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One very lucrative and rewarding career path is to practice law. As a lawyer and business owner, you have the ability to decide what type of services you want to offer and best practices for running your firm.
There’s a lot to think about and get done when you’re initially starting out. You want to make sure you focus your efforts on the right areas and not spread yourself too thin, so you can avoid getting distracted. Here you can learn more about what should be top of mind when starting a law firm so you can thrive long-term.
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Office Location
You may have been busy studying and getting your degrees and certifications. However, now is a good time to start thinking about where you will set up shop and establish your law firm. It may be a good idea to move to a busy city where you’re sure to attract clients and grow your firm over time. However, it may be competitive if you’re surrounded by other firms. In this case, it might be wise to secure an office location in a rural area. It’s important to know who your clientele is and where you may be able to win over the most business. It will also depend on your budget and what you can afford.
Getting Organized & Workflow
There are a lot of files, information, and data to sift through and keep track of on any given day as a lawyer. No longer will you be able to get by doing everything manually and by hand. Instead, use technology to your advantage to work smarter and improve your workflow. Take the time to look into using trusted eDiscovery vendors that specialize in AI solutions and automation for those in the legal field. This way, you can dissect the data faster and better achieve your objectives.
Hiring Staff
You’re only one person with so much time and energy to give. It’s important to hire talented and skilled staff who can help you reach your goals and grow your business. Have a recruiting strategy in place to know what type of individuals you want on your side. Consider the type of roles you need to fill, such as a paralegal and other practicing lawyers. Be sure to offer competitive pay and benefits, and take good care of them so they remain working for you over the years.
Attracting Clients & Client Service
You should also start thinking about attracting clients and client service when starting a law firm. Decide what types of services you are going to offer and who is most likely to want to work with and hire you. Now is a good time to begin networking in the area and letting people know about your firm and what you represent. Make sure you have a strong online presence by launching an informative and user-friendly website and engaging with potential leads and clients on social media. You may also want to start a company blog where you share valuable insights and advice to draw people in. Make sure that offering exceptional client service is at the top of your to-do list so you can work to boost your firm’s reputation.