How to Start and Build a Law Practice, Fifth Edition (Career Series / American Bar Association)

Okay, at one time (in earlier editions) this was a great book, but it has become outdated. It is still good, but it is not the best. I gave it 4 stars, but I would really have given it a 3.5 if that had been an option.The addition of multiple short "chapters" - many of which are no more than half a page long - does not really constitute making it into a revised and updated "platinum" edition. Foonberg has been practicing law for somewhere over 40 years, so while he has a lot of experience, it has also been quite a while since he was the one starting a law firm. This is not said to diminish his accomplishments, but simply to point out that the world is very different now than when he started out.In addition to being outdated in many areas, this book simply contains many things that are just not useful to the average lawyer starting a new firm. Even though it is marketed to solo attorneys, it often sounds like he is talking to a member of a large firm with unlimited resources. The new attorney on a limited budget may not be able to fully relate to the Foonberg experience.This is certainly the longest book on the market on this subject, but it is also by far the most expensive. Much of that extra length really just looks like padding that has been stuck into the book. There are some chapters that seem carefully thought out and are written very well. Then, there are other short, choppy chapters that are plugged in with barely relevant and mostly useless information.On the good side of the book, it does contain great advice on a number of topics on matters such as billing and client communciations. These are these sections that really generate the higher rating for the book, and are why it has lasted so long on the market. However, these are not new additions to the book. If you have an older edition of this text, you have seen this information before.While this sounds like a bad review, I don't really mean it to be. This book is still better than most (but not all) of the other books available on this subject. I think my complaint stems from that I read an earlier edition of this book, and then thought I was going to get something new from the "revised and updated platinum edition." Instead, it was the same book recycled with the addition of some assorted snippets of information.I also think the book is significantly overpriced, but that seems to be the case with all of the books printed by the ABA. This book would probably be priced at half this amount if it was put out by a different publisher. And if it was half of its current price, it would be much closer to a 5 star book.

Foonberg did a great job with this book. I would not call it the Solo Practitioner's Bible like others say, but it is an excellent and complete general guide to starting a law practice right out of school. I say general because the book covers all the important relevant subjects and topics one would need to know and consider to start his or her own practice. However, I felt that some mediocre subjects were repetitively and redundantly covered in depth while other more significant subjects where briefly expressed and touched on. But at least he tried to cover all the relevant topics. Additionally, I like Foonberg's simple and easy to read writing style, but I found his comments regarding the incorporation and use of computers into one's office extremely hysterical and out dated. I know that this book was originally drafted like 30+ years ago then simply periodically edited, updated, and republished; and that in Foonberg's time personal computers were the original DOS machines that only IBM was marketing but no individual could really afford nor know how to use yet; but daily systematic laptop use in lawschool classrooms by every student became the standard almost a decade ago. But all and all, I enjoyed this book and found it extremely insightful. Its published by the ABA; and after reading, the book is still useful as a reference. Lastly, the Seller I purchased this book from was slow to ship, but unfortunately I can't find the seller's name at the moment so whoever you are, you lucked out this time.

Mr. Foonberg has put together a wonderful resource in this book.When starting a law practice, there are many questions, unknowns, fears, and sleepless nights. Mr. Foonberg adequately and accurately addresses each of these concerns, and helps to prepare the young lawyer for a practical startup.The only reason for leaving a 3 instead of 4 star review is the repetitive nature of the writing style in the book. That said, Mr. Foonberg does in fact warn you about this repetitive style, and states that it is because of being intended to be used as a manual as opposed to a novel, and so information is included in multiple parts in case you're looking something up and don't read another section including the same information.

I know the author. He and I were on a speaking tour back in the early 70's with the first edition of the book. He talked about oil and tax issues. I talked about a one person office and general practice. The book was and new editions are fantastic. They need to use this book in law schools for seniors who are looking for jobs and cannot find one. The newest edition is over the top. Three times a thick as the first edition but even more helpful. This should be required reading by all associates. The big firms may not be for you but before you start you own law practice you need to read this book. When a law student sends me his resume and wants an interview I suggest we have lunch and then I show them the book and say please read it. I suggest they read it every other year while they are in the pracice. Sometimes you forget.... Thanks Jay for sharing with us over the years.......

This is a book mainly about the business of practicing law; how to get started, what to buy, how to assess your needs, etc. I've owned two businesses prior to going to law school and I can tell you this: if you plan on going solo, buy this book.Some readers are disappointed that it doesn't have up to date internet tips. But that's such a tiny part of what you need to know. You can find your answers to internet advertising with a quick google search. This book is about the meat and potatoes of getting off the ground. Buy it if you want to be your own boss.

Very informative

Splendid.Highly recommend it.