Stetson University College of Law recently launched a three-day Solo Practice Institute, April 26-28, at the Tampa Law Center. Jay Foonberg, author of the book, How to Start and Build a Law Practice, provided the keynote address.

The institute was part of a Solo Practice Network developed by Stetson Law to assist graduating students and alumni in starting, building and sustaining successful law practices. Through the Solo Practice Network, Stetson Law supports alumni in the solo and small practice community.

Foonberg named the Solo Practice Network among major contributions from the State of Florida to the American legal system.

“Solo does not mean alone,” Foonberg said. “You are never alone. You always have other lawyers to help you, especially solos.”

Ninety Stetson Law alumni participated in the first Solo Practice Institute. Stetson Law alumni also served as mentors to Solo Practice Institute participants.

Alumnus Dr. Adam Levine, who partners in his own law practice, presented on the topic of attracting and managing clients at Stetson’s Solo Practice Institute.

“I prefer being hands-on and being able to interact with clients of my choosing,” Levine said. “I want clients to call and reach me on the phone.”

The Solo Practice Institute curriculum included instruction on the nuts-and-bolts of running a solo practice. Topics included solo practice management basics; time, billing and collections; advertising and marketing; attracting and maintaining clients; hiring, staffing and personnel management; ethics and solo practice; and research skills and resources.

A Pre-Institute Workshop focused on developing a business plan and on personal development programs including Improv Comedy for Communication Skills, a “Women in Solo Practice” panel, and an introduction to media relations.

Regular workshops and seminars, providing more depth in each subject, will be scheduled for future dates at both the Tampa Law Center and the Celebration campus of Stetson University.

For more information about the Solo Practice Institute, please visit Stetson Law online or contact Aaron Swift, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, at [email protected] or 727-562-7819.