The day after Mardi Gras is always a day of reflection for people in New Orleans.
This year, the day after is a special milestone: it’s been six months since Katrina hit the the Gulf Coast and ravaged Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana.
For those of us who lived through the turmoil –and its bizarre aftermath– the last six months has been a continual stream of reflection.
Like many people who lived in New Orleans before Katrina, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what really matters most in life (short answer: friends and family).  I’ve also thought a lot about what other changes (ones that I control) might be worth making.
Dreams that seemed not so pressing before Katrina now seem to be more urgent.  I’ve learned a lot from Katrina, as I’m sure many people have.
One thing Katrina taught us is that massive change can arrive very quickly, and have unpredictable results. If uncontrolled massive change can come into your life then why not try to bring about a little purposeful change just to balance things out?
I’ve reflected on what changes I would make if I could…
So, after months of reflection I’ve decided to try to practice law on my own. Of course, it will be challenging. And that’s the best reason to do it.
The whole city of New Orleans faces enormous challenges. But the city is in a great position to make significant improvements.
And that’s how I feel about practicing law.
I want to make significant improvements in how I practice law, and the best way for me to do this is on my own.  It is with more than a large dose of sorrow that I announce I’m leaving Gordon, Arata –the wonderful law firm where I’ve practiced law for the past eighteen years.
But –effective today– I’ll be practicing under the name of Svenson Law Firm LLC.
I’ll continue handling the same types of business disputes that I worked on before, but with less overhead and a lower billable rate. I’ll strive to use non-hourly billable arrangements, and to use technology to increase productivity and effectiveness wherever possible.
We’ll see how it goes…
P.S. Get the Smart Lawyers Tech Guide.
Congratulations, and good luck. A very hopeful sign.-Alex
Congratulations and best of luck on the move, Ernie! I started my own new law firm today, too, so I’m definitely pulling for you.
Mazel Tov! The decision my partner and I made to go off on our own has been just about the best thing we’ve ever done, and I’m sure you’ll do well.
I like your firm site, btw– it inspires confidence and has an amiable feel to it.
Congratulations on the move! Best wishes in your new practice.
Congratulations Ernie. I wish you the best of luck. Solo gives you a lot of freedom, but also the challenges of managing an office, which has nothing to do with the practice of law. Try to get the best people you can, they will make or break you. If I can provide you any advice please don’t hesitate to ask. We all will be looking forword to your new adventures.
Buena Suerte Ernie.
Yo le deseo mucho éxito.
Congrats Ernie. You’re coming through the storm stronger than ever, as we all knew you would.
Congratulations and good luck!
Good luck. I’m jealous.
Best wishes on your new (ad)venture.
Ernie the Attorney LLC would have beenmy first choice. 😉
Ernie, congratulations on your bold move. I hope you find your new practice exremely rewarding on all levels!
If I ever need local counsel, I know who to call.
Congratulations from one of your buddies at Gordon Arata. We’ll miss you a lot.
Congrats on the decision and welcome to solodom. Been here for four years myself. Best of luck on everything.
Ernie, Congratulations and good luck. You’re facing an exciting and frightening time as you embark on your solo practice – I know what its like, I did it for 14 years.
Developing your support network will be critical to your success and you are miles ahead of others. Use the friendships and networks you developed at the firm and in the legal community; otherwise, solo practice can be lonely.
Let me know if I can be of help or provide any assistance or support.
Good Luck!
Good luck mate! You’re a very brave man.
Congratulations, and good luck!
Best wishes, Ernie. I hope you’ll be telling us about your new challenges here at EtheA.You’ve certainly made Carolyn Elefant‘s day.
Congratulations, and nice job on the web site. I’ve been thinking that a blog format, properly handled, can work well as a small or solo law firm’s web site. You’ve shown everyone how it can be done.
Best of luck on your new venture