Launching Your Solo Law Firm: Debra Bogaards’ Best Advice for Lawyers

Debra pivoted from her career as a talented trial lawyer handling both plaintiff and defense cases into full-time mediation. She brings that trial lawyer preparation and focus to her mediation practice meeting all types of cases. Debra also serves on the faculty for UCL Law, SF, formerly known as UC Hastings, College of the Law, teaching negotiation and settlement. As someone who's been on the other side of Deborah in litigation as well as a participant in her mediations, I can attest to her quick study capabilities in identifying the key issues in the heart of a dispute. Her meticulous preparation includes working with the parties in advance to make sure the work has been done and the right decision makers will be there. For us, her advance work has led to cases resolving for policy limits before the mediation even occurs. We discussed Debra's approach to cases before, during, and after a session and how to set the sage for success. So please sit back and enjoy this wonderful and expansive conversation with the inevitable Debra Bogaards. This is Part II of this conversation; tune it next week for Part III. If you missed Part I, make sure to stream it first: Youtube:    • "Polite Persistence": Debra Bogaards’ Guid...   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PG8... Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... More about Debra:   / debra-bogaards-4a0a833     / bogaardslaw   https://bogaardslaw.squarespace.com/ Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 - 00:00:29 - Introduction: Encouragement for Lawyers to Go Solo 00:00:30 - 00:03:12 - Transition from Defense to Plaintiff Practice and Personal Fulfillment 00:03:13 - 00:04:45 - Skills Gained by Working Both Sides of Cases 00:04:46 - 00:06:22 - Importance of Sharing Complete Documentation with Defense 00:06:23 - 00:08:45 - Learning How Insurance Carriers Evaluate Cases 00:08:46 - 00:10:07 - Balancing Defense and Plaintiff Work Early On 00:10:08 - 00:13:27 - Lessons and Regrets from Starting a Solo Practice 00:13:28 - 00:15:23 - Power of Speaking Goals and Networking for Case Referrals 00:15:24 - 00:20:42 - Finding Genuine Marketing Methods for Lawyers 00:20:43 - 00:24:10 - The "Sweet 16" Networking Strategy 00:24:11 - 00:27:34 - Transition into Mediation: Learning Persistence and Strategy 00:27:35 - End - Closing Reflections: Embracing Career Pivots and New Opportunities Episode Takeaways: Transitioning from defense to plaintiff work can bring greater personal fulfillment. Working on both sides of litigation enhances negotiation skills and case evaluation. Sharing documentation early with defense helps resolve cases faster. Building a strong network through genuine relationships is key for referrals. Going out on your own can be scary but rewarding—do it sooner rather than later. Marketing yourself naturally is crucial for solo practitioners. Mediation requires understanding psychology, environment, and managing expectations. Lifelong learning and career pivots can rejuvenate legal practice. Personal passion can guide career evolution successfully. Networking consistency ("Sweet 16" method) can sustain a referral-based practice. Hosted by   / coopersllp-miles-cooper   Produced by   / maurokenjiserra   | Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠: ⁠https://www.kenjiproductions.com⁠⁠⁠ Recorded & Co-produced by   / zachmorvant   Music by ⁠⁠⁠The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble⁠⁠ Rate/Leave a review on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5em7FpI... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Questions, comments, feedback and suggestion? Email us at: podcast@coopers.law Read Coopers' Code: https://www.coopers.law/coopers-code/ Read Miles Cooper's articles and publications: https://www.coopers.law/articles/ #law #podcast #education