When Is The Right Time To Go Out On Your Own As A Lawyer?
Why We Wrote This Guide?
Most lawyers think about going out on their own at some point of their career, wondering what life would look like if you ran your own practice.
For some, it’s a passing phase, usually triggered by some catalyst. For others, it’s a calling that just doesn’t go away.
I know the feeling because I’ve been there and done that.
After years in practice, I felt that same curiosity then craving to build something of my own. Eventually, I just knew it was now or never.
I went out on my own more than 17 years ago.
It was the best professional decision I have ever made.
It wasn’t a smooth easy journey though. I made lots of mistakes and learned a lot of lessons the hard way. I also got quite a few things right!
So I put this guide together to deal with the issue of when is the right time for a lawyer to go solo.
Actually, it covers a lot more than that.
It’s something I wish I’d had back then even before when I started off.
It is the real story of my journey into solo practice, the good and bad, the fears and uncertainties, the setbacks and lessons that came with going solo.
It’s pretty much everything I wish someone had told me before I took the big leap of faith.
I also wrote this because I don’t believe there’s ever a perfect time to go out on your own.
It’s a deeply personal decision - one that should be made with your eyes wide open and then executed.
This guide is my way of helping you reach that time of execution
What You’ll Get
Inside, you’ll learn:
the key signs you’re ready (and not!)
the type of experience you actually need before going solo
the financial and emotional realities no one talks about
how to balance freedom with discipline in your first year
the common mistakes that impact new solo practices hard and how to avoid them
This isn’t a “how to” guide.
It’s a reality check from someone who’s been there and done it, survived it, and now helps other lawyers do it better.
Who Is This For?
This guide is for lawyers who:
are seriously thinking about running their own practice
want independence, control, and meaning in their work
are tired of waiting for permission to move on
don’t want to learn the hard way what they could’ve learned in a few hours of reading
If that sounds like you - you’ll get value out of every page of this guide
About Paul Ippolito
I’m Paul Ippolito, practising lawyer and Principal of Ippolito Advisory.
I’ve helped lawyers start, grow, and optimise their solo firms and I’ve run my own law firm for more than 17 years.
I have taught law for that whole time as well.
I wrote this guide because I’ve lived the ups and downs of going out alone.
I still practise. I still teach. I still coach.
I live and breathe the issues I talk about in the guide every single day still.
What Others Say
“Paul is a great mentor and an experienced lawyer and businessman.
He is very easy to talk to, listens without judgment, goes out of his way to be available when needed and provides carefully considered hints, tips and guidance. It was great working with you Paul”.
Senior Solicitor, Sydney
“Paul's mentoring sessions are a life saver! I would highly recommend catching up for a cup of coffee, get great advice on everything and anything.
Mentoring with Paul was also especially beneficial for me because I had no connections in the industry, no lawyers in the family and basically no awareness about the profession. I felt that I am out in a jungle, all by myself.”
Solicitor, Sydney
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Still Unsure If You’re Ready To Go Solo?
Want expert help right now getting started as a solo lawyer?
Book a free confidential initial strategy call here today with Paul Ippolito
© Ippolito Advisory 2025 | www.paulippolito.com.au
Helping lawyers launch, grow & optimise their solo practices.
