Small Law Firm News – May 2010

A NOTE FROM THE SLFC DIRECTOR

“As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.”
~ Henry David Thoreau

Dear Solo and Small Firm Practitioners,

Now that the season of complicated tax calculations has passed, it is time to reflect on how we can simplify our lives by running our small firms more efficiently. Some experts say that the best way to “reset” the economy is to reduce our inflated spending on housing, cars and food and focus the nation’s energy on building something new. Similarly, when amid running between courts and real estate closings I sit down at my desk in my Forest Hills office to write out the monthly bills, I begin to wonder whether I really need an expensive office, a water cooler or an off-site archives’ facility which has been retaining my hard files for the past 13 years. Maybe I should reduce these costs and use the money saved to improve my website, hire more help or spend more time with my family. The May programs of the New York City Bar Small Law Firm Center address and discuss these issues. Please try not to miss our May 13 Luncheon on the Necessities of Opening Your Own Practice and our May 20 Luncheon on Overcoming Money Problems for Solo and Small Firm Practitioners. I look forward to seeing you there and sharing ideas on how to help our firms and our lives prosper in the years to come.

With Best Regards,

Alla Roytberg

Practice Management Consultations

As a Member Benefit of the NYC Bar, any member who is interested in starting and/or growing his/her small law firm is entitled to one free practice management /brainstorming session with Alla Roytberg, Director of the Small Law Firm Center. If further consultations are needed, NYC Bar members can schedule additional consultations with Alla Roytberg at a discounted consultation fee of $50 per consultation. Payment should be by check made payable to “The New York City Bar” in advance of each consultation. A consultation would last up to one hour, as needed. To schedule a consultation email aroytberg@nycbar.org.

SAVE THE DATE!

The Necessities of Opening Your Own Practice
Small Law Firm Luncheon
Thursday, May 13, 2010 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Our panel will address a number of important issues faced by attorneys including: finding clients, choosing the area of practice, finding office space, choosing the right equipment and supplies for your practice, setting up bank accounts, and effectively handling tax issues. This program is aimed at recent and soon-to-graduate students, newly admitted attorneys, as well as attorneys looking to or who have recently gone out on their own.

Moderator: Robin Kravitz, Law Office of Robin Kravitz

Speakers: Mark A. Josephson, CPA, CFP, CFE, Murray & Josephson, CPAs, LLC
Michael C. Rakower, Law Office of Michael C. Rakower, P.C.
Alla Roytberg, Director, Small Law Firm Center, New York City Bar Association

Sponsored by: 

Registration by May 10 is necessary. The fee, which includes lunch, is $30 for members, $50 for non-members. Please click HERE to register online.

AN IMPROVED BENEFIT FOR MEMBERS
ABA Books at 15% Discount to Members of the NYC Bar can now be purchased DIRECTLY from the ABA.

The Small Law Firm Center is pleased to announce that members of the NYC Bar are now able to purchase any book publish by the American Bar Association at a 15% discount DIRECTLY from the ABA. To take advantage of this benefit click on the following link, http://www.ababooks.org and enter discount code PAB8ENYC upon checkout.

SAVE THE DATE!

Overcoming Money Problems
Part III of a three part luncheon series – Stress/Time Management
Thursday, May 20, 2010 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

In this economy, lawyers in solo practices or small firms may find themselves struggling more financially — so it is especially important to make the most of the business opportunities which you have. Do you have trouble billing promptly, raising rates appropriately or collecting from reluctant clients? It’s time to stop avoiding issues around money. Come hear a psychiatrist and former lawyer talk about emotional impediments to making money — and ways to solve them.

Moderator: Alla Roytberg, Director of the NYC Bar Small Law Firm Center

Speaker: Elizabeth Tillinghast, M.D., J.D.

Sponsored by:

Registration by May 15 is necessary. The fee, which includes lunch, is $30 for members, $50 for non-members. Please click HERE to register online.

SAVE THE DATE!

Business Opportunities through the Association’s Legal Referral Service
Small Law Firm Luncheon
June 17, 2010 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM