Building your own law firm can be a tedious job. However, it should not overwhelm you. You can do it by organizing your expenditures and work around your budget and timeline. There is a simple and basic checklist you should follow when setting up your own law firm startup. But remember that it should depend on your business needs.
Below is the checklist you should follow for How to Start Your Own Law Firm:
select your legal practice
The first thing you need to do is define the law practice you want to develop and in what city you would want to put up the law firm. Business plan plays a vital role in setting up a law firm and it includes identifying your target clients, the services you will provide and in what location you would like to provide them. Define carefully the practice area and target market at the beginning, and enhance it in the long run. Common practice area these days are criminal law, family law, and anything related to business.
Form the business entity
After identifying the legal practice you want to do, you may now form your own entity for purposes of conducting business as a law firm. New law firms may opt for Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Professional Corporation, or Limited Liability Corporation.
Select a name for the law firm
This is one of the most essential things you need to decide on. Your law firm will be identified and remembered with the name you select. Usually, law firms use the names of the attorneys involved in the business. Another option is to use a name relating to your practice area.
Pick the Office place
Some attorneys opt to work from home at the start of setting up their law firm because of financial constraints. However, it is more viable and professional if you put up an office and meet them there. If owning an office location is not a viable option, you can choose office sharing to decrease the financial impact on the lawyer or firm just starting out.
Set up accounting department
A law firm needs a professional accounting service that will work tax, income and expenses. Accounting needs require hiring CPA to create your initial chart of accounts and set up your business financial architecture. You will also need to retain their services for filing taxes at fiscal year end. Your accountant will help you set up accounting procedures, bank and trust accounting systems/reconciliation procedures, and even in payroll services.
Provide office supplies
These days, desktops are not the only office equipment that will help run the business. Devices such as iPad or smartphones are also needed. Law firms also need to have Purchase a small amount of copier/printer paper, pens, highlighters, paper clips, legal pads, and whatever else you use on a regular basis to have on hand for you and your staff.
Hire professional staff
Law firms do not function with attorneys alone. Secretaries, messenger, HR, and alike are an important part of the organization and will help the business run smoothly.
get insurance
Insurance will also play a vital role in the company. There are several types of insurance that will work in your law firms such as health insurance, general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, and more.
Create a law firm bank account
A bank account for your law firm will be helpful in the financial aspect of the business. Banks offer various options and flexibility for any type of business accounts. The line of credit will also help the firm with the initial start up costs and keep cash liquid as you begin creating your business.
