Earlier this month, I had the privilege of making my annual trip to Wisconsin Dells to attend the 2025 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference. As with each year of the conference, it was a reminder that, even as attorneys characterize themselves with independence (solo and small firm attorneys especially so), community is essential. Solo and small firm attorneys face unique challenges of managing law firm operations themselves, including client intake, billing, legal research, and even drafting blog posts. It can be daunting and isolating. And this is why I think conferences like this one are so critical. They provide valuable opportunities to connect with peers who completely understand those challenges firsthand, share experiences, and learn from each other in a meaningful way.
One of the most striking themes I saw emerge from this year’s conference was the dual nature of small-firm practice: both the daunting challenges and the immense opportunities. On one hand, small firms operate with fewer personnel and resources than the larger firms, while facing several of the same obstacles. In particular, the sessions related to data security and deepfakes at this year’s conference reminded me that bad actors come for firms of all sizes with increasingly sophisticated tactics, leaving a tall order for small firms to protect themselves and their clients. The reality of these challenges can be exhausting, but it also fosters creativity, efficiency, and agility that larger firms rarely have. The conference highlighted how these unique small firm superpowers can enable small firms to find innovative ways of practicing law. For me, the sessions on AI tools in particular cast the vision of ways small firms can and level the playing field by offering clients quality service while maintaining lean operations. Finally, beyond the talk of AI tools and increasing efficiency, there were sessions that explored the balance of practicing law and living life, reminding me and my fellow attendees that our practice does not exist in a professional vacuum, and balance is critical both inside and outside of the office.
While I consider the conference, I have to shout out my OG+S colleagues for their contributions to the conference. Fatimeh Pahlavan and Jeff Glazer gave excellent presentations on the connections between technology and the law. Erin chaired the conference committee. Though Erin Ogden claims she just stayed out of everyone’s way so they could do their jobs, the conference was organized, engaging, and welcoming, and it was clear she had a no small part in it. Beyond my colleagues, the conference affirmed that the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Solo & Small Firm Section has cultivated a community that offers both mentorship and practical guidance, resources that should be welcome to solo and small firm attorneys of all stripes. Reflecting on the conference on the train ride home, I was reminded again of why I was drawn to practice at a small firm, why I am still practicing in one to this day, and why I am already looking forward to attending next year’s conference.