Susan Cartier Liebel, Esq.

Teaching Lawyers How to Create and Grow Their Solo Legal Practice

In 2000, I approached the Acting Dean of Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut and said, "let me teach your students how to open their own practice right out of law school." I must have caught him in a weak moment because he gave me the green light. To date, a full 20% of my students have successfully "hung a shingle" right out of law school or shortly thereafter.

As a result of my teaching success, in 2004 The Connecticut Law Tribune recognized my contributions with the "Young Leaders in the Law" award for Education. This honor led to my current column in The Connecticut Law Tribune and Law.com, "An Independent Spirit", which both gives advice to solos and discusses issues they may face.

It is my personal mission, through education and authorship, to change the way law schools educate their students and the way the legal community receives solos.

I am uniquely qualified to consult and coach lawyers on how to start and grow their law practice whether right out of law school or shortly thereafter because that is exactly what I did. I live what I teach and preach.

I went to law school a decade after graduating from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in advertising. In those ten years I earned a living in advertising, promotion, marketing and sales as both an employee and an entrepreneur. In sales, whether starting a new office for a recruiting company or selling planned unit developments, I was always the top salesperson. Why? I believe in what I do and I understand how to first identify and then address the needs of my clients as well as building a network of relationships which is the basis for a truly successful practice.

Upon passing the bar exam, a few months after graduation from the University of Bridgeport School of Law (now Quinnipiac University School of Law), two fellow students and I started the law firm of Cartier, DeMatteo and Forman, LLC based in Fairfield, Connecticut. After five years, the law firm became Cartier & DeMatteo, LLC as the partners grew into their own. Life changes; your practice evolves. Since 2001, I have operated the Law Offices of Susan Cartier-Liebel, LLC. Creating the national coaching/consulting firm of Build A Solo Practice, LLC in 2005 was a natural evolution from my professional and life experience and my teaching. It has been well-received because I've walked the walk, I don't just talk the talk.

Having been so well-received, in August, 2007 I closed the doors to my law office so I could coach/consult full time.

For those who want a coaching and consulting partner who understands balancing work and life challenges, I am married and a mother.

A law degree gives you freedom to create and design your life while enjoying your career on your own terms. I'm living proof it's not only possible but very doable and I can show you how.

If you've decided to make the commitment to building your own solo legal practice; if you've decided practicing law on your own terms is the only way for you to practice law; if you've decided your personal goals can only be achieved by being in charge of your professional future; if you are absolutely committed to being successful and want to shorten your learning curve to profitability; if you want the proper business and marketing guidance, then we should talk.

I offer a free confidential telephone consultation to discuss your goals and ambitions. It is during this free consultation you and I will decide if I can put you on the fast track to successful entrepreneurship.

Please e-mail* me at the 'Contact' link above to arrange your consultation at a mutually convenient time. Or you can call me at 1-203-745-0277 through Grand Central at no charge to you.

I look forward to talking with you.

*I respond to all personal e-mails within 48 hours. If you do not hear from me please e-mail again and please make sure you add my e-mail address to your approved senders list. Thanks.