The Memphis Bar Association has asked local CPA and financial consulting firm The Marston Group to be part of a team of experts in the new solo practitioner incubator ESQ.BUILD, which helps give a career kick-start to young attorneys in their first three years of practice.
In partnership with the Memphis Bar Association and the Service Corps of Retired Executives, the University of Memphis School of Law launched ESQ.BUILD which allows young attorneys to build their law practicing skills, learn how to manage a legal firm, and receive continuing legal education.
According to the MBA, job opportunities at medium and large-sized legal firms have dwindled since the recession of 2008, causing many recent law school graduates to open their own solo practices. However, the reality of running a solo practice fresh out of law school can be daunting for many young and essentially inexperienced attorneys to face. ESQ.BUILD steps in to give these future legal experts the opportunity to receive mentoring, pro bono cases, and face-to-face time with clients.
For one year, a limited number of participants will have access to office space at a reduced price and will be required to handle pro bono cases for the Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS). They also must donate a certain number of hours to service to the Bar Memphis Association and receive advice from non-attorney business experts on strategy building, business management and marketing plans.
Senior Manager of the Marston Group Susan Lattimore, EA, CFP®, gave a presentation at the event. “As always, we love to be involved with the community and we are delighted at the chance to share our expertise with these emerging professionals,” says Susan. This year’s program began in October and with the exception of office space rent, the program is free of charge. The event was held at The University of Memphis Law School and The Marston Group hosted a cocktail reception afterward to give guests a chance to mingle and network.