School of Law | Online Network Designed for Attorneys in Small, Solo Practices
New Online Network Supports Attorneys in Small and Solo Practices
The University of Dayton School of Law has launched the Small Practice Network, an online forum for alumni and students working in or interested in small or solo practices.
The Small Practice Network is a social website where graduates and students can connect with and seek advice from others working in small or solo practice.
The School of Law launched the new network in response to consistent feedback it has received from both students and alumni, said Tim Swensen, assistant dean and director of the Career Services Office
“The number of alumni currently practicing in small and solo practices, and the volume of students leaning in this direction, is growing,” he said. “And both constituencies have expressed a need for greater networking interactions as well as opportunities to share questions and information. This network is one tool we hope will address some of those needs.”
Nearly 40 percent of graduates from the Classes of 2008, 2009 and 2010 reported working in solo practice or in small firms, which is defined as a firm with 10 or fewer attorneys.
And that trend seems certain to continue. “A lot of our graduates focus on this area and it's where there appears to be some steady growth,” Swensen said.
The increase in the number of Dayton Law graduates going into small and solo practice is consistent with national trends, according to Swensen.
The Small Practice Network includes forums in which members can discuss Practice Management Issues, Business and Corporate Practice Issues, Litigation Practice Issues and career-related matters, among others.
The Small Practice Network is private and password protected, and is hosted on Ning.com, a social networking site.
“We hope alumni and students use this network to discuss issues important to attorneys in solo and small practice, as well as to learn about seminars, CLE programs and job opportunities,” Swensen said.
“At the School of Law, our work is not over when a student graduates,” said Dean Paul E. McGreal. “Consistent with our emphasis on law and technology, and our commitment to community, we have leveraged social media to bring our students and alumni together to support one another. And this is just a first step in providing greater training and support to prepare our students and graduates for careers in legal practice.”
The School of Law is also exploring the possibility of creating a solo practice incubator in Dayton to provide space, resources and mentoring for alumni beginning their legal careers.
For more information, contact Tim Swensen, assistant dean and director of the Career Services Office, 937-229-3214 or by email.