The through line in Liam Neeson’s Taken franchise, “I have a very particular set of skills,” could be the motto of any successful solo practitioner. We asked some experts what it takes to make a go of it on your own.

Gone are the days of ‘document dumping’ and tactics designed to prolong the court process as legislators in Ontario introduce new rules designed to reduce costs and promote access to justice. But will lawyers be able to adapt?

Almost all of us have had a family member or friend approach us for help with a legal matter. Perhaps they want you to prepare their will, handle a new house purchase, advise on a family business or even act for them in their divorce. Naturally, you want to help out. Uncle Joe probably expects to get a deal on the fees and maybe you’re even willing to provide your services for free.

Most of us put our pants on one leg at a time, but some of us have a better idea of what pants to buy, and where to get them. Carolynne Burkholder-James, a third-year student at the University of Manitoba, offers up eight tips for building a wardrobe to take students into articles, and beyond.

Private, public, in-house, prof – all things you can do with a law degree. Author, agent, politician or dean are also career choices that can be enhanced by the possession of a JD. Kim Nayyer, a law librarian who once felt trapped by what she thought were the limited parameters of a legal career, gives us a rundown of where the students in her law class are now – and many of them are in places you might not expect.

Few people enter law school hoping to end up working in the legal department of a big corporation. But many lawyers discover, after a few years in private practice, that going in-house has its advantages. And with 34 per cent of corporate legal departments expected to expand in the next three years, now’s a good time to take advantage of them. Julie Sobowale profiles one young lawyer who made the switch and never looked back.

The future of any associate in a law firm depends on whether the individual is committed to success, and on whether their firm provides the means to succeed.

If you’re like most lawyers, you no doubt wish you could bill more, work less, and leave the office feeling that you’ve put in a good day. But inevitably, you’re apt to waste time hunting for documents or procrastinate over starting a task.

Compete for both clients and talent with focused, well-honed practice groups

Without a doubt, one of the best ways for a young lawyer to market and network in the community is through participation in various charitable and civic organizations. Your decision to join a civic organization should not be taken lightly. Your participation will reflect on you not only as a member of the organization but also as to how you will perform as someone’s lawyer.