How to Start a Law Firm: Where Do You Even Begin?

Without a doubt, starting a business can be one of the most challenging and rewarding things you ever do.

This is particularly challenging if you’re starting a legal practice.

Launching a law firm requires you to have the right info, lots of dedication and plenty of help. This article will teach you how to start a law firm, so you can avoid mistakes and get the most from this venture.

Follow these steps to make sure you’re building your baby law firm on your terms.

How to Start a Law Firm:

When you’re trying to start a law firm, it means knowing yourself, working hard and following the right steps. The steps laid out below will help you out:

1. Know You’re “Why” and Found Your Firm on It:

If you know your “why”, you’re already halfway there.

Too many people start businesses for the wrong reasons. If you know why you want to practice law and what value you are providing to the public, it will guide your next steps.

Napoleon Hill, of “Think and Grow Rich” fame, calls this setting your major definite purpose.

Don’t just let it be thoughts in your head — grab a notebook and start journaling regularly. This will allow you to map out your intentions, set goals and figure out what sets you apart from the rest.

Once you have laid out your “why” and set your intentions, you will want to found your law firm based on these principles. Everything from your mission statement to logo should reflect these principles.

By setting these principles out the gate, you’ll be in good hands.

2. Choose Specific Areas of Interest and Get to Work on Your Website:

Knowing your stuff is, without a doubt, your most valuable asset.

If you do car accident cases, you should have answers at the ready when a client seeks your help to learn more about filing a claim.

Rather than trying to get each and every client, you should narrow your scope and focus. By having specific areas of interest laid out, you will be better able to find the customers that you need.

After knowing your areas of interest, you should also create a website that is attractive and informative. Today, websites don’t have to be convoluted and busy. Instead, keep it minimalistic and create a website that will teach your clients about you.

3. Scope Out Your Workspace and Figure Out How to Start With Low Overhead:

It’s incredibly important that you create a workplace that makes you feel good about everything you do on a daily basis.

When your office has great energy, is organized and in a prime area, it’s easier for you to be productive. You will also need to get an office that is affordable so that you start with low overhead costs.

Today, plenty of people are taking the time to combine office space with others. This is incredibly helpful because you share resources and save money at the same time.

4. Set Your Starting Rates:

Cost is an important factor for any business that you’re launching.

Since you’re just getting started, make sure that your rates are affordable and that you are able to bring in lots of customers. This may also be a great time to have a discount or promotion as well.

At the same time, be sure that you’re setting rates that pay you what you are worth. Get these rates in writing so that you’re completely transparent with your customers.

5. Map Out Timetables, Goals, and Benchmarks:

When you’re getting started with your law firm, be sure that you also have several definitive goals outlined.

This way, you can start hitting them and scratching them off baby step by baby step. The more specific you get with setting these goals, the easier it is to measure your progress.

Set long-term and short-term goals, and don’t move past them without accomplishing them or re-working them.

6. Put the Word Out to Everyone That You’re Open For Business:

Be sure that you’re also making it clear to your circle of professionals and friends that you’re open for business. So many of your initial leads will come from people that you already know.

It’s important that you also embrace social media so that you can develop a following on your own, and ensure that you’re building your brand step by step.

7. Treat Your Clients Like Gold and Ask For Referrals:

The best thing you can do is treat every client with importance and respect.

When every person you serve feels appreciated, not only will you get repeat business, you will also get referrals. People need to feel comfortable doing business with you, and of all the ups and downs in business, the way you treat your clients is completely within your control.

Godspeed on Your New Venture:

These tips should steer you in the right direction when you’re figuring out how to start a law firm.

By learning the ropes of starting your own venture, you will be better able to have success with your firm. Keep in mind that this is an investment, so there will be many twists and turns that come with the territory.

Keeping these tips as your foundation will get you started on the right note, regardless of what kind of firm you’re starting.

For more information on running startups in the legal field or any other industry, subscribe to our content and stay tuned.

Read Also:

• Why Every Lawyer and Firm Needs a Law Firm Website
• 5 Marketing Ideas For Law Firms That Will Bring In More Clients