Comments on: How I Launched My Startup (Law Firm) http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm Startup Law, Incorporation, Convertible Notes, Preferred Stock, Stock Options, Venture Capital Wed, 16 May 2012 14:19:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Lou http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-10966 Lou Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:55:55 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-10966 Start ups are often times looked down upon by the large firm types. To me, they hold a special place in my heart. Large firms were once a start up. A group of lawyers with a crazy idea, spilling out of a government office or a tanking private firm. A solo practicioner now hiring associates to keep up with demand, loyal associates later being promoted to partner. The start ups of today, may be the large multi-million firms of tomorrow. Just make sure to have a good detailed business plan before you start. Keep in mind that not everyday is a bowl of sunshine, but the alternative of working for others is always gloomier. Being on your own is both exciting and frightful, the stuff of life. Go for it. But do so wisely. Built up cash reserves and watch your costs. Plan for income levels and set minimum reserves and cash flow markers to trigger the hiring process for support staff. It's easy to get swamped, and overwhelmed when the clients come pouring in, and it may result in your losing clients for lack quality service if you can't keep up. Know that you can do it, if you plan wisely. Good luck to all of you. Start ups are often times looked down upon by the large firm types. To me, they hold a special place in my heart. Large firms were once a start up. A group of lawyers with a crazy idea, spilling out of a government office or a tanking private firm. A solo practicioner now hiring associates to keep up with demand, loyal associates later being promoted to partner. The start ups of today, may be the large multi-million firms of tomorrow. Just make sure to have a good detailed business plan before you start. Keep in mind that not everyday is a bowl of sunshine, but the alternative of working for others is always gloomier. Being on your own is both exciting and frightful, the stuff of life. Go for it. But do so wisely. Built up cash reserves and watch your costs. Plan for income levels and set minimum reserves and cash flow markers to trigger the hiring process for support staff. It’s easy to get swamped, and overwhelmed when the clients come pouring in, and it may result in your losing clients for lack quality service if you can’t keep up. Know that you can do it, if you plan wisely. Good luck to all of you.

]]> By: Lou http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-10965 Lou Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:41:29 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-10965 Find another job if things don't improve soon. Unfortunately, not all lawyers know how to manage a law firm. You may want to have a professional cordial meeting with the attorney who appears to be in charge. Something along the lines of, "I want to do everything I can to be a productive employee at this firm. I am a quick learner. Can I come to you with questions during a scheduled time of day so that I don't use up all of your valuable time?" If this doesn't work, polish up your resume and move on before the firm goes under. Find another job if things don’t improve soon. Unfortunately, not all lawyers know how to manage a law firm. You may want to have a professional cordial meeting with the attorney who appears to be in charge. Something along the lines of, “I want to do everything I can to be a productive employee at this firm. I am a quick learner. Can I come to you with questions during a scheduled time of day so that I don’t use up all of your valuable time?” If this doesn’t work, polish up your resume and move on before the firm goes under.

]]> By: Lou http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-10964 Lou Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:27:58 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-10964 I'd look for another job before opening a practice from scratch without any clients or start up money. Know this answer sucks, but you don't want to be in a position where you have to pay for your bills using a credit card. Lot's of attorneys find themselves swamped with expenses and taking on clients they hate. Save some money, keep the start up costs low, and always, always, keep detailed and accurate records of any trust accounts. Be paitent, plan carefully, and make sure you succeed the first time you go out. I’d look for another job before opening a practice from scratch without any clients or start up money. Know this answer sucks, but you don’t want to be in a position where you have to pay for your bills using a credit card. Lot’s of attorneys find themselves swamped with expenses and taking on clients they hate. Save some money, keep the start up costs low, and always, always, keep detailed and accurate records of any trust accounts. Be paitent, plan carefully, and make sure you succeed the first time you go out.

]]> By: Lou http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-10963 Lou Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:18:05 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-10963 AAahhhhhh! Do not open a law firm fresh out of law school! Learn from my mistake! You learn so much from taking a job at a firm or from working as a government lawyer. I.e., how to carefully screen clients, how to get rid of bad clients, how to ensure payment of your bill when good clients go bad, how to hire competent support staff, how to handle a high volume caseload, how to handle yourself in court, etc. These are things you won't learn from books. Do one or two years at a law firm or government office. Choose wisely if you're going to a law firm. Make sure you get along with the seniors and partners, some of them burn out associates within months. I'd check the web for past employment ads run by the same firm, if you see them posting too many over a short period of time, its a burn out firm. Another webiste is glass house, which contains posts by former employees for some law firms. Working at a private or government firm also gives the opportunity to save money for start up costs and to develop professional relationships with judges and lawyers. AAahhhhhh! Do not open a law firm fresh out of law school! Learn from my mistake! You learn so much from taking a job at a firm or from working as a government lawyer. I.e., how to carefully screen clients, how to get rid of bad clients, how to ensure payment of your bill when good clients go bad, how to hire competent support staff, how to handle a high volume caseload, how to handle yourself in court, etc. These are things you won’t learn from books. Do one or two years at a law firm or government office. Choose wisely if you’re going to a law firm. Make sure you get along with the seniors and partners, some of them burn out associates within months. I’d check the web for past employment ads run by the same firm, if you see them posting too many over a short period of time, its a burn out firm. Another webiste is glass house, which contains posts by former employees for some law firms. Working at a private or government firm also gives the opportunity to save money for start up costs and to develop professional relationships with judges and lawyers.

]]> By: Lou http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-10962 Lou Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:55:24 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-10962 Excellent question. I use the annotated court rules of procedure and cross reference them with the relevant statutes and case law to develop my own forms. Takes a while, at first, but it really gives you a strong competitive advantage in the courtroom by forcing you to learn the ins and outs of a particular practice area. After a few months you get to build up a nice forms bank and lots of knowledge. Some bar organizations make the rules and statutes available for free or link you to reliable cites where you can download them for free. Don't rely too much on rules of procedure books that have forms in the back of them, they are often out dated. Excellent question. I use the annotated court rules of procedure and cross reference them with the relevant statutes and case law to develop my own forms. Takes a while, at first, but it really gives you a strong competitive advantage in the courtroom by forcing you to learn the ins and outs of a particular practice area. After a few months you get to build up a nice forms bank and lots of knowledge. Some bar organizations make the rules and statutes available for free or link you to reliable cites where you can download them for free. Don’t rely too much on rules of procedure books that have forms in the back of them, they are often out dated.

]]> By: Adler Vermillion & Skocilich, LLP » Blog Archive » Law Firm as Startup http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-10908 Adler Vermillion & Skocilich, LLP » Blog Archive » Law Firm as Startup Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:27:08 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-10908 [...] startup, out to disrupt the sclerotic world of lawyering. I’m not the first to apply the startup analogy to a law firm by any [...] [...] startup, out to disrupt the sclerotic world of lawyering. I’m not the first to apply the startup analogy to a law firm by any [...]

]]> By: Gabriella http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-10104 Gabriella Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:06:00 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-10104 I have recently started working at a very small law firm, 3 secretaries and 3 lawyers. This is my first job in this field, so I came into this office without any experience, and I quickly observed that the other two secretaries were also new in this field. So its "the blind, leading the blind" in a way. The office is falling apart, there is no organization nor communication between the secretaries and lawyers. There was no training & we are expected to deliver perfection. I am desperately looking for organization structures I can present to the staff members in order to try to save our office. But having no prior experience, its been difficult to come up with anything they haven't already tried. ANY ADVICE? I have recently started working at a very small law firm, 3 secretaries and 3 lawyers. This is my first job in this field, so I came into this office without any experience, and I quickly observed that the other two secretaries were also new in this field. So its “the blind, leading the blind” in a way. The office is falling apart, there is no organization nor communication between the secretaries and lawyers. There was no training & we are expected to deliver perfection.
I am desperately looking for organization structures I can present to the staff members in order to try to save our office. But having no prior experience, its been difficult to come up with anything they haven’t already tried. ANY ADVICE?

]]> By: Rex Wilson http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-10021 Rex Wilson Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:59:47 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-10021 Do you have to be a lawyer to start a law firm or can my partner and I own it and just hire attorneys? Do you have to be a lawyer to start a law firm or can my partner and I own it and just hire attorneys?

]]> By: Zee http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-9958 Zee Sat, 26 Feb 2011 23:04:26 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-9958 Hi, I passed the bar examination in April 2010, since then I have been looking for a job but no luck. I have experience in immigration law.I want to start up my own practise. First I thought working from home would be great but then I thought about meeting my clients and their perspective on working from home, like who would pay a lawyer to meet at a coffee shop?Any ways I found this small office for $250 per month where I thought I can meet my clients, also got a friend to answer my calls and work as a paralegal on contract basis. Had a website made... also found some lawyers to act as my mentors...now when its time to sign up the office lease, I am getting scared and am getting double thoughts of backing out...I don't know if this is normal for any one begining to start up their practise. Also what kind of advertrisment should I use to attrack clients? Please advise on going solo as many people scare me, they advise me that I should work with a lawfirm first before going solo? Hi,

I passed the bar examination in April 2010, since then I have been looking for a job but no luck. I have experience in immigration law.I want to start up my own practise. First I thought working from home would be great but then I thought about meeting my clients and their perspective on working from home, like who would pay a lawyer to meet at a coffee shop?Any ways I found this small office for $250 per month where I thought I can meet my clients, also got a friend to answer my calls and work as a paralegal on contract basis. Had a website made… also found some lawyers to act as my mentors…now when its time to sign up the office lease, I am getting scared and am getting double thoughts of backing out…I don’t know if this is normal for any one begining to start up their practise.
Also what kind of advertrisment should I use to attrack clients?
Please advise on going solo as many people scare me, they advise me that I should work with a lawfirm first before going solo?

]]> By: Austin Obieje http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-9299 Austin Obieje Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:36:29 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-9299 @am. Ryan was right. "invaluable" in the English language means of high value. Pls check your dictionary first if you were unsure of a meaning of a word. @am. Ryan was right. “invaluable” in the English language means of high value. Pls check your dictionary first if you were unsure of a meaning of a word.

]]> By: New Lawyer! http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-4053 New Lawyer! Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:29:00 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-4053 Do you think it is foolish for a new lawyer to start her own criminal defense law firm, taking drug possession and traffic cases for the first few years? I have a judicial clerkship experience and a judicial externship experience. Thx. Do you think it is foolish for a new lawyer to start her own criminal defense law firm, taking drug possession and traffic cases for the first few years? I have a judicial clerkship experience and a judicial externship experience. Thx.

]]> By: New Lawyer! http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-4054 New Lawyer! Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:29:00 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-4054 Do you think it is foolish for a new lawyer to start her own criminal defense law firm, taking drug possession and traffic cases for the first few years? I have a judicial clerkship experience and a judicial externship experience. Thx. Do you think it is foolish for a new lawyer to start her own criminal defense law firm, taking drug possession and traffic cases for the first few years? I have a judicial clerkship experience and a judicial externship experience. Thx.

]]> By: Anonymous http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-4043 Anonymous Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:53:00 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-4043 I think that's what I said -- or at least what I intended to say. I think that’s what I said — or at least what I intended to say.

]]> By: Anonymous http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-4042 Anonymous Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:52:00 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-4042 I think you should post your experience, provided it demonstrates how you can help your intended audience. I think you should post your experience, provided it demonstrates how you can help your intended audience.

]]> By: JLH http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-3464 JLH Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:39:00 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-3464 Thank you for the sophisticated and informative blog. After a decade of handling complex contract negotiations as in-house counsel for a variety a clients, I'm considering striking out on my own. Do you recommend posting a detailed resume of my in-house counsel positions on my soon-to-be website or follow your example of a redacted bio? I've never had to drum up business before and I don't know what would appeal to the prospective clients. Thank you for the sophisticated and informative blog. After a decade of handling complex contract negotiations as in-house counsel for a variety a clients, I’m considering striking out on my own. Do you recommend posting a detailed resume of my in-house counsel positions on my soon-to-be website or follow your example of a redacted bio? I’ve never had to drum up business before and I don’t know what would appeal to the prospective clients.

]]> By: am http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-4019 am Fri, 24 Sep 2010 20:26:00 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-4019 Ryan- I don't think you are correct at all. The process of figuring things out yourself is part of being a lawyer and is very useful in the longrun. Sean- Keep doing what you're doing! Believe in yourself and you're sure to go far. Ryan- I don’t think you are correct at all. The process of figuring things out yourself is part of being a lawyer and is very useful in the longrun. Sean- Keep doing what you’re doing! Believe in yourself and you’re sure to go far.

]]> By: am http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-4020 am Fri, 24 Sep 2010 20:26:00 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-4020 Ryan- I don't think you are correct at all. The process of figuring things out yourself is part of being a lawyer and is very useful in the longrun. Sean- Keep doing what you're doing! Believe in yourself and you're sure to go far. Ryan- I don’t think you are correct at all. The process of figuring things out yourself is part of being a lawyer and is very useful in the longrun. Sean- Keep doing what you’re doing! Believe in yourself and you’re sure to go far.

]]> By: Emmet Galvin http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-1056 Emmet Galvin Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:03:03 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-1056 Thanks Ryan, 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 Thanks Ryan,

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

]]> By: Ryan Roberts http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-1033 Ryan Roberts Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:38:12 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-1033 @ Emmet - It really depends on your finances. Maybe considering building your finances and then launching on your own. The U.S. legal market isn't exactly red hot right now. @ Sean - The process of figuring things out on your own is invaluable. Of course, having the mentor/partner is nice as well. @ Emmet – It really depends on your finances. Maybe considering building your finances and then launching on your own. The U.S. legal market isn't exactly red hot right now.

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

]]> By: Ryan Roberts http://startuplawyer.com/startup-lawyer/how-i-launched-my-startup-law-firm#comment-2528 Ryan Roberts Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:38:00 +0000 http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/?p=267#comment-2528 @ Emmet - It really depends on your finances. Maybe considering building your finances and then launching on your own. The U.S. legal market isn't exactly red hot right now. @ Sean - The process of figuring things out on your own is invaluable. Of course, having the mentor/partner is nice as well. @ Emmet – It really depends on your finances. Maybe considering building your finances and then launching on your own. The U.S. legal market isn't exactly red hot right now.

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

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