Opening a solo practice or expanding a small firm is often marketed as a dream of independence, flexibility, and professional freedom. But behind that glossy image lies a much tougher reality: unpredictable revenue, staffing missteps, and the sheer mental toll of wearing every hat. In this fast-paced, one-hour CLE, seasoned attorney Nicholas Alcock cuts through the noise to deliver an unvarnished look at the highs and lows of firm ownership—and the systems that make the difference between success and burnout.

With decades of experience and a 25+ lawyer team spanning two states, Alcock shares a pragmatic guide for lawyers who are either contemplating their own venture or struggling to keep an existing one afloat. This is not a pep talk. It’s a reality check packed with candid stories, strategic frameworks, and hard-won insights from someone who’s seen it all.

Participants will take away:

• A clear-eyed view of whether you’re truly prepared to go out on your own
• The most damaging assumptions new firm owners make—and how to replace them with smarter expectations
• Financial survival strategies and early planning methods that can save your practice
• A vital rule-of-thumb every solo attorney should use to guide key decisions
• Advice on building trust and reputation before investing in marketing and branding
• Tools for standardizing your processes, automating workflows, and maintaining consistent client communication
• A live Q&A to address the real-world challenges attendees are facing