Holiday shopping for a solo lawyer? Joleena Louis gives us her top holiday gifts any solo attorney would love.
The holidays are upon us and it’s time to start thinking about gifts. Since we are always so busy and have little time for hobbies outside of work, solo attorneys can be difficult to shop for. Here are my top 7 holiday gifts for solo attorneys:
1. QuietComfort® 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
Price: $299.95
When I first became a solo attorney, I launched my practice using a Law Firm Suites start-up workstation. While it was a great space, I could have really used a pair of noise cancelling headphones for those few times when the office wasn’t as quiet. I once borrowed a pair from a friend for a bus trip from New York to Boston, and I was able to focus as if I were alone. These are definitely on my holiday wish list.
2. At-A-Glance Monthly Planner
Price: $14.90
In addition to updating my appointments on Google calendar, I like to keep a paper planner for those instances when I can’t get a Wi-Fi signal in court or my phone battery dies. I always feel more secure having a tangible backup.
Each month is spread over two pages so I have plenty of space to write my court appearances and deadlines. I also like that I can get an overview of my entire month, which makes it quick and easy to pick adjourn dates when standing in front of a judge.
3. Portable External Charger
Price: $6.69
I currently own two portable chargers and I don’t know how I survived as a solo attorney without them. You can charge anything with a USB connection, which is a lifesaver when my phone battery is low.
I own two portable chargers and I don’t know how I survived as a solo attorney without them. Click To TweetAs a solo attorney, I need to stay connected throughout the day. I’m constantly using my phone to respond to client emails or update my professional social media profiles.
This device gives me two full charges, and it fits right in my suit pocket. It also has a handy flashlight, which I often use to search the dark hole that is my briefcase.
4. “Trust me I’m a lawyer” T-Shirt
Price: $16.99
Who doesn’t love a good gag gift? This t-shirt is not only fun, but it’s also a good way to let others know you are a lawyer. It’s sure to be a conversation starter wherever you go.
5. LiveScribe Echo Smartpen
Price: $99.99
I first noticed this Smartpen being used by another attorney in court. Basically, it can record what you write or hear and send it to your computer.
I can see many uses for this as a solo attorney. When I am in court or in a meeting, I often jot down notes I won’t have time to transcribe later. Since I don’t have an assistant, it would be great to send my notes right to my computer as a word document instead of having to decipher my terrible handwriting. It could also be useful to send meeting notes to my clients.
6. Fitbit Flex Wireless Wristband
Price: $99.95
This is a small device you wear as a bracelet to track your steps, count the number of calories you burn throughout the day, and analyze your sleep at night. Attorneys spend the majority of the day sitting down while they work so this is a great way to track inactivity, and hopefully motivate you to move more.
7. Ivation Portable Rechargeable HDMI Projector
Price: $299.99
I was extremely impressed when I saw an attorney pull out a portable projector at a settlement conference to project a disputed clause in a settlement agreement. Not only is it pocket-sized, but he could also connect it to his cell phone.
We were able to use this in the conference room in family court and it made things so simple when we did not all have copies of the agreement. A solo on-the-go could have many uses for this projector.
