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Sole Practitioner/Small Firm Section Board of Directors
Chair: Steve W. Hardy
Vice Chair/Chair-Elect: Scott E. Atwood
Secretary: L. Katherine Adams-Carter
Treasurer: David Michael Lilenfeld
Immediate Past Chair: Glenn Lyon
Newsletter Editors:
James A. Attwood
Clark A.D. Wilson
Members-At-Large
James A. Attwood
The Hon. T. Jackson Bedford, Jr.
Monroe J. Feldman
Ronne G. Kaplan
Bryan C. Ramos
David G. Richards
Beth E. Rogers
Janis L. Rosser
Robert G. Wellon
Clark A.D. Wilson
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| Upcoming Events |
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September Breakfast
September 17, 2009 - 7:30 am
"5 Key Steps for Business Owners to Survive and Thrive in a Tough Economy"
Speakers: Marcy Cowan, President, ActionCOACH of Dekalb and Angela Whalley, ActionCOACH of Dekalb Location: Buckhead Club, 3344 Peachtree Road
September Luncheon
September 24, 2009 - Noon
Open Networking Meeting: Come and Meet Fellow Members and Promote Your Practice! Location: Gordon Biersch, 848 Peachtree Street, NE Register online or complete and return the registration form
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| John Markson Speaks at the July SPSF Breakfast
by Clark A. D. Wilson, Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva, PC |
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 At the July breakfast SPSF meeting, John Markson of Markson HRC spoke about the variety of retirement plan strategies available to sole practitioner attorneys and attorneys who manage small firms. Mr. Harkson suggested that sole practitioners and small firms should consider adopting an IRA approach, Simplified Employer Pension (SEP) or a Simple plan. Markson HRC can be found at www.marksonhrc.com. |
| David F. Golden Speaks at the July SPSF Luncheon
by James Attwood, Atkins & Attwood, LLC |
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 David F. Golden of Troutman Sanders, LLP discussed "Tax Considerations for Attorney's Running a Law Practice" at the July 23, 2009 lunch. The presentation focused on the tax consequences of choosing among the various legal entities available for a sole practitioner or a small law firm. Sole proprietorships, single-member limited liability companies, professional corporations, multiple-member LLCs, and general partnerships were discussed, including the advantages and disadvantages of each form.
Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs largely have the same advantages and disadvantages. Both forms have the advantages of simple creation and of no need for a separate tax return. Earnings and losses are reported on individual tax returns. The primary disadvantage is that all net earnings are subject to the self-employment tax. For a sole practitioner, the only advantage added by an LLC is "optics." Although it is a matter of personal preference, "LLC" following a person's name can appear more official.
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| Law and Disorder - Chaos in the Law Firm
by David Kirkup, B2B CFO |
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We all have a wealth of information from TV on how a modern law firm operates. LA Law, Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, Damages, Law and Order. High salaries, great suits, beautiful partners (of both sexes), witty interchanges between cases, snarling rivalry between superstar litigators. What's not to love? Of course, in the real world it's not quite the same...or is it?
Beneath the smooth exterior, I often find law firms roiled by bitter rivalries over billing issues, who's keeping time correctly, which overhead items are allocable, out of control overhead, underperforming shareholders and associates, mis-directed compensation schemes and more overpaid retainers that a medieval court. In simple terms it comes down to four main issues: how big is the cake, how expensive are the ingredients, are you making a mess all over the floor, and how big is my slice. I told you it would be simple. Let's drill down into the gateaux...
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| Announcements |
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 Hands On Atlanta Day Registration Now Open!Sign up now to participate in Atlanta's largest annual day of service. Projects are available for all ages and abilities and will take place at non profits and schools across the Metro Area. Go to www.HandsOnAtlantaDay.org to register as an individual or team. Call (404) 979-2800 for more information.
A Taste for Volunteering
Fine wine and food enthusiasts won't want to miss Hands On Atlanta's annual A Taste for Volunteering on Friday, October 23 from 7 -10 p.m. Get a insider's glimpse of The Manor - an exclusive private home in Buckhead, and come ready to bid on great silent and live auction items. Tickets are $89 in advance, $99 at the door, and all proceeds support Hands On Atlanta's annual programming. Call (404) 979-2837 for ticket information.
Office Space Available
Nice, single office and two office suite available for lease in the Trust Building, on the Courthouse Square in Downtown Decatur. Each office is furnished, and T-1 internet connection is available. Extremely convenient to the Dekalb County Courthouse. Twenty-five space public parking next to the building. Please call Bob Stringer at (404) 797-2600 or e-mail stringswms@earthlink.net for more details.
Office Space AvailableEntire upstairs with bathroom consisting of 4 individual window corner offices. Furnished very nicely. Prefer to rent out all 4, but will consider renting individual offices. Some referral work possible too. We're near intersection of Piedmont Rd.& Monroe Dr. Contact Monroe Feldman at feldman@bellsouth.net. | |
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