Solosez - "The Firm" celebrates 10 years

One of the most popular offerings of the General Practice, Solo and Small Firms Division, Solosez is an online community for solo and small firm practitioners to share and receive information on both professional and personal subjects, from clients to children. Now celebrating its 10th year, Solosez has grown into a worldwide community of more than 1,800 lawyers in nearly every area of law, who post more than 150 messages every day.

Founded in 1995 by Bruce Dorner of Londonderry, N.H., Solosez is free and open to all solo and small firm lawyers, whether an ABA member or not.

Subscribers (known to each other as "Sezzers," and who often refer to members of the list as "the firm") start a thread - suggest a topic for discussion - by sending an e-mail message to list. Other list members can (and do) then offer comments and suggestions. Threads can range from a lawyer looking to make a referral, an ethical question about using PayPal to receive payment, or a request for advice on a sticky TRO situation to seeking and giving advice on taking the bar exam, wireless network security, handling difficult clients and building a professional wardrobe. One of the most popular threads in November was on accessing an office computer from home. Another - how to remove duct tape. Sezzers in different areas of the country also get together for an occasional lunch or dinner.

"I've been advised not to try to write-off the physical space for my home office. However, I just received my first water and power bill, and it is MUCH higher than the same period last year.  Obviously, I'm using more power and water by working out of my home. Can I deduct the increased cost of utilities as a business expense?" posted one lawyer, who received advice from practitioners across the country.

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