Ten Commandments

Defensive Lawyering for Solos and Small Practices

i. Develop relationships with other lawyers you can call on

ii. Know your stuff and know your depth
iii. Say “NO” to cases that two or more lawyers have handled before you
iv. Recognize and avoid conflicts of interest
v. Put it in writing
vi. Review all your files regularly
vii. Avoid Having the only known copy of a document
viii. Communicate with your clients
ix. Control your clients’ expectations
x. Read the ethics rules and keep them handy

Adapted from: “Solo Contendere – How to go directly from law school into practice of
law without a job” by Marc Garfinkle

Marc Garfinkle offers workshops and seminars for lawyers and law students, keynote talks on
variety topics: getting solo, persuasion and advocacy for lawyers, lawyers and grammar, and trial
skills: www.bettertestimony.com

Marc Garfinkle a Civil and Criminal Trial Lawyer practice in New Jersey
visit: www.garfinkle-law.com