As part of UNLV’s offerings to law students, the Career Development Office hosted a virtual panel on solo practice with LawBank attorneys. The event took place on October 19, 2021, and was moderated by Meranda Vieyra, CEO, and co-founder of Denver Legal Marketing and CEO and Co-Founder of NimbusMark. Panelists included Mark Hutchings, Mark Spitz, and Carolin Topelson. Mark Hutchings is the owner of Hutchings Law Group. He has been a full-time solo practitioner for nearly five years and practices civil litigation. Mark Spitz is the owner of Spitz Legal Counsel. He practices corporate and business law and has been in solo practice for six years. Carolin Topelson is the owner of Carolin Topelson Law, LLC. Her practice focuses on real estate and other business litigation. She has been in solo practice since 2014.
Meranda began the panel by asking panelists to share how they decided to open their law firm. Mark Hutchings shared that he wanted the freedom to choose his clients and cases. He noted that solo practice allows him to develop long-term relationships with clients versus transaction-based, which can often occur at larger law firms. Carolin shared that her decision to go solo was not intentional but rather stemmed from a less than an ideal office environment. Mark Spitz had been an in-house attorney and had over 20 years of experience practicing law. Despite his extensive experience, he could not find a senior role, which led to him starting his law firm. Meranda then asked panelists what knowledge they had before solo practice helped them create their firm. Carolin brought her experience from having worked in marketing. She shared that it taught her how to develop relationships, which is not often taught in law school. Mark Hutchings brought his pre-law school sales and management experience to help him create a complete business plan, from brand logo to learn QuickBooks.
Next, Meranda asked what courses or guidance helped the panelists prepare for solo law practice. Mark Hutchings shared that his practice management course at UNLV Boyd School of Law was an invaluable tool that was helpful and practical. Carolin noted that her law school offered clinics where students could gain hands-on experience. She also suggested taking advantage of externships, internships, part-time and summer jobs to gain experience in the field. Meranda asked the attorney panelists how to obtain and retain clients as a solo practitioners. Mark Spitz suggested being part of a community like LawBank, where you can get referrals from other attorneys. Carolin recommended getting involved in local organizations, leadership programs and finding volunteer opportunities. Pre-pandemic, Mark Hutchings would have his assistant cold call attorneys that he was interested in meeting for lunch.
Meranda concluded the panel by asking the attorneys what advice they would give to someone interested in starting a solo or small practice and what they consider the best and most challenging parts of owning a solo law firm. The panelists agreed that gaining experience, training, and knowing how to practice law before starting a solo practice will make the transition easier. Carolin shared that the most challenging part of her solo practice is taking a vacation since there is no backup to take on the caseload or be available while she is unplugged. She considers the best part to be the flexibility that comes with solo practice. Mark Hutchings believes that the pressures of risk and responsibility are the most challenging aspect of solo practice. At the same time, the best part is the freedom and flexibility available at Big Law firms. Mark Spitz agreed that flexibility and being your boss are the best parts of owning your firm, with the most difficult being less predictability.
Panelists responded to questions submitted by UNLV students, including how to decide practice specialty and how they knew they would be successful as solo practitioners. For more information on the event’s panelists, Mark Hutchings, Mark Spitz, and Carolin Topelson can be found on the LawBank webpage, under “Members.”
If you are interested in viewing future presentations, visit the events page to view upcoming programs hosted by LawBank.
ABOUT LAWBANK
LawBank joined the Las Vegas legal community in 2020, with an office in Downtown Las Vegas. LawBank offers a collaborative work environment for solo and small law firms with that location and three others in Denver. More than just a shared office space for lawyers, LawBank is the premier community where independent law firms can thrive with access to CLE programs, business development opportunities, and social and networking events. Members can take advantage of LawBank’s premium amenities, including technology-enabled conference rooms, a friendly receptionist to greet clients, and a variety of workspaces to select from, all at an affordable, flat rate. Schedule a virtual or in-person tour if you’d like to learn more about LawBank’s unique law office solution.
