New York State Bar Association Presents "Starting Your Own Practice" Continuing Legal Education Program

ALBANY, NY (05/12/2010)(readMedia)-- To help the growing number of attorneys who are starting their own law firms, the New York State Bar Association Law Practice Management Committee will present "Starting Your Own Practice," a continuing legal education (CLE) program designed to provide attorneys with a wide-ranging blueprint on how to establish, operate and build successful solo or small firm practices. The program will take place on Friday, May 21, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Concierge Center (780 Third Avenue) in New York City.

"Starting a solo or small firm practice can be a complex and challenging undertaking, particularly in a difficult economy. This program will provide participating attorneys with expert practical advice and will help them develop a comprehensive business strategy that maximizes their chances for success," said State Bar Association President Michael E. Getnick (Getnick Livingston Atkinson & Priore, LLP of Utica and of counsel to Getnick & Getnick of New York City). "I thank Professor Gary Munneke and the Law Practice Management Committee for continuing to offer high-quality and timely CLE programs geared to the increasing number of attorneys who are entering the solo or small firm market."

State Bar Treasurer Seymour W. James, Jr. (The Legal Aid Society) will deliver opening remarks at the program. A top-flight list of panelists with expertise in solo and small firm matters will discuss a host of topics including: Do You Have What It Takes To Start A Practice?; Creating and Financing Your Startup Law Practice; Organizing Your Practice – The Importance of Creating Systems and Procedures; Human Resources Compliance for the Startup Practice; Leveraging Technology in Your New Law Practice; Choosing a Practice Concentration – What Services Will You Provide? To Whom?; Marketing Your Practice – Complying with the New York Rules of Professional Conduct; Ethical Issues of Starting a Practice; Insurance Considerations for the Startup Practice; and The Future of Solo Practice: Technological Advancements and Globalization Changes.

Program speakers include: Michael E. Rakower (Law Office of Michael C. Rakower, P.C.); Peter A. Giuliani (Smock Sterling Strategic Management Consultants); Carolyn Elefant (Law Office of Carolyn Elefant); Nancy B. Schess (Klein Zleman Rothermel LLP); Carol L. Schlein (Law Office Systems, Inc.); Prof. Gary A. Munneke (Pace University School of Law), chair of the Law Practice Management Committee; Steven M. Silverberg (Silverberg Zalantis, LLP); and Marian C. Rice (L'Abbate Balkan Colavita & Contini, LLP).

Individuals interested in attending the program can register online at www.nysba.org/StartingYourOwnPractice, or by calling 1-800-582-2452. State Bar members can register for $270. Non-members can register for the program for $360. Additionally, student members can register for the program at a cost of $60. Discounts are available for early registrations. The program will provide 5.0 CLE credits in Practice Management and 2.5 CLE credits in Ethics, for a total of 7.5 CLE credits.

All attendees will also receive a free copy of the book Solo by Choice by Carolyn Elefant.

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Founded in 1876, the 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the official statewide organization of lawyers in New York and the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. The State Bar's programs and activities have continuously served the public and improved the justice system for more than 130 years.