Guidelines for Setting Up a Law Firm

Starting your own Law office is a great idea if your entrepreneurial side is urging you to take charge. Whether you have been practicing law for some time or you just got out of Law College, you can do it! Experience matters, but no one said that it cannot be obtained from your personal business. You will succeed as long as you possess expertise in your chosen field, and can make yourself stand out in the competitive market.

Build an Identity

If you have not picked out a name for your law firm yet, remember to keep it simple. The name of your company must suggest your profession; do not choose a fancy word that has no connection to the law industry. Many businesses add words or phrases like ‘Law Firm’, ‘Attorneys’, or ‘Group of Lawyers’ at the end of their brand name for clarification. 

If you plan to focus on a single department of law such as ‘Criminal Defense’ or ‘Personal Injuries’, then it is best to include it in your brand or logo. This way the purpose of your establishment will be well-defined, and it shall get easier for potential clients to identify you. 

Many law startups fail because they ignore modern tools for emphasizing their existence. An online presence is crucial for every business today. The days for phone directories are long gone and clients are likely to find you on Google. Most people will contact you through your website or get your phone number/address from there to arrange a physical meeting. 

You website must be functional, regularly updated, and provide adequate information regarding your services. Choose your location wisely, preferably a commercial area in your district. Many people operate from home to cut down office costs, but it is not recommended, as it appears to be unprofessional.

Manifest Self-reliance & Consistency

Many people will discourage you down the road of setting up a private business. They will tell you to get a job for the sake of ‘financial stability’. The majority of these people have no experience managing a business, nor have they once tried being their own boss for a day. You will have to believe in yourself to achieve your business goals.

You cannot start a firm without some capital at your disposal. Make sure you have enough to cover costs of your website, office rent & supplies, and employee salaries for a year. Establishing your company will take time and it could be several months before you make any profit. You must have a full thought out plan for running your business; this includes marketing strategies, financials, competitive advantages, and so on.

Focus on the area of law where you excel and don’t welcome every case that comes at your door. It is important to stay true to your brand and avoid creating confusion. If you are a divorce lawyer, do not represent a case of criminal offense. The act may go against your reputation and form conflict among competitors. 

Getting Leads and Referrals

Many law firms buy leads from third parties/online resources, which is a good option when your business sits in its initial stages. The good thing is that you get access to a plethora of cases that are relevant to your field, and the downside is that the competition is harsh. Fighting for the best personal injury leads, criminal defense leads, or medical malpractice leads can be severely challenging. At first, you may have to make-do with cases that are not exactly cost effective. Nonetheless, consider it as a learning process and use it to build an impressive portfolio.  

Making the right connections can speed up your progress and allow you to reach milestones in no time. Befriend people who are already practicing law; invite them for lunch, coffee, or drinks. Lawyers in your locality can give a boost to your business if you stay on their good side. If you come across a client suited to their niche, then refer them to him/her. They will gladly return the favor and will love to share their experiences if you show genuine interest.

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This post was written by Mark Kennedy