I’ve been quiet but very busy. You see, I jumped off the interview circuit. Yep, no more mailing out groveling cover letters and writing samples only to be followed by an interview with non-committal so-called employers. Tedious. Instead I decided to try something I swore I’d never do. But, you have to click the link to read about it after the jump. (Go ahead, click it and indulge my attempt at being clever.)
I started my own practice.
Yep, I’m officially a solo. I’m focusing on family law because that’s how I roll. I’m exhausted from just doing all of the start-up stuff. My first ad starts running in the newspaper this Sunday. I’ve becoming a master at spending money I do not have to launch this thing.
I’m doing this with virtual office space. I have a receptionist that answers all my calls and transfers them from my business line to my home phone. I have about four beautiful conference rooms to pick from when I book appointments. I work in my jammies (that’s my favorite part).
So far marketing has consisted of a craigslist, a future newspaper run for four weekends, signing up for the local bar’s online referral service, and emailing every attorney in town to obnoxiously plug my new practice.
The day after I made this decision, J looked at me and said “You look happy.” Wow, that brought me up short. Apparently I haven’t looked happy for awhile. I didn’t realize I was such a downer! I mean, I knew I was on downer, but thought I was covering it up brilliantly. Cate Blanchett I am not.
I’m excited and freaked out all at once. This venture is being created on less than a shoestring and I’m banking on my buddies coming through referrals and my very attractive advertisement. Believe me, the second I start landing clients this blog will be the first to know.


6 comments
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January 19, 2008 at 8:25 am
marge
Good for you! I passed the bar here in Washington the same time you did, and I too am still looking for work. I had to comment because I liked the line “followed by an interview with non-commital employers.” I have had two interviews, one where they do have an attorney leaving “sometime soon, we’re not sure,” and the other was, “well, we really don’t have an opening right now but if we can find one we’ll let you know.” Huh? I’m sorry, I’m here because you said you needed lawyers, and you called me for an interview. Unfortunately, I’m not brave enough to buck the system and go out on my own, I will continue to send groveling cover letters and network like mad. Good luck to you! Are you hiring?
January 19, 2008 at 10:10 am
Tamara
Hi Marge, I see you know exactly what I mean about non-committal! I think networking is the most important piece of finding those unpublished jobs. Also, you might think about advertising in your local bar newsletter and in Craigslist for contract work with local attorneys. It’s a good way to get to know other lawyers, keep your hands in the practice of law, and make some money to tide you over.
Good Luck!
January 19, 2008 at 11:48 am
marge
Thanks for the tips! I currently do some contract work for an attorney and she’s exceedingly helpful, but I hadn’t thought to advertise as a contract attorney. I will definitely be looking into that!
January 19, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Mamabeek
Wow, that’s fantastic Tam. You GO!!! And I’m so glad it’s making you happy, stressful though it is. Obviously J is supportive, which is a huge boon as well. And of course all the critters are bound to be for it, though I have no doubt they’ll misunderstand the concept of multitasking if it doesn’t involve simply scratching both ends of their lordly selves at once.
I have heard the most amazing things about Craig’s List and I’ve had outstanding luck with it the few times I’ve used it. I hope the same proves true for you.
So… have you bought a new wardrobe yet? Victoria’s Secret is having a jammie sale…
January 19, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Mamabeek
Oh! And I ADORE the pic of Wakonda up top!
January 19, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Tamara
Thanks MB (and Wakonda thanks you for the compliment). Since law school ended the dogs have gotten very accustomed to having me around everyday. I think they’d all rebel if I returned to an 8 hour job. After all, my presence is necessary while they nap all day