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.

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 to Start a Law Firm: Startup Checklist

Thinking of opening a law office? The following is a simple, basic checklist to get your office up and running, but the checklist will actually vary depending on your individual needs, the type of law you will practice, staffing needs, and various other factors.
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 Firm

You've made the leap to start your own law firm. You've thought about costs, practice area, and gone through all the items on your startup checklist. Now you need to figure out how to set up your business. Learn more about the various business structures to decide which one is right for your law firm.
How to Start a Law Firm: Office Furniture and Supplies

Attorneys 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.
Federal and State Business Licensing Requirements

Lawyers looking to start a firm should look into any federal or state license or permit requirements which may be applicable to them.

How To Start A Law Firm Articles

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.

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Choosing a Business Structure for Your Law Firm

You've made the leap to start your own law firm. You've thought about costs, practice area, and gone through all the items on your startup checklist. Now you need to figure out how to set up your business. Learn more about the various business structures to decide which one is right for your law firm.

Read More »
Managing a Virtual Law Practice

It's inevitable to face challenges when you're operating a virtual law practice, but you may not be aware of all that is required of your practice, including the ethical rules that apply. This article will help you identify and manage the potential problem areas that could arise.

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Law Firm Document Retention and Destruction Policies

The hum of a busy law firm may be music to your ears as you think about the billing statements for the month, but it also means an ever-growing number of documents to handle. Having sound document retention and destruction policies is the best way to manage the avalanche of paperwork -- and stay out of trouble with your state bar. This article answers some of the common questions relating to document retention and destruction.

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Software Overload: Issues with Technology or Processes?

Smaller law firms have all sorts of challenges when it comes to technology. Rather than looking for a technology solution, what if it turns out the problem lies within processes and mindsets? Let this article help you identify the problems and the ways you can fix them to get your firm back on track.

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