How to Start a Law Firm
The How to Start a Law Firm section of FindLaw's Law Firm Management Center provides free resources related to startup issues encountered by solo and small law firm practices. Business issues like Offices and Facilities, Marketing Basics, Startup, Firm Structure, Law Office Supplies and Law Technology are crucial to the ongoing success, operation, and growth of your law firm. Hanging one's shingle is an important undertaking. As a small business owner, you need to understand what it takes to start a law firm in order to make informed decisions that will impact your law practice. Browse, read, and share FindLaw's collection of articles, tips and lists that focus on How to Start a Law Firm.
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Flying Solo: Starting Your Own Law Practice
Whether you have just graduated from law school or have been working at a law firm for decades, starting your own practice is always an option. Although it is scary to consider putting on the pilot's hat and flying your own plane, if you follow some of these guidelines, there is no reason why you cannot learn to fly successfully.
How Much Does it Cost to Start Your Own Law Firm?If you are wondering how much it costs to start your own law firm, then you are probably also seriously considering hanging your own shingle. The good news is that in the long-term, your decision to start your own legal practice could be very beneficial.
Choosing a Business Structure for Your Law FirmMany factors must be considered when choosing the best form of business ownership or structure. The choice you make can have an impact on multiple aspects of your business, including taxes, liability, ownership succession, and others. This article outlines different forms or business ownership and business structure.
How to Start a Law Firm: Office Furniture and SuppliesAttorneys looking to start up a firm often look for the best furniture, equipment, and supplies available so as to impress their prospective clients once the office is open. However, lawyers just starting out their careers or making a clean, fresh transition from another practice may have to be more practical in their considerations.
Write a Business PlanEssential elements of a good business plan for growing companies. A business plan should be a work-in-progress. Even successful, growing businesses should maintain a current business plan.
See also:
State Guides to Obtaining Licenses and PermitsThe following links will direct you to information on how to obtain licenses and permits for your new firm in each of the 50 states and Washington, DC.
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While there are many different approaches out there, here are nine tips for new attorneys wondering where to start on building their network. -
There is not a single management skill more critical to your personal and professional success as an entrepreneur than learning to delegate. There is much more to delegating than meets the eye. It does not mean to simply hand out assignments. It is a science and an exercise in understanding one's self. -
A key decision when launching a new firm is deciding "what you are." The days of the general practice lawyer are gone. Your chances for success are much greater if you limit yourself to a particular area of law where you can become an expert. -
Lawyers looking to start a firm should look into any federal or state license or permit requirements which may be applicable to them. -
Marketing a Start-Up Solo Practice