Happy Anniversary to Me!

On May 5, 1994, I set out on my own to establish my solo law practice. It's hard to believe that was 14 years ago, but that's how quickly time flies. I can honestly say that I have had no regrets whatsoever; I am blissfully self-employed. I have certainly learned many things along the way, and I would probably do some things differently on a second attempt, but no regrets. It's a great feeling! 14 years--woohoo!

Slow Training this Week

It has been one of those slow weeks of training. I wanted to do more this week, but the demands of work have required me to spend more hours on my law practice. That's fine. While I'm a bit disappointed, I remember that I am learning my livelihood as a lawyer rather than an athlete, and I am able to keep things in perspective. There are also some really good aspects of this week, so I want to share those, too.

• After almost 14 years, I am still positively thrilled to be in solo practice. It is the right fit for me. From talking with friends of mine over the years, as well as blogging for the JD Bliss Blog, I have learned that I am really blessed to be working on my own and not at one of the "law factories" (or in "big law," as it's often called). Sure, I have made my share of mistakes in solo practice and I've learned better ways to do things, but going solo in 1994 was undoubtedly the very best decision I have made in my career.
• I have been working with a new client and they have presented me with a fascinating legal issue. Because of professional confidentiality and the attorney-client privilege, I can't go into details here, but the project is perfect for my hyper-analytical mind; my neurons can really crunch on it and savor it. It's taking somewhat longer than I originally expected it would. I appreciate the client's patience and the opportunity to be at the forefront of important legal questions related to doing business on the Internet.
• I earn part of my living by writing. I update my book quarterly, to keep it current, and doing that helps me keep up to date, too.
• I earn part of my living by blogging. How cool is that?

Overall, at least in this moment, I am blessed and I am grateful.

The Best Laid Plans O' Mice and Men

Hah! Foolish humans. They think they can plan stuff and actually make it happen. Don't they realize that various circumstances can quickly conspire to confound even their best efforts?

That's what happened to me on Thursday. I had planned--and hoped--to attend the free continuing legal education webinar, but a meeting I had ran longer than expected, so I missed the program.

Thanks to Peter Olson's blog, Solo in Chicago, I have found additional information about reasonably priced MCLE programs, such as MentorCLE. Obviously, cost is but one consideration in selecting CLE programs to attend, but since I am a solo lawyer, it's an important factor in my decision. I'd love to fly to New York or Los Angeles and spend two or three days soaking up all the latest developments in my areas of practice but that's not quite as feasible now as it was, say, in 2000. Nevertheless, I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in the online programs because they really are convenient. On the other hand, the networking opportunities as great as the programs you attend live, but hey, these days we have blogs and MySpace and Facebook and LinkedIn for networking, right? Right?

Going to a CLE Program this Afternoon...

...in the comfort and convenience of my own home. I love this Internet!

Thanks to colleague, fellow Chicagoan, and fellow home office lawyer, Peter Olson, who mentioned this Web-based CLE program recently on his excellent blog, Solo in Chicago.

This webinar looks to be a really good program. While I don't currently have a trial practice, or any significant litigation practice* for that matter, I find it useful to stay as up to date as I can on trial issues, evidence, and court rules for at least three reasons.

First, you never know when I might get back into it, either as a decision to restructure my practice a bit or to work on a particular case that's especially interesting or where I can put my skills or passion to good use.

Second, while I concentrate my practice and writing primarily on Internet and e-commerce law for small businesses, it is important to stay reasonably connected to the areas of law that may affect my clients. Among other things, I need to be able to anticipate how various information might be used as evidence and counsel clients appropriately.

Third, since this particular CLE course deals with matters of ethics and professionalism, and particularly the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers, I believe that one can never study ethics and professional rules too much. The integrity of our profession, our service to our clients and to the public who has placed its trust in us, and our own ability to pursue happy and meaningful lives in the law depend on maintaining solid ethical foundations and buttressing them with continuing education.

I look forward to attending this program this afternoon. It's cold outside, but as I said, I needn't leave my comfortable home office to participate in it. Of course, just after the program ends, I'll need to attend a meeting at Northwestern University Hospital that is not available online, but I digress...

Thanks, Peter, for the heads-up about this!

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* Several years ago, about 90% of my law practice was litigation. It was a blast, a rush, and I enjoy being in court and crafting, refining, and presenting legal argument on behalf of clients. However, I also went four years in a row with no vacation.