April 2026 President’s Page - The Power of Small: From the Twentieth Floor to a Rose Garden View—Building Dreams in a Solo Practice

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by Shirin Forootan

The Power of Small: From the Twentieth Floor to a Rose Garden View—Building Big Dreams in a Solo Practice

When I began practicing law, the image of success looked a certain way: a large firm, a glass building, perhaps a corner office on the twentieth floor. That was the dream I thought I was supposed to have.

In October 2021, I started my own firm.

It was not on the twentieth floor of a downtown tower. It did not come with marble lobbies or rows of associates. What it did come with was something I value even more today: autonomy, flexibility, creativity, and community.

Over the past ten years on the OCBA Board, I have had the privilege of watching our Solo and Small Firm Section grow in strength and purpose. And as a solo practitioner myself, I can say without hesitation that this section embodies one of the most powerful truths about our profession: you do not need a large platform to build a meaningful practice.

The Community That Makes It Possible
When I opened my firm, I quickly realized something important—I was not alone.

Through the OCBA’s Solo and Small Firm Section, I found a built-in network of attorneys across practice areas who were willing to answer questions, offer guidance, collaborate, and refer work. There is tremendous comfort in knowing that if a novel issue arises, there is a colleague you can call. There is equal satisfaction in being that colleague for someone else. Referrals flow both ways. Ideas flow freely. Encouragement is constant.

If you have a passion for practicing law, an interest in the business side of our profession, and a desire to build your own brand, you can do it. The path is different, but it is absolutely viable.

Defining Success is Personal
Years ago, there may have been a perception that “real” success in law meant a large firm and a recognizable name on the letterhead. I do not know whether that perception persists today because I’m so far removed from it, but I know it influenced how many of us initially viewed our options.

What the last several years, particularly since COVID, have shown us is that excellence in law is not defined by square footage or headcount. Remote work is no longer novel; it is normalized. Technology has leveled the playing field. Clients increasingly value responsiveness, efficiency, and personal connection. Small firms deliver that every day.

Running a solo practice is not a fallback. It is not a consolation prize. It is an intentional choice. It is the choice to build something that reflects your values, your priorities, and your vision.

Control, Flexibility, and Purpose
For me, the most compelling reason to start my own practice has been control—control over my schedule, my caseload, and the clients I choose to represent.

That control matters deeply, especially when balancing professional responsibilities with my personal life. The flexibility of remote work has allowed me to show up fully in court, at home, and for myself. As solos, we can manage urgent filings and still attend important personal matters. We can structure our days in a way that aligns with both productivity and presence.

Of course, flexibility cuts both ways. Not every month looks the same. Revenue fluctuates. Work ebbs and flows. There are seasons of intensity and seasons of rebuilding.

But that variability is also what makes it exciting. It keeps us solos engaged. It challenges us to think like both a lawyer and a business owner. And that dual role—practitioner and entrepreneur—is invigorating.

The Role of the Solo and Small Firm Section
The OCBA Solo and Small Firm Section has embraced this reality and responded with intention. Its programming focuses not only on substantive legal education but on relationship-building, networking, and practical growth.

I recently attended the section’s holiday gathering, which they partnered with other groups to host. The energy in the room was undeniable—collaboration, shared ideas, and genuine camaraderie. The section is also working thoughtfully to secure sponsorships for events so that members can more readily promote their practices and expand their visibility.

A Wild and Meaningful Adventure
Starting a solo practice is not always predictable. It can feel, at times, like a wild adventure. You are building systems, marketing your services, managing finances, serving clients, and constantly learning. But it is meaningful work.

You are not just practicing law—you are building something that reflects who you are. You are shaping your professional life with intention.

As President of the OCBA, I am proud that our Association supports lawyers at every stage and in every setting—from large firms to government service to solo practice. The Solo and Small Firm Section reminds us that leadership, excellence, and impact are not defined by firm size. They are defined by commitment. If you are considering starting your own practice, know this: you are not stepping away from community. You are stepping into one. And within the OCBA, you will always have colleagues ready to walk that path with you.

Shirin Forootan, is President of the OCBA and founding attorney and mediator at Forootan Law and Forootan ADR. She can be reached at sforootan@ocbar.org.