I have to be honest, I am quite unsure what approach to take as far as getting employment.

It really is a bad time to be admitted practice law eh??!!

Realistically, how much financial backing would I need to launch my own practice??…ballpark figure?!

Thanks again,

Your advice is much appreciated.

rgds,

Emmet

@ Sean – The process of figuring things out on your own is invaluable. Of course, having the mentor/partner is nice as well.

@ Sean – The process of figuring things out on your own is invaluable. Of course, having the mentor/partner is nice as well.

Thanks, I found this very interesting so I appreciate you taking the time to put it up for us.

I am an Irish Law graduate that has recently passed the New York Bar. I am evaluating my options for starting my career once I am admitted this coming sumer. Despite the fact that I have an Undergraduate Law Degree, a Postgraduate Law Degree (LL.B) and a Master of Laws (LL.M) and will soon be a Bona fide New York Lawyer, I am not entirely confident of securing work in the U.S. when I move over in the summer!!

Am I mad to be considering setting up a law practice of my own (I am 28 years old) or should I stick to seeking work with others??

Decisions decisions decisions……

Great work Ryan, thanks.

rgds,

Emmet

Cesar – I think most if not all states prohibit non-licensed ownership of law firms. Not sure if you could simply be a debt holder, as there are other implications re the ownership there as well.

Cesar – I think most if not all states prohibit non-licensed ownership of law firms. Not sure if you could simply be a debt holder, as there are other implications re the ownership there as well.

You may not want to bring the paralegal with you from the start. Although I'm not sure if you need the paralegal for "witness" requirements like an estate planning attorney.

I'd either start out with a virtual office (for 6 months or less) and then transition to an executive suite.

I didn't start out with a book of business, so I tend to be more cautious with first year expenses. But if you don't need a paralegal (and you can get part-time or virtual paralegal work as well), that "savings" will more than off-set getting a bigger/nicer office.

Because you have 20 years of experience, potential clients will likely be pass less judgment on your office situation. Most might be glad because they feel you aren't passing on the expensive real estate expense to them.

You may not want to bring the paralegal with you from the start. Although I'm not sure if you need the paralegal for "witness" requirements like an estate planning attorney.

I'd either start out with a virtual office (for 6 months or less) and then transition to an executive suite.

I didn't start out with a book of business, so I tend to be more cautious with first year expenses. But if you don't need a paralegal (and you can get part-time or virtual paralegal work as well), that "savings" will more than off-set getting a bigger/nicer office.

Because you have 20 years of experience, potential clients will likely be pass less judgment on your office situation. Most might be glad because they feel you aren't passing on the expensive real estate expense to them.

Practicing lawyer of 20 years in mid 40's. In 70 lawyer firm and have my own book of defense business. Not clear how many of the clients will go with me but could walk out with 20+ files at least. What is your advice on type of office space I should look for. Paralegal would likely come with me but I would want to get revenue established first. Thanks

Practicing lawyer of 20 years in mid 40's. In 70 lawyer firm and have my own book of defense business. Not clear how many of the clients will go with me but could walk out with 20+ files at least. What is your advice on type of office space I should look for. Paralegal would likely come with me but I would want to get revenue established first. Thanks

Thanks for a brilliant blog. I'm on the cusp of going out on my own and was delighted to see the helpful hints here. I'm going to enlist the help of a twentysomething for your idea about a blog for a firm website.

A comment for Ken (a post back in February): I agree that law school taught us very little practical things, like filing petitions and answers and motions. Taking a year to clerk at an appellate court is the perfect way to really "get" what lawyers do from a practical standpoint. You'll see cases from petition to final judgment. You'll be the person making sure everything was done properly.

If that's not an option for you, consider getting to know your local clerk of court well. Most civil matters are public record. I have more than once found a case similar to mine and looked to see what other attorneys have done. Now that many clerks have entire cases online, I've even searched by attorneys I respected and read their motions.

Find a mentor. Most older lawyers have been delighted to help me when I asked.

Thanks for a brilliant blog. I'm on the cusp of going out on my own and was delighted to see the helpful hints here. I'm going to enlist the help of a twentysomething for your idea about a blog for a firm website.

A comment for Ken (a post back in February): I agree that law school taught us very little practical things, like filing petitions and answers and motions. Taking a year to clerk at an appellate court is the perfect way to really "get" what lawyers do from a practical standpoint. You'll see cases from petition to final judgment. You'll be the person making sure everything was done properly.

If that's not an option for you, consider getting to know your local clerk of court well. Most civil matters are public record. I have more than once found a case similar to mine and looked to see what other attorneys have done. Now that many clerks have entire cases online, I've even searched by attorneys I respected and read their motions.

Find a mentor. Most older lawyers have been delighted to help me when I asked.