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The autonomy, the flexibility, and an average good salary.
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<p>yes, yes, and yes.</p>
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What do you think are the ups and downs? Besides financial insecurity, are you faced with other predicaments?
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<p>Besides cash flow (which is really the main problem), you also have to deal with running a business. Personally, I don't mind dealing with my landlord, the phone company, Verizon, the Yellow Pages, my insurance carrier, etc. Nor do I mind managing my trust and operating accounts. Some people don't like this though.</p>
<p>Another issue is that you can't really take an extended vacation where you leave your work behind you -- unless you have a partner who you really really trust.</p>
<p>On the other hand, you can take a day or two off here and there very easily. For example, yesterday morning I decided that I didn't feel like going into work. So I rescheduled my one appointment for the day, and that was that.</p>
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Do you work alone or with others?
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<p>Personally, I work alone. I don't want the hassle of having employees or partners.</p>
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Although most don't make as much as BigLaw attorneys, isn't the salary comparable? And the hours vs. pay?
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<p>No, the salary is not comparable. In terms of dollars per hour, it's kind of hard to say, since not all hours are the same. And since I have the option of turning down less profitable cases. </p>
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Can you realistically take time off when you want?
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<p>Absolutely, although you can't take 2 weeks off. </p>
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What's the best way to go your route?
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<p>That's an interesting question. Ideally, one would work for a couple years for someone else to gain experience and a little money. But the problem is that it's very easy to get stuck in a sem-comfortable rut. As your life goes on and you get a mortgage, a spouse, children, etc., it may get harder and harder to break away. So there's something to be said for just hanging a shingle straight out of law school.</p>
<p>If I had it to do again, I would have started my practice while in law school. Although you need to be admitted as an attorney to represent people in court, you often don't need to be an attorney to appear before administrative agencies. </p>
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I was thinking of working as a prosecutor and attain trial advocacy and litigation skills, and then move on to starting my own practice-- is this feasible?
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<p>Sure it is, particularly if you are interested in doing criminal defense work.</p>