Why We Wrote This Guide
I’m Paul Ippolito, a lawyer coach based in Sydney.
This guide helps lawyers across Australia and internationally make deliberate decisions about going solo.
Most lawyers think about running their own practice at some point.
For some it’s a passing thought. For others, it’s a calling that doesn’t go away.
I know the feeling. I went out on my own more than 18 years ago.
It was the best professional decision I’ve made but it wasn’t smooth, and I learned many lessons the hard way.
This guide is the resource I wish I’d had before I took that leap. It shares the real story - the good, the bad, and the practical realities no one talks about.
There is rarely a perfect time to go solo. It’s a personal decision that should be made with eyes open and then executed deliberately.
This guide is here to help you do exactly that.
What The Guide Covers
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 The Author
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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Next Steps
If you’re serious about going solo and want experienced judgement on timing, risk, and sequencing, the appropriate next step is a private strategy session.
Book A Strategy Session
We have also put together this handy self assessment to see if you are ready to go solo
We also have a comprehensive action checklist for solos showing all the things you need to consider when setting up a practice
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who should read this guide?
A: Lawyers seriously considering independent practice.
Q: What’s the difference between this guide and the self-assessment tool?
A: The guide goes deeper with experience-based narrative and practical realities.
Q: How does the download work?
A: Immediate download after purchase. The guide is licensed for single-user use only.
When Should You Start Your Own Practice?
When Is The Right Time To Go Solo As A Lawyer? - A Practical Guide
A straight-talking reality check for lawyers seriously considering independent practice based on 18+ years of solo lawyering real world experience
