How to Start and Build a Law Practice
Author: Jay Foonberg
List Price: $39.95
Our Price: Click to see the latest and low price
ISBN: 0897076850
Publisher: American Bar Association (March, 1992)
Sales Rank: 117,225
Average Customer Rating: 4.53 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 4 out of 5
Mr. Foonberg is about the only Mentor that I've found...
I'd heard of this book from time to time during law school. It was kept in the "Career Services" office and could only be checked out for a weekend, like anyone had time to read it during lawschool, or over a weekend. I found myself tracking down an old copy of this book within my first few months of solo practice. When I learned that there was a more recent edition I bought it, even though I couldn't spare the $$. The book is dated (although the latest edition has been revised to some degree) and inapplicable in many respects to lots of new attorneys (Mr. Foonberg cut his legal teeth in Hollywood, CA.) HOWEVER, I would consider this book the Bible for any new, mentor-less, solo practitioner. If you're thinking about buying it, BUY it, even though it's too expensive. You'll probably be glad that you did. It could be all that comes between your neophyte-lawyer-hiny and the Disciplinary Committee. I have the new edition in my office and I consult it frequently. I have copied and used many of its example letters, forms and strategies. Mr. Foonberg's advice has saved me time, heartache and the ravages of clients who have no intention of paying me, or worse, clients who are just plain nuts. I take Mr. Foonberg's sage advice frequently and I must say that, in my limited experience, he has proven to be SO RIGHT about many aspects of the practice of law. If you cannot afford this book, check your local public library or the law school library to see if it has a copy. At least read the chapters on how to choose clients, how and when to bill and especially what clients NOT to take. Mr. Foonberg is about the only Mentor that I've found.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The best; helped me do it successfully
I had my own practice in Delaware for 11 years. This book was the absolutely indispensible A-Z guide and saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars. I have never known Foonberg to be wrong and this book is crammed with useful tips. All the stuff they don't teach you in law school. Buy it at once if you're even thinking of starting your own practice. Buy it as a graduation gift if you know someone graduating from law school (they will thank you profusely). Even if you're a lawyer who laughs at the idea of ever starting your own practice, did you ever wonder how other lawyers do it? Buy and read this and you'll find out all the secrets. And you might just get tempted yourself...
Rating: 5 out of 5
The proof is in the pudding
I am a trial attorney in a city of about 220,000 people, and for more than 2 years I considered breaking away from firm life and starting my own shop. I read Foonberg's 3rd edition of the same title, then purchased this one. I read, dreamed, re-read, and then started planning. I used this book as my primary guide, while also gleaning some "nuggets" from other publications. I will say, however, that this book BY FAR provided the most guidance and the most detail. Just over a month ago, I took the plunge and started my own solo practice. I had re-financed my house and took some cash out to ensure I could survive for about 6 months just on that money. ... And I am happy to say that it wasn't necessary. I am "in the black" after only the first month! In fact, I am SO busy, that I either need to limit my practice or rent a larger place to hire a paralegal. It's not like I'm taking everything that walks in either. On the contrary, I am refusing quite a bit of work, but it seems like the more bad cases I turn away, the more good cases come in.
My success is unusual, but can be duplicated with the same methodical planning using this book as a "bible" of sorts. It was on my nightstand for more than a year, and now it sits in my credenza in my new office. I cannot recommend this book enough to the attorney that is considering going on his/her own. It is truly a great resource. I actually plan on purchasing the new (5th) edition when it comes out, even though I'm already on my own. It is simply that useful. ... And don't be surprised if you can't find it in the local law library! It is usually either checked out or stolen.
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