MSBA Resources for
Solo/Small Firms
Meet your professional goals
Create connections in the solo/small community
Blogs
• Small Firm Soapbox: Practice management, marketing,
legal issues, working in Greater MN, and humor for the
solo/small practitioner. Share your perspectives!
• practiceblawg: Posts on improving efficiency and growing
your practice using products and services the MSBA offers.
• Voices: Repository of member posts on a variety of subjects.
Share your voice!
• Minnesota Legal Ethics: Companion to the MSBA eBook
Minnesota Legal Ethics by William J. Wernz, featuring monthly
updates and commentary.
“Here are some of the
current low cost or free
resources to support the
business side of the
practice of law.”
Kathleen Harrell-Latham
Small Firm Soapbox, 2016
CLEs
• CLE programs in person or broadcast live on web
• On Demand CLE webinars
Community
• The solo/small email listserv provides a “virtual community” for
members
• Sections and Committees offer networking, leadership opportunities and information on substantive legal trends
Marketing Services
• Online Directories. Update or augment your member profile.
o MN Find a Lawyer (for the public)
o Colleague Directory (members only)
• Professional headshot (free) and your own marketing video at
low cost
• Marketing Cohort program
[more on reverse side]
In the hectic life of a
solo or small firm practitioner, it can sometimes
be hard to stop and
smell the roses. . . .
Celebrating a win is an
essential part of
any practitioner’s
marketing strategy.
John Arechigo
Small Firm Soapbox, 2015
Two weeks ago the MSBA held its 2015 technology conference. Several
nationally prominent speakers covered topics ranging from mobile
security to the ethical duty of technological competence… If you missed
the conference, the programs will be available soon as part of
the MSBA's On-Demand CLE offerings.
Joe Kaczrowski, practiceblawg, 2015
Member Discounts
• Member Discounts include practice management tools, Citrix ShareFile and Clio
Practice Tools Online
• Fastcase: free online legal research (moving to Casemaker 7/1/2016)
• practicelaw
o legal forms in substantive areas of the law
o practice management forms and resources
o IOLTA accounting guides
• eBooks, including Minnesota Judges Courtroom Preferences, Minnesota Legal Ethics,
Civil Litigation Section Time’s Up Manual
• mndocs: automated document assembly program (by monthly or annual subscription)
Professional Development and Recognition
• Specialty Certification for Civil Trial, Criminal, Labor and Employment, Real Property
• North Star Lawyer for providing 50 hours or more of pro bono legal services
Signature Events
• Annual Technology Conference
• Periodic CLEs especially for the solo/small practitioner
Coming in 2016…
• Online communities for sections and member discussions
• More resources on alternative fee arrangements
• Resources on student loan debt repayment
Need help finding something or making connections?
Contact Sherri Knuth, [email protected] or 612-278-6330
“The primary aspect of an effective
succession plan is ensuring that
someone is available -- a partner in
the case of a small firm or a trusted
colleague for solos -- to step in and
protect your clients’ interests if you
are no longer able to do so.”
Michelle Lore
Small Firm Soapbox, 2016