While resolving high-stakes cases could trigger memories for some solicitors, Queensland’s sole practitioners can find themselves remembering their holiday destinations based on the cases they worked on.
The shared experiences of the state’s approximately 2600 self-employed solicitors was highlighted during this week’s inaugural QLS Sole Practitioners Breakfast at Brisbane’s Customs House.
More than 50 solicitors gathered to discuss the myriad challenges of working on their own and to share strategies during discussions with a panel of leading practitioners featuring Joe Siracusa, Rob Stevenson and QLS 2024 Sole Practitioner of the Year Anna Morgan.
Issues raised during the breakfast included loneliness, isolation, time management and the value in reaching out to fellow practitioners regularly, as well as the day-to-day joys of being your own boss.
Discussing the challenges of managing lifestyle Rob said every sole practitioner faced the challenge of establishing a work-life balance – particularly during annual leave.
“I have been able to avoid working on weekends mostly and that’s maybe as close as I’ve got to a rule around that,” he said.
“In terms of leave taking or holidays and things, it’s always a difficult one.
“I try to let long standing clients who I know that I might get something from know that I’m away and sometimes I find … that touching base with them will sometimes provoke them to give me something to do.
“So, I think that can be a risky strategy. I have never taken a long break, even overseas, without packing the laptop and everything and usually finding that I have to use it.
“I have a bit of a standing joke that I remember the places we’ve visited on holidays by the matter that I was doing at the time.
“(If) somebody says, ‘oh, Hawaii.’ I am thinking ‘software license’. That’s what sticks in my mind.
“I don’t have any magic answers to that.”
One of the recurring themes of the breakfast was the risk of isolation in working alone, which was an important feature of the inaugural breakfast.
Anna noted that there were people attending the breakfast who had helped her and networks matter.
“I think one of the good things about these breakfasts or making networks is just, don’t forget we can have each other’s back,” she said.
“And we are a great resource for each other. Our superpower is that we are collegiate.”
The Sole Practitioners Breakfast was hosted by QLS with thanks to presenting partner The Sell Life.
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