We’ve been short on content here. However, we have been migrating this blog to a much faster and more stable server. Lots of data to move. Happy to be in our new home. Looking forward to adding more content.
McKeen Law Firm’s mission is to help heal both our clients and improve our community. We’re trial lawyers who are committed to community. Since 2013, we have been the naming sponsor of Glastonbury River Runner’s Race to Fill The Pantry. The event has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the local food bank. We have donated a number of our sponsorship race entries to Achilles CT athletes. We are very proud to sponsor this wonderful race. We are pleased to announce that we will be sponsoring the 2016 Race To Fill the Pantry. See you in November.
Our client J. Michael Farren authorized us to speak to the Connecticut Law Tribune regarding the Appellate Court’s recent rulings in the civil case. Mr. Farren was involuntarily committed at the Institute of Living during the duration of his civil trial. We anticipate speaking with the Law Tribune shortly.
On August 26, 2015, Ryan McKeen secured a dog bite verdict of $125,000 for a client who was bitten in the face by a dog. The verdict came after a one witness trial that lasted under an hour. The verdict was in Hartford Superior Court. Prior to trial, the pretrial judge believed the value of the case to be approximately $20,000.
Law is a stressful profession. Lawyers take on the most severe problems of their clients. The two photos in this post show the strain of practice. They are screen shots from my fitbit. The first picture shows my heart rate at 142 beats per minute when I began my oral argument before the appellate court. I was standing still. A heart rate of 142 beats per minute is one that I acheive while running.
Going solo?
You have a personal juris number. It’s perfectly fine. I mean, it works. You can file appearances, sign pleadings, and appear in court. It does all of the things you need it to do. 
One of the rules of building your own practice is to build for success. If something is worth doing it is worth doing right – from day 1.
Here are 3 reasons you need a law firm juris number:
Alright, you’ve hung your shingle, you’ve got bank accounts, and you’ve bought the right pens.
And a client calls. A client who has a problem. A client who is looking to hire you to fix that problem. What are you going to charge?
This post is about quoting your fee. Here’s what you’re going to do:
Here are 10 rapid fire answers about opening your own law practice:
1. What websites should I read? 
In no particular order: Lawyerist, Solo Practice University, Above the Law’s Small Firm Page.
2. Do I need an iPad?
No.
3. What kind of scanner should I buy?
4. Where should I locate my office?
Near your clients or the clients you want.
5. When should I hire someone?
When doing so makes you money.
6. What should I ask my accountant?
Read more10 Rapid Fire Answers About Opening Your Own Law Practice
This is a post only my Mom will care about. And maybe that’s stretching it. First, I’m trying to reduce my caseload temporarily. I’m referring more things out. I’m very busy with what’s on my plate in terms of cases. More importantly, I’m working diligently to further improve systems and processes in the firm. I’m … Read more
Deciding to hang your shingle is tought. Here are 10 questions to ask yourself before going solo: 1. Am I better off working for someone else? Some very good lawyers benefit from the corporate structure of a firm and would be lost without it for a variety of reasons including support, money, and things being done for you