How to Build a Support System as a Solo Attorney
Alone, but not on your own
When I opened my practice, I knew no one.
Not in the legal community, anyway.
See, I didn’t go to law school where I set up shop. I didn’t have classmates to lean on. There was no built-in referral network or lunch invites from past colleagues.
It was just me.
Sitting in my home office, googling “how to find local attorneys who aren’t jerks.” (Crucial search, by the way.)
Jokes aside, I did something that felt really awkward at first:
I sent cold emails.
A lot of them.
I asked people to grab coffee. I joined a bar committees. I got involved in the local pro bono community. I showed up even when I felt like an outsider.
And slowly—like, drip by drip—I found my people.
Solo ≠ Isolated
There’s a myth that solo practice means going it alone.
That choosing this path means giving up the camaraderie, mentorship, and support that comes with firm life.
But that’s not true.
You can have community.
You can build a rock-solid support system that makes this whole thing feel lighter.
You just have to be a more intentional and a little braver.
Here’s what worked for me (and can work for you):
☕ 1. Coffee with strangers
Yes, it’s awkward at first. But 30-minute coffee chats can lead to referrals, mentorship, collaboration, and genuine friendships.
Pro tip: Reach out with a specific compliment or shared connection (“I loved your CLE on X” or “I saw we’re both in the Y section of the bar”) to make the email feel more natural.
🤝 2. Bar committees > big conferences
Big events can feel overwhelming and transactional. But smaller committees? That’s where the real connection happens. You see the same folks month after month, and that consistency builds trust and a network you can expand upon.
⚖️ 3. Pro bono involvement
This was huge for me. Not only was it a way to give back, but it introduced me to experienced, generous lawyers who were happy to share advice or offer a second set of eyes on a tough case.
💬 4. Online communities (with boundaries)
Facebook groups, Slack channels, and private memberships (like becoming a Solo Success Insider 😉) can offer day-to-day camaraderie and support from folks who get it. Just be mindful of energy-draining doomscrolling.
A few things I’ve learned along the way:
Most colleagues want to help; you just have to ask.
Your network doesn’t need to be huge. A few solid, trusted relationships are enough.
Vulnerability creates connection. It’s okay to admit you’re figuring it out as you go.
You’re not behind. You’re just building from a different starting point.
Your Challenge This Week
Reach out to one attorney you admire or are curious about, and ask to connect.
Doesn’t have to be coffee. It could be a short Zoom, a DM, or even just a thoughtful comment on their post.
Start the ripple. That’s how networks are built.
You might be solo.
But you don’t have to be alone.
The right support system won’t just help your business, it’ll make this journey way more enjoyable.
Here’s to connecting,
Lauren
P.S. Still feel like the new kid in the cafeteria? Remember, every attorney you admire started somewhere. Be bold. Be kind. And keep reaching out. Your people are out there.