Seriously, what’s in a name? A law firm by any name would still bill $250 an hour, right? To borrow from Shakespeare, names are important – especially the name of a law practice. When I hung my shingle, I was very adamant about calling myself something that was professional, appropriate, and realistic.

So many of my law school classmates (and countless others whom I encountered) have themselves billed on Linkedin as the Managing Attorney of the Parks Group, or the Senior Legal Officer at Anything Legal Corporation. The tee to this hee is that they are actually solo practitioners.  As in, it’s just them. So, the question begs to be asked, can one be the managing attorney or senior legal officer of a one-person law firm or are names like these misleading?

When I struck out on this journey, I knew it would be just me. And I wanted it that way. I could go all in on days when I was feeling really lawyerly or throw a tantrum and burn pleadings in the backyard on days when I was fed up, without having to answer to “the firm.” And because I knew it would be just me, I chose a name that reflected such: Jones Law Office. It’s cute enough. Quaint. The name alone makes me feel like I have a legal assistant, a paralegal, and an office dog. All of which I have none. But you see how the name of a practice can convey certain beliefs to potential clients?

Which is why I think these solo practitioners with titles on social media that denote being a managing or senior attorney of a one person law firm is misleading. And I never wanted to mislead any potential clients. I’ve never tried to hide the fact that I work alone because I always hoped that potential clients who called me would be doing so because they were looking for an attorney like me.  So, to advertise that I work at the Jones Law Group or Jones and Associates would lead a potential client to think that there were several lawyers working out of my house.

A point to ponder is that “A sole practitioner may not use a firm name that includes ‘group’ or ‘& Associates’ because both terms would incorrectly imply that the sole practitioner practices with other lawyers.” (FORMAL ADVISORY OPINION NO. 16-3)

So as you ca see, I try really hard to not imply that I work at a law firm that can rival Crane, Poole, and Schmidt. And it’s done well for me so far. My clients like that when they call I’m the one who answers. They love the fact that all of their issues are handled by me – no middle people. I like the fact that I can take a nap in the middle of the office floor without having to answer to “the firm.”

I’ve had several offers to either link up with other solo practitioners, join start up firms, or become an associate at an established firm. I do alright for now. Most lawyers that I meet are ashamed of being solo practitioners. I guess they don’t place enough value on the freedom that comes with it. I don’t know if I will always be a law firm of one. But I don’t plan to change anytime soon, as I type this from my home office, in my pajamas, clocking these billable hours.

James Jones, Esq.