A journey of a thousand miles

begins with the wheel in the sky turning, having it any way I want it, and, um, practicing law (relatively close) to that citaaay by the baaaaeeeaaaaay...

All Journey references aside, let this first blog entry serve as an introduction to my little sink-or-swim career experiment. That experiment? Succeed as a solo practitioner of the law. (It would probably serve me best by first practicing how the hell to spell practitioner- even with the red squigglies, it's difficult.)

So, let's first start with my desired audience:
* Well-wishers and all monetary contributors (benefactors who will be repaid with good spirits and high-fives)
* Foes who wish me ill-will who will ultimately eating a heaping slice of humble pie (a la mode, extra)
* People with constructive, ascertainable, GOOD advice. I can't emphasize each of those adjectives enough. I've done enough landscaping of forums out there to realize that, "You should get a good client base," or, "Have you thought about getting a new career," are not exactly any of those.
* People who are bored and just want to see me struggle. As I'm sure anyone who witnessed me ocean kayak as a very fat 330 lbs college freshman will attest, me doing difficult things has a certain hilarity to it. I doubt this adventure will be any different- preferably with less saltwater, though.

Audience and their requirements aside, let's move to what I hope to accomplish from this little blog:
* Honestly, I have no idea what I'm doing. I really do need suggestions, and I'd like to think that I'm not above myself to take advice, and turn it in to something tangible and beneficial to my practice and my growth as an attorney.
* These are difficult times- there is no doubting that. Like studying for the LSATs, like studying in law school, and definitely like bar prep, we're all in this together. I'd hope to think that if there's anything I can pass along through my failures, successes, and ridiculous stories, it's worth it.
* Grow a successful practice! I love being a lawyer, but I also have this selfish need for proprietary interest in my work. If I can do this, look back, and be proud that my name is on it, I know I will have done what I need.

The strategy:
* Currently, I'm working for a small defense firm in Aptos that handles criminal matters out of prisons in Monterey County. As a consequence, my 1999 Mazda 626 has seen better days. With a strong desire to practice in the South Bay, I've begun the process to establish a name up here. The first step was applying for malpractice insurance. Upon receipt of coverage, I can apply for legal referral panels, get on some court-appointed panels, and perhaps even get on the panel to do parole hearings for lifer inmates.
*So... that's where we're at. As soon as things progress, I'll keep you all posted, and I welcome your input.