As a member of several different legal groups, bar sections, and organizations, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with attorneys from all walks of professional life—big law associates, in- house counsel, government attorneys, and, of course, solo practitioners. One observation consistently stands out: solo practitioners often seem noticeably happier than their peers in larger firms or corporate settings. This trend holds true across both transactional and litigation attorneys, prompting the question—what is it about practicing solo that brings such fulfillment?

The Challenges of Going Solo 

There’s no denying that running your own practice comes with its share of struggles. Being a solo practitioner means shouldering the full (and sometime very heavy!) weight of client acquisition, case management, administrative tasks, marketing, and financial planning—all in addition to actually practicing law. The pressure of handling everything from marketing to compliance can be overwhelming, and the risks are real. Unlike attorneys at larger firms who can rely on institutional support, solo practitioners must navigate these waters largely on their own. Yet, despite these challenges, many solo and small firm attorneys exude a level of satisfaction and contentment that’s harder to find among their big-firm counterparts. Why?

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

One key distinction I’ve noticed is that solo practitioners tend to have entrepreneurial personalities. They are natural risk-takers, creative thinkers, and highly adaptable problem-solvers. Rather than being confined to the rigid structure of a firm, they thrive in environments where they can make their own decisions, set their own goals, and explore new opportunities.

This entrepreneurial spirit drives solopreneurs to embrace the uncertainties of solo practice rather than fear them, push through challenges instead of retreating when times get tough, and take immense and nearly intoxicating pride in every hard-earned achievement. Solos recognize that the freedom to shape their career path, build a practice aligned with their values, and serve clients in a way that feels meaningful outweighs the security of a paycheck from a larger firm.

Freedom and Autonomy

Perhaps the greatest advantage of solo practice is autonomy. Solo attorneys decide which clients to take, what cases to pursue, and how to structure their work-life balance. There’s no billing quota to meet, no pressure to conform to firm culture, and no competition for partnership.

Instead, solo practitioners have the flexibility to create a practice that suits their personal and professional aspirations.

This level of control often leads to greater job satisfaction. The ability to set their own schedule, practice in areas they are passionate about, and work in a way that aligns with their personality and lifestyle is invaluable.

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