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Book Review: Actionable Guidance on Business Development for Solo and Small Firm Lawyers

By Gene Commander

If you are looking for a way to elevate your practice, “Connections,” a new ABA book on business development for solo and small firm lawyers, offers the step-by-step clarity many attorneys lack — including practical weekly, monthly and yearly action plans.

Connections book cover: an actionable business development guide for solo and small firm lawyers.

As a former managing shareholder, I am selective about the resources I recommend to colleagues. However, Meranda Vieyra’s “Connections: Actionable Guidance on Solo Practice and Small Law Firm Business Development,” from ABA Book Publishing, stands out as an essential guide for any attorney committed to sustained growth.

Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Vieyra offers practical, field-tested solutions to the business development challenges legal professionals face today in firms of all sizes.

What Truly Sets “Connections” Apart Is Its Systematic and Actionable Framework

Vieyra presents a clear, step-by-step methodology that is easy to implement, whether you are a solo practitioner or leading a law firm. The strategies are adaptable and proven, rooted in real-world examples that effectively translate theory into practice.

The book’s structure is one of its greatest strengths. It allows readers to easily identify and address specific challenges, almost like a prescription for a particular issue.

For example, the “Centers” chapter guides attorneys on becoming a center of influence by honing their niche, which is perfect for those struggling to stand out. The “Character” chapter tackles personal branding, making it indispensable for lawyers unsure how to promote themselves authentically.

In “Circles,” Vieyra shows how to evaluate and leverage existing professional communities for better networking and referrals.

By aligning each chapter with a common pain point, the book becomes a personalized roadmap to growth.

Why You Need an Actionable Business Development Guide

Unlike generic business development guides, “Connections” is crafted specifically for lawyers. It addresses their unique realities, including limited resources, unclear processes and the natural insecurity that can accompany a new business plan. The book serves as a business education companion, taking the fear out of marketing. The reader feels supported throughout the journey, guided by an author who understands the challenges and is there every step of the way.

“Connections” delivers the practical tools attorneys need to improve client engagement and streamline their marketing. I highly recommend this authoritative resource to law firm owners, partners, and attorneys at all career stages. If you are seeking impactful, strategic guidance for business development, make this book a core reference for your team.


A Business Development Roadmap for Solo and Small Firm Attorneys

Connections: Actionable Guidance on Solo Practice and Small Law Firm Business Development by Meranda M. Vieyra (ABA Law Practice Division, 2025, 160 pages) is available in Kindle and paperback formats on Amazon and at ABABooks.org. 


Image © iStockPhoto.com.

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Gene Commander

Gene Commander is an executive business counselor and thought leader for the legal industry, with a special focus on smart growth strategies for law firms. Through its research team, Gene Commander Inc helps law firms stay ahead of the curve by adapting to the demographic, professional, and technological trends that are transforming the business of law. Gene is also an accomplished author and speaker drawing on over 40 years of experience in the legal profession while practicing law with small, midsize and national firms. His past roles include serving on the management committee of a midmarket law firm and as managing shareholder in the Denver office of an Am Law 100 firm. Gene can be reached at gene@genecommanderinc.com.

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