Are You Ready to Go Solo?
Use this checklist to evaluate readiness across mindset, experience, and business fundamentals.
The Big Idea
Starting a solo practice requires more than legal skill. It demands self-assessment, planning, and a clear operational foundation. The checklist below helps you evaluate whether you are ready to take the leap.
Go solo when you honestly believe that at least some potential clients would be better off with you than with most of your competitors.
Solo Practice Readiness Checklist
Self-Assessment
- • Do you believe you can outperform competitors for a specific client type?
- • Are you ready to handle both legal work and business operations?
Experience
- • Have you built hands-on experience in your practice area?
- • Have you worked under or alongside experienced attorneys?
Mentorship
- • Do you have mentors who can help you navigate early decisions?
- • Have you tapped local bar association resources?
Business Skills
- • Do you understand budgeting, billing, taxes, and marketing basics?
- • Have you invested time in learning how firms actually operate?
Networking
- • Do you have referral partners and peer relationships?
- • Are you active in associations and local community networks?
Financial Planning
- • Do you have savings to cover the ramp-up period?
- • Have you mapped a realistic budget for tools and marketing?
Continuing Education
- • Are you staying current on case law and CLEs?
- • Have you pursued training on the business side of practice?
Technology & Office Setup
- • Have you selected intake, billing, and scheduling tools?
- • Do you know whether you will operate virtually or in person?
Compliance & Licensing
- • Have you set up registration, insurance, and trust accounts?
- • Are you prepared to meet local ethics and reporting rules?
Marketing Strategy
- • Can you clearly articulate who you help and why you are different?
- • Do you have a plan for SEO, referrals, or partnerships?
Final Thoughts
Going solo is less about having everything solved and more about being prepared to solve problems quickly. If you are asking these questions, you are already thinking like a firm owner.
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