Where to start when considering opening your own firm? I’m so overwhelmed and have no clue where to even begin. I’m in the info. gathering stage and there’re too many conflicting ideas on the web. Any suggestions on how you went about the process? Any help is much appreciated. TIA!

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I did this 3 years ago. I now have a partner and an associate attorney.

Remember: perfection is the enemy of progress.

Just start doing things: 1) form the entity, 2) write an engagement letter, 3) get a PO Box, 4) open a bank account and 5) get an accounting software that keep track of time and bill. (Malpractice insurance too).

If you do these things you can now do business, everything else is an add on, necessary for long term success but not for getting a paycheck.

Once I did this I notified all my contacts and moved business over. Do good work and referrals will come. 3 years later and I’ve done no marketing.

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Make business cards (or whatever electronic version they do these days), create an email signature, maybe some basic website. Get malpractice insurance. It’s really helpful and make things much easier if you know exactly the specific area of law you’ll be working on. Join clubs or chambers of commerce to network. Create a good model attorney-client retainer agreement.

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Take a breath. Read Jay Foonberg “How to Start and Build a Law Practice.” Jot down some ideas of practice areas you would enjoy and in which you are competent (or in which you can become competent; jot down the plan for how to do the latter). That’s good for one day. The next day, review what you wrote and pick 2-3 practice areas out of all the areas you wrote down. Then write down a simple business plan. Then follow Foonberg’s advice about office/basic info, and announce to the whole world that you are open for business. And call your local state bar and get a referral for a professional liability carrier.

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First and foremost - start with your State bar requirements for such. They should have those resources available to you. The Florida Bar has PowerPoints and ample amount of information on how to start your own solo practice - provided by the Young Lawyers Division.

Your next step would be to create your business entity; check with your state rules on their requirements for such

Then, I would say the next step to be banking/accounting - get your Trust and Operating accounts opened. Learn of what is required of you Re: maintenance and reporting of your Trust account.

Check to see if your state require malpractice/liability insurance. Also, general commercial liability.

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Any other Florida specific tips?

What state are you in?

GA!

Thanks for the question ! I’m in the same boat . Maybe we can support each other !?

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