Message from the Section Chair

Somita Basu
Chair, Solo and Small Firm Section
Santa Clara, CA

Welcome to the start of a new year – which, frankly, is starting to feel very much like the old year. But nevertheless, as Solo and Small Firm practitioners, we soldier on in the service of our clients and our practices. If the last two years has taught us anything, it’s that the ability to be flexible to handle rapidly changing circumstances is the key to survival. No other attorneys are more well equipped to pivot quickly than Solo and Small Firm practitioners.

As we learn to live with the ‘new normal’, it’s important to seek out avenues to network, market our services, and educate the public on what we do.  Consider a marketing and networking calendar to ensure that you are contacting your referral partners at regular intervals and reaching out to your target clients with useful information. If you’re interested in presenting, consider presenting for CEB. There is more information on available topics for presenters below. If you want to raise your profile and also help others, consider serving as a mentor for Bay Area’s Legal Incubator. A small volunteer commitment on your part can be a tremendous help to other attorneys and you often reap unexpected rewards.

It’s also that time of year when we gather all of the data on our practices’ financial performance for the prior year for those pesky tax returns. I know many of us are not fond of this task, but it is a necessary part of being your won boss. If you don’t already, consider reviewing your financials every month. As your practice grows, consider outsourcing bookkeeping and tax services so you can focus on bringing on new clients and servicing your existing clients.

Finally, as we make another trip around the sun, let’s all hope for a better work-life balance, moments of joy, and continued good health for ourselves, our teams, and our near and dear ones. Always remember to take a few minutes every day to breathe and reset in the midst what is a stressful time (to put it lightly).  Stay well, stay safe.