Transactional Attorney pivoting to Solo Personal Injury

Hi everyone. Long post, but TLDR: I am a fairly successful transaction attorney that has decided to make the jump to PI. Not sure if I should go solo from here or work at a PI shop.

Here we go: I’m a transactional attorney (real estate) with about ~7 years experience, went to a top 3 law school/MBA program.

I’m at a crossroads and am seriously considering going the PI route. There’s a few reasons - the aspect of the work, the fact that you can go on your own easier than in other practice groups, the autonomy, etc.

My question is what is the best next step - go work for a shop or go out on my own?

I have a few PI mentors and other attorneys I respect give me their two cents. Many say just go for it and hang your own shingle as a solo. From my discussions, the pre-litigation work is very process oriented, and not complicated or esoteric. I’ll have all the forms and a good understanding of standard operating procedures (e.g., client intake, submitting a demand letter, corresponding with insurance adjusters, etc.). For the more complicated cases & litigation matters, I will have a co-counsel that will be hands-on. It appears that most of the “work” in being a solo is building the actual business - marketing, client pipeline, network of medical providers, etc. I’ve built business before in my prior careers, so I’m not concerned about this in particular. My mentors and network have already indicated they’ll refer me and if I market myself correctly, the calls will come.

Now, the downsides I see of going solo (and I don’t know if these are legitimate concerns, but would appreciate the input) are: (1) not having a PI track record - I’m not sure how experience here is valued by the client, and (2) not having an intimate understanding of PI litigation - this is of little concern as I’d be focusing on pre-litigation work and either have co-counsel, or refer out those cases.

My other option is to go work at a PI shop for some time, but from attorneys I’ve talked to they are telling me the pre-litigation work is quite basic and process oriented, and can be learned quickly. I wonder is going to a PI shop for a bit would: (1) make a material difference in my marketing success given I would have experience to speak on, and (2) would elevate my pre-litigation work product to a significant degree.

Would appreciate anyone’s 2 cents here.