Are You Ready To Run Your Own Practice?

A Self-Assessment For Lawyers

Deciding to go solo as a lawyer is one of the most important as well as strategic decisions a lawyer can make.

This self assessment breaks down what you need to know before going solo from the realities of running a business, managing risk and the mindset required of a sole practitioner so you go in with your eyes open.

Thinking About Going Out On Your Own?

Paul Ippolito is based in Sydney and assists lawyers across Australia and internationally in thoughtfully planning their move to go solo.

Before you make any decisions, it’s worth stopping and having a good think about the why, when, and how of it all.

This simple self-assessment helps you think honestly about your readiness to practise independently, including your experience, position, ability to generate work, understanding of the business of law, and reasons for wanting to go solo.

How To Use This Self Assessment

There are no right or wrong answers.

Answer the questions below based on where you are right now, not where you hope to be.

Don’t overthink them.

Self Assessment Questions

1. What is driving your thinking behind going out on your own?

A. A strong desire to build something of my own and practise law my way
B. Wanting more control and autonomy, but I am still weighing it all up
C. Frustration with my current role or firm which has limited options

2. How would you describe your legal experience?

A. I can confidently run matters end to end without supervision
B. I have solid experience but still rely on others at times
C. I am still developing my core experience

3. How well do you understand the business of running a law firm?

A. I understand cashflow, pricing, overheads, and risk
B. I understand parts of it, but not the whole picture
C. I have little practical understanding

4. If income was uneven in the first year, you would:

A. Be financially prepared and able to manage it
B. Be uncomfortable, but get through it somehow
C. Struggle bigtime

5. How confident are you about getting work in?

A. I am confident and realistic about where work will come from
B. I believe I can bring it in, but I still worry about it
C. I am relying more on hope than a plan

6. Right now, going out on your own feels like:

A. A considered, deliberate and the right next step
B. A major decision I am still thinking through
C. The only realistic escape from my current situation

What Your Responses Suggest

Mostly A’s

You are approaching solo practice with your eyes open.
That does not mean it will be easy, but it does suggest you are thinking deliberately rather than emotionally.

You are asking the right questions at the right time.

Mostly B’s

You may be closer than you think, but there are some gaps that need attention, often around money, confidence, or the business of law.

This is a common and workable position, provided it is handled carefully.

Mostly C’s

At this stage, going solo appears more reactive than planned.
That increases risk and makes an already demanding path harder than it needs to be.

That does not mean “never”.
It may simply mean “not yet”.

What To Do Next

If this self-assessment raised questions or confirmed doubts, the next step is not to throw your hands up and give up.

It is simply a sign that you need to think more deeply and realistically about what going solo actually involves.

Need To Think It Through Further

Buy When Is The Right Time To Go Out On Your Own?

When’s The Right Time To Go Out On Your Own As a Lawyer? is our straight-talking guide drawn from real experience