This course will examine the opportunities and challenges in entering private practice with a particular focus on practice in solo and small firms. The course will cover the topics including opportunities in private practice, corporate or government practice and other law related careers. The principal focus of the class is on the process of opening a firm, joining an existing firm and how to be successful in the practice of law. The course will emphasize the ethical and practical issues in practicing law in a small firm, managing law firm finances, basic accounting systems for firm finances and client trust accounts, methods for marketing a practice, attracting clients and managing client relationships, working with people that the students will encounter in the practice of law, and the systems and technologies used in the practice of law.Method of Evaluation: Students will be evaluated on their ability to take the principles discussed and apply those principles by creating a business plan for opening a law firm, or for those planning on joining an existing firm a plan for development of their participation in the firm. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the grade will be based on the business plan or personal development plan to be submitted at the end of the course. Students will present the business plan or personal development plan in lieu of a final examination. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the grade will be based on class preparation and participation. Class participation will include class discussion and participation in exercises in which students will apply the materials from the class to situations a new attorney might encounter in practice.