You’re Never Alone: Solo and Small Practice Section Looms Large with Activities, its Own Book, and CLA’s FREE Software Offer

December 2024

It’s no secret that the majority of lawyers practicing in California work in small firms with between two and ten attorneys. More than half of all attorneys in these firms are partners. The result is that California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) Solo and Small Firm (SSF) Section looms large.

“Big firms automatically have a village, because their lawyers are working in big practices,” explains SSF Chair Marina Fraigun. “I want to create that same village for solo and small firms and give them the resources they need.”

The SSF Section has written and published its own book titled, “Opening and Managing a Law Office.” Its purpose: help “take the guesswork” out of operating in a small firm.

“Lawyers in solo or small practice need a full range of opportunity. Our CLA Section offers many webinars and educational events,” says Fraigun. “This book is the result of a remarkable effort, and it’s quite an amazing tool.”

Nearly 50 authors stepped up to share their deep expertise in putting the book together. Each author was asked, “What do you wish you had known when you started out?” These solo practitioner experts identified the most important things to consider when opening and managing  solo and small firms. The book serves as a guide for navigating what may be the most thrilling phase of an attorney’s legal career – being their own boss.

Equally important, according to Fraigun, are the social events put on by SSF. The Section will begin hosting, “Dinner with a Dozen” evenings statewide in January 2025. “We want people to sign up, converse, get to know each other, and build that village. It’s about meeting people who aren’t just referral partners, but people who are going to be mentors and friends. We also want to combine social events with education and resources.”

To that end, and especially to keep pace with current advancements in technology, CLA has teamed up with Smokeball Trust Accounting & Billing Software, offering members absolutely free subscriptions for this essential practice instrument. Smokeball is a specifically designed, cloud-based legal practice management software application that allows attorneys to do more in less time by assisting with tasks like information gathering and drafting correspondence.

“I think this software platform creates value for our members,” says Fraigun. “They should learn more about it.”

The SSF Section’s mission to foster a supportive community across all areas of practice helps ensure that solo and small firm attorneys become strong, competent, and ethical solo and small firm business owners.

From webinars discussing the “how-tos” of  increasing referrals and clients to the impact of attorney wellness in the practice of law, the Section works hard to provide its members with a wide range of networking activities every month.

To learn more about CLA’s SSF Section, visit: https://calawyers.org/section/solo-and-small-firm/.

To get your free subscription to Smokeball Trust Accounting & Billing Software, visit: https://calawyers.org/smokeball-bill/