Blueprint for Success: CLA’s Solo and Small Practice Section Says “Yes” YOU Can!

Encouraging attorneys with their, “Yes, you can build a thriving law practice” enthusiasm, California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) Solo and Small Firm Section conducted a day-long seminar in Los Angeles designed to build skills and confidence in lawyers working to grow their own legal practices. The in-person event, attended by more than 50 attorneys, was held on October 25, 2024, at the Bonaventure Hotel in partnership with the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

Nearly three-quarters of all California attorneys work in small, private practice law firms with between 2 to 10 attorneys in an office. Just over 20 percent of California’s attorneys are solo practitioners. This means that approximately 1 in 3 of all lawyers in the state work either as a solo practitioner or in a small firm, according to the California Bar Association.

“We recognize the significant role solo and small firms play in the practice of law,” says Marina Fraigun, CLA’s Solo and Small Firm Section Chair. “As someone who has operated a small practice for fourteen years, I understand that establishing your own firm can be intimidating. This conference was developed specifically to provide a supportive community for such an important group of professionals.”

The seminar featured a wide range of topics and guest speakers. Participants gained knowledge about starting and building a firm from the ground up. Financial considerations and how to manage fiscal matters was a featured topic, along with learning how to grow a new practice once it becomes busy. A nuts and bolts session on everything from finding physical office space to computer network security was also discussed.

“I love it when solos or small firms share stories about how they started and how they succeed,” shared Robert Klien, past Section Chair who remains highly involved with CLA Section activities. “It is very inspirational.”

The Section puts on numerous continuing educational events throughout the year, customized for specialized practice areas, by featuring content from CLA and the organization’s 18 Sections. Additionally, the Solo and Small Firm Section keeps its members updated in areas such as legal ethics and competency issues. Continuing education credits are offered for many of their virtual programs and self-study articles.

For more information on the Section’s mission, or to join CLA, visit: https://calawyers.org/section/solo-and-small-firm/.