think that it largely depends on your area of practise, location, personality type, and how much experience you have before you hang up a shingle.</p>

<p>If you are well-connected in your community, have worked in big or mid-sized firms, and decide to start an estate planning law firm, you may have a very nice life, with normal hours, great money, and a very steady client base that pays the bills on time. </p>

<p>The problem with any small business is that you eat last. Before you take in even one cent, you have to pay your rent, buy malpractise insurance, meet your payroll obligations, and shell out for office supplies (computer, Westlaw, software, printers, ink, letter head…). Only after all those bills have been paid do you get to take any money home. Once you’ve been in business for a while, this is not as large an issue; however, it can be horrific if you’re waiting on a contingency case, clients are behind in their bills, and you have to complete work for other clients before you can send them a bill.</p>