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[BobRoberts]

"IMHO, the only time it makes sense for a solo to rent office space is if the situation at home simply doesn't allow for working at home (e.g., kids at home all day, you live in a 500 sq. ft. apartment). "

Hi Karen,

I agree with regards to small businesses and larger clients.  For smaller or other local businesses, I go to their locations when necessary for consults, and if they aren't local, then usually phone, e-mail. 

I started working out of the home around 7 years ago, and about 2 years ago, rented office space,  mainly to meet individual inventors.  It seems that I look more stable/permanent with office space than inviting them to my home (and I'm not all that comfortable meeting with them at home either).  I have gone and met them at a study room at the local library, and also met them at a local coffee house (of course for general initial consults).    Though I'm reconsidering the value added against the costand may reconsider whether to continue leasing office space and go back home...
Blakesq, working out of the home or my office, if I don't have an inperson consult, I take my laptop and portable printer and go to a local coffee house or bookstore (i.e. Borders) where I have free internet, and can print application drafts when I need to.  I can forward calls to my cell phone, and just put an 'hours by appt'sign at theoffice.  I'm from a large family, and grew up doing homework amongst a lot of noise/distractions, and today find that I need those distractions to focus better on  my work...

[bleedingpen]

It seems that I look more stable/permanent with office space than inviting them to my home (and I'm not all that comfortable meeting with them at home either).

This.  I think working out of your home is a barrier to ever getting "good" clients as a solo- meaning those clients that will send you 10+ matters a year. 

Work comes from knowing other attorneys.  There is almost always a degree or two of separation between you and your client.  You can't establish those types of networks over night, but it isn't all that difficult either. 

[blakesq]

According to this definition, i have no "good clients".  luckily i make a good living anyhow!

It seems that I look more stable/permanent with office space than inviting them to my home (and I'm not all that comfortable meeting with them at home either).

This.  I think working out of your home is a barrier to ever getting "good" clients as a solo- meaning those clients that will send you 10+ matters a year. 

Work comes from knowing other attorneys.  There is almost always a degree or two of separation between you and your client.  You can't establish those types of networks over night, but it isn't all that difficult either. 

[bleedingpen]

According to this definition, i have no "good clients".  luckily i make a good living anyhow!

It wasn't meant as an insult.  But you know the overhead and time associated with one off clients is greater per case than those clients that keep coming back every few months.