The Law Association of New Zealand

Flying Solo: Getting Ready to Practise on Your Own Account (2024) (On Demand)

This On Demand was originally recorded on 10 September 2024.

Starting your journey as a sole practitioner or barrister requires determination, energy, resilience, and substantial preparation. There are numerous aspects to evaluate, choices to consider, and decisions to make. So, where do you start?

In this On Demand, our experienced panel will address a range of key issues, including accounting, infrastructure support, marketing, technology, mental health, and managing an exit strategy. They will also provide valuable resources to help ensure a smooth journey.

In respect of flying solo:

  • Understand accounting: business structure, trust accounts, practice management systems, payroll, tax, cash flow.
  • Appreciate infrastructure: staff vs alternatives; premises, insurance, office consumables.
  • Grasp marketing/networking: client management, brand building, referrals, websites, social media.
  • Barristers, get across: instructing solicitors, legal aid.
  • Consider mental health: workload management, client availability, support.
  • Plan for transition: dignified departure, restraints of trade, client communication.
  • Gain insights/resources from an experienced panel.


Who should attend?

Anyone setting out, or looking, to practise on their own account or already doing so and needing some further guidance.


Presenters

Geoff Hardy, Consultant and ex-sole practitioner

Michael Sandom, Barrister

Claire Mansell, Barrister 

Andrew Millington, Chartered Accountant and Director, The Accounting Hub


Michael Sandom

Michael Sandom is a barrister specialising in criminal and family court litigation. In early 2023, he joined the independent bar and is a member of Oxford Chambers in Christchurch. Michael appears as defence counsel in judge-alone and jury trial matters, parole hearings, on behalf of parties in the Family Court, and as Lawyer to Assist the Family Court and is Lawyer for Child. Michael is also a member of the Canterbury-Westland Criminal Law Committee, the Defence Lawyers Association, the Family Law Section Advisory Panel, and is a law and criminal justice tutor at the University of Canterbury.


001e1cc9-bb5d-ef11-bfe4-000d3ad08ca1
Geoff Hardy

Geoff Hardy graduated from Auckland Law School in 1975 and spent the next 48 years in a variety of legal environments, ranging from the megafirms down to sole practice. Along the way he developed several different areas of specialisation, and acquired an LLM and an MBA. His most notable achievement was building up a sole practice from scratch, with zero clients, into one of the leading practices in the construction law field. Having recently retired from active practice he now operates as a consultant and adjudicator.  

3c9abd3b-21e2-ed11-8847-00224893bd23
Claire Mansell

Claire is an experienced employment lawyer who is skilled at representing cases through the judicial system. She has appeared in court at all levels, including the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

She has a LLB and BA (Sociology) from Victoria University, was admitted in 2009 and joined the bar in 2023. Prior to heading to the bar, she led the employment team at a leading mid-tier full service firm.


0088143c-2319-ee11-8f6d-00224893b51b
Andrew Millington

Andrew is a Chartered Accountant who began flying solo in 2012 by starting his own accounting practice "The Accounting Hub", having previously worked in manager roles at prominent national accounting firms. The Accounting Hub has grown over the years and now has 5 team members in addition to Andrew. 

Andrew offers advice in accounting and taxation for professionals, property taxation, and trusts. He holds a public practice certificate with CAANZ, a Xero Advisor certification, and earned a Master of Taxation degree with Merit in 2022.

He lives in Auckland with his wife Charlotte, a GP, and their two young children.  

6acde643-bc5d-ef11-bfe4-000d3ad08ca1

Details

CPD Hours: 2.00hr

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $ 200 GST

Non member: $ 280 GST

Loading...