The day after Mardi Gras is always a day of reflection for people in New Orleans. This year, the "day after" is a special milestone: it's been six months since Katrina hit the the Gulf Coast and ravaged Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana. For those of us who lived through the turmoil --and its bizarre aftermath-- the last six months has been a continual stream of reflection. Like many people who lived in New Orleans before Katrina, I've spent a lot of time thinking about what really matters most in life (short answer: friends and family). I've also thought a lot about what other changes (ones that I control) might be worth making. Dreams that seemed not so pressing before Katrina now seem to be more urgent. I've learned a lot from Katrina, as I'm sure many people have. One thing Katrina taught us is that massive change can arrive very quickly, and have unpredictable results. If uncontrolled massive change can come into your life then why not try to bring about a little purposeful change just to balance things out? I've reflected on what changes I would make if I could
So, after months of reflection I've decided to try to practice law on my own. Of course, it will be challenging. And that's the best reason to do it. The whole city of New Orleans faces enormous challenges. But the city is in a great position to make significant improvements. And that's how I feel about practicing law. I want to make significant improvements in how I practice law, and the best way for me to do this is on my own. It is with more than a large dose of sorrow that I announce I'm leaving Gordon, Arata --the wonderful law firm where I've practiced law for the past eighteen years. But --effective today-- I'll be practicing under the rubric Svenson Law Firm LLC.
I'll continue handling the same types of business disputes that I worked on before, but with less overhead and a lower billable rate. I'll strive to use non-hourly billable arrangements, and to use technology to increase productivity and effectiveness wherever possible.
More information about my new firm is available at: www.ernestsvenson.com
And, of course, you can always keep up with me here.
My new contact information is:
Ernest Svenson
Svenson Law Firm LLC
432 Henry Clay Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118-5724
Tel: 504.208.5199 | Fax: 504.324.0453
Email: esvenson@gmail.com
Best of luck on your new venture
Posted by: Steven Cohen | March 01, 2006 at 07:18 AM
Congratulations, and nice job on the web site. I've been thinking that a blog format, properly handled, can work well as a small or solo law firm's web site. You've shown everyone how it can be done.
Posted by: Ray Ward | March 01, 2006 at 09:12 AM
Best wishes, Ernie. I hope you'll be telling us about your new challenges here at EtheA.
You've certainly made Carolyn Elefant's day.
Posted by: david giacalone | March 01, 2006 at 09:36 AM
Congratulations, and good luck!
Posted by: Melody Wirz | March 01, 2006 at 10:07 AM
Best of luck on the move Ernie! I started at my own new law firm today, too, so I'm definitely rooting for you.
Posted by: Aaron | March 01, 2006 at 10:09 AM
Good luck mate! You're a very brave man.
Posted by: Graeme Simpson | March 01, 2006 at 10:13 AM
Ernie, Congratulations and good luck. You're facing an exciting and frightening time as you embark on your solo practice - I know what its like, I did it for 14 years.
Developing your support network will be critical to your success and you are miles ahead of others. Use the friendships and networks you developed at the firm and in the legal community; otherwise, solo practice can be lonely.
Let me know if I can be of help or provide any assistance or support.
Good Luck!
Posted by: Nerino Petro | March 01, 2006 at 10:13 AM
Congrats on the decision and welcome to solodom. Been here for four years myself. Best of luck on everything.
Posted by: Chuck | March 01, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Congratulations from one of your buddies at Gordon Arata. We'll miss you a lot.
Posted by: Steve | March 01, 2006 at 10:52 AM
Ernie, congratulations on your bold move. I hope you find your new practice exremely rewarding on all levels!
If I ever need local counsel, I know who to call.
Posted by: Mike | March 01, 2006 at 11:10 AM
Best wishes on your new (ad)venture.
Ernie the Attorney LLC would have been
my first choice. ;)
Posted by: John | March 01, 2006 at 01:02 PM
Good luck. I'm jealous.
Posted by: Jeff | March 01, 2006 at 08:19 PM
Congratulations and good luck!
Posted by: E. McPan | March 01, 2006 at 08:55 PM
Congrats and best wishes. Being solo is very rewarding and gives one a sense of freedom. Best of all we can take the cases and clients we want. As a solo, you are the partnership committee, the marketing committe and the IT department. You make all the decisions and they are your decisions. Again, congrats and best wishes.
Posted by: Grant Griffiths | March 01, 2006 at 09:40 PM
Congrats Ernie. You're coming through the storm stronger than ever, as we all knew you would.
Posted by: J. Matthew Buchanan | March 02, 2006 at 08:45 AM
Buena Suerte Ernie.
Yo le deseo mucho éxito.
Posted by: Mark Zamora | March 02, 2006 at 08:51 AM
Congratulations Ernie. I wish you the best of luck. Solo gives you a lot of freedom, but also the challenges of managing an office, which has nothing to do with the practice of law. Try to get the best people you can, they will make or break you. If I can provide you any advice please don't hesitate to ask. We all will be looking forword to your new adventures.
Posted by: Bill Henderson | March 02, 2006 at 09:24 AM
Congratulations on the move! Best wishes in your new practice.
Posted by: Christine | March 02, 2006 at 10:35 AM
Mazel Tov! The decision my partner and I made to go off on our own has been just about the best thing we've ever done, and I'm sure you'll do well.
I like your firm site, btw-- it inspires confidence and has an amiable feel to it.
Posted by: Bill Altreuter | March 02, 2006 at 11:47 AM
Congratulations and best of luck on the move, Ernie! I started my own new law firm today, too, so I'm definitely pulling for you.
Posted by: Anthony Cerminaro | March 02, 2006 at 12:28 PM
href=“http://www.freshstartwithus.com”> life after bankruptcy
Posted by: diane | March 03, 2006 at 05:25 AM
Congratulations, and good luck. A very hopeful sign.
-Alex
Posted by: Alexander Macgillivray | March 04, 2006 at 07:14 PM
Hi ! Your site is very interesting. Thank you.
Posted by: Jameel | March 21, 2006 at 03:37 AM