Why This Guide Exists
Most lawyers who think about going solo are not really asking one question.
They are asking several at once.
Am I ready?
Do I have enough experience?
Am I thinking clearly, or just fed up?
What will the first year really look like?
What am I underestimating?
This guide was written to help lawyers answer those questions properly before they make a move that is hard to unwind.
What This Guide Helps You Work Through
Whether you are genuinely ready to go solo, or simply ready to leave where you are
The experience you should have before practising independently
The emotional, and operational realities of the first year
The common mistakes new solo lawyers make, and how to avoid them
How to think about risk before you make the leap
This is not a step-by-step setup manual.
It is a guide designed to help you decide well before you act.
What You Get
A concise practical guide you can read in one sitting
A clearer view of whether solo practice is the right move for you now
A better understanding of the risks most often underestimated
A framework for thinking about timing, readiness, and first-year discipline
Hard-earned judgment from someone who has actually done it
Includes
20-page digital guide
Immediate download
Single-user licence
Who Is This For
This guide is for you if
you are seriously considering starting your own practice
you want independence, but do not want to kid yourself
you are trying to judge timing, readiness, and risk
you want practical perspective, not motivational quotes
This guide is not for you if
you are only vaguely curious
you want a technical setup manual
you are looking for generic career encouragement
Why Trust This Guide
I’m Paul Ippolito.
My name is Paul Ippolito
I have run my own law firm for more than 18 years, and I still practise, teach, and work with lawyers thinking seriously about independent practice.
I wrote this guide in my capacity as principal of Ippolito Advisory from lived experience, not theory.
It reflects what solo practice actually demands, where people misjudge the move, and what tends to matter far more than they expect.
What Lawyers Say About Working With Paul Ippolito
“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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Not Ready To Buy Yet?
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
Who is this guide for?
Lawyers who are seriously considering independent practice and want a practical reality check before they act.
What is this guide not?
It is not a technical setup manual or a feel-good pep talk. It is a judgment guide about timing, readiness, and first-year realities.
How is this different from the self-assessment tool?
The self-assessment gives you a quick snapshot. The guide goes deeper into the practical realities, trade-offs, risks, and mistakes that matter when deciding whether to go solo.
How is this different from a strategy session?
The guide gives you structured perspective you can work through privately. A strategy session is direct one-to-one advice on your specific circumstances.
How does delivery work?
You receive immediate download access after purchase. The guide is licensed for single-user use only.
Want Tailored Advice Instead?
The guide is designed to help you think clearly on your own.
If you want direct advice on your own circumstances, you can book a private strategy session.
Find out more about booking a Private Strategy Session with Paul Ippolito
