Teach Me to Solo : The Nuts and Bolts of Law Practice

Rating:
Summary: Basic, but still some very useful ideas
Review: I have been practicing for 8 years and was afraid that this book might not be useful. But since it is easy to read, I read it and am very glad that I did. It dose have some very basic information, but it also has several ideas I would not have thought of on my own. It was helpful to have the thoughts summarized and organized to give me a platform for organizing my own. And did start the wheels spinning for me to be more creative by sharing ideas that were a little different than my own. It does get bogged down in some technical detail on modems, and goes a little off tangent when it goes into stocks after a helpful discussion of retirement planning. But it gives great networking and marketing information. I wish it had a deeper section on financing the venture. But at this price, it is worth it to get some good ideas.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful if you haven't read Foonberg
Review: Mediocre, but still better than most solo law practice books. This is like Foonberg's best selling book, but provides much less detail. It's heads and tails above books that discuss "marketing theory," but it does drone on and on about computer-related matters. Davis appears to have an interest in computers and Palm Pilots that goes beyond the practice of law, as evidenced by his spending at least 1/3 of the book talking about computer/technology-related matters. Here are what useful suggestions I acquired from the book: (1) make a "Client Copy: Retain for Your Records" stamp so that you can easily mail clients copies of all filed/received documents; (2) put a statement somewhere around the bottom of the client interview form noting that filling out the form does not constitute representation, but that a fee agreement is required. I learned a few other tricks as well...

Rating:
Summary: a must buy if starting out solo
Review: This book is an asset to any new or practicing solo or small law firm. It's got everything from what type of phone to buy, to how to set up your files, and what type of font to choose for letterhead and business cards. Whether you've worked in a large firm or it's your first time out--this book will act as your paralegal and assistant all rolled into one. I don't know how I'd get started without it! You must buy it!