One of the great things about many attorneys, particularly those that have hung a shingle or tried to start a law firm, is that they can remember what it felt like when they started. And most of the time there was someone that took a little time out of their day to provide some insight and advice for starting your law firm on the right foot.
Although I have done a lot outside of speaking to people, including thinking about my firm philosophy and goals, formulating a business plan, and picking a name for my law firm, I think some of my greatest progress has come from speaking to a few colleagues who are out on their own. Sometimes just hearing their stories can spark a note or reminder to do something you might not have done originally.
But CMS, what if I don't know anyone? What if I have no idea who to call? In that case you have several different options, all of which I have used with a lot of effectiveness. First, go to Martindale Hubble and find all the attorneys practicing in your city that graduated from your law school. Do a little research and if any of them look appealing, give them a call and set up a meeting. School spirit can be a strong motivating factor for many people. Second, go to Google and search for attorneys in your city practicing the type of law you want. Do a little research and call them up and take them out to lunch (this is very important because you need to find out if there is enough of a market in what you want to do).
This second option may sound a little counter-intuitive. Why let the competition know that you are going to be working against them? Well, several reasons. First, they are probably not too worried about you stealing their market share. They are already established in the niche you want to break into and are probably as busy as they want to be. And if there is no room for someone else, they will definitely let you know.
Second, attorneys are always having to turn down work for one reason or another. Maybe they are too busy. Maybe the money isn't right for them (as you gain experience and market share, some cases will not be as appealing as they once were), or maybe there is a conflict. Whatever the reason, you want to make sure they know about you so they can feed you some work.
And finally, each practice area often ends up forming its own little "club" where war stories and trials and tribulations are shared. You want to be a member of the club.
To share a little of my own experience, I did a little of both wrapped up together. Because I'm moving to a different city, far far away, I made sure when I was out there that I contacted the number one guy in my field. I learned he was really good by Googling him and by then searching his name on Westlaw. I think it's obvious that the people that make the law are the successful attorneys.
I took him out to lunch and we talked about how to be successful and make opening a law firm work. Also while I was there I met with an attorney friend of my in-laws. We talked about the legal community in general and what direction I was going in. And when I get out there for good I'll meet up with them again - several times probably.
I also took advantage of the contacts I have at home to get some helpful information. The nature of my work creates a situation where you are working with and against the same attorneys constantly. So I've met and discussed what they did, the negatives and positives, with all of them. It only takes one or two to build a great rapport with to really help your new law firm succeed.
So, when opening a law firm, don't be afraid to get out there and meet people. Ask them difficult questions. Make them a believer in your cause. It can and will pay huge dividends going into the future.
Related Posts:
Starting a Law Firm | Networking for Clients
Starting a Law Firm | Don't Reinvent the Wheel
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