Advice and tips on starting a law firm for solo and small firm attorneys hanging a shingle.
It’s the small things that make all of the difference.
When I started my own firm, one of the things I was very bad at was keeping track of my mileage. Come tax time, my accountant would ask for my mileage log. I would then look back at my calendar, open google maps, and calculate mileage based on what was in my calendar. Things like trips to get supplies or to the bank never made my spreadsheet.
As of March 30, 2016, the current IRS mileage rate is $.54. That adds up quickly.
Law is a stressful profession. Lawyers take on the most severe problems of their clients. The two photos in this post show the strain of practice. They are screen shots from my fitbit. The first picture shows my heart rate at 142 beats per minute when I began my oral argument before the appellate court. I was standing still. A heart rate of 142 beats per minute is one that I acheive while running.
Going solo?
You have a personal juris number. It’s perfectly fine. I mean, it works. You can file appearances, sign pleadings, and appear in court. It does all of the things you need it to do. 
One of the rules of building your own practice is to build for success. If something is worth doing it is worth doing right – from day 1.
Here are 3 reasons you need a law firm juris number:
Alright, you’ve hung your shingle, you’ve got bank accounts, and you’ve bought the right pens.
And a client calls. A client who has a problem. A client who is looking to hire you to fix that problem. What are you going to charge?
This post is about quoting your fee. Here’s what you’re going to do:
Here are 10 rapid fire answers about opening your own law practice:
1. What websites should I read? 
In no particular order: Lawyerist, Solo Practice University, Above the Law’s Small Firm Page.
2. Do I need an iPad?
No.
3. What kind of scanner should I buy?
4. Where should I locate my office?
Near your clients or the clients you want.
5. When should I hire someone?
When doing so makes you money.
6. What should I ask my accountant?
Read more10 Rapid Fire Answers About Opening Your Own Law Practice
This is a post only my Mom will care about. And maybe that’s stretching it. First, I’m trying to reduce my caseload temporarily. I’m referring more things out. I’m very busy with what’s on my plate in terms of cases. More importantly, I’m working diligently to further improve systems and processes in the firm. I’m … Read more
Deciding to hang your shingle is tought. Here are 10 questions to ask yourself before going solo: 1. Am I better off working for someone else? Some very good lawyers benefit from the corporate structure of a firm and would be lost without it for a variety of reasons including support, money, and things being done for you
Deciding where to locate your law office is a major decision. One that needs to be given a lot of thought. When you are opening a new firm or solo practice it is one of the major decisions you will make. 
Here are 3 Key Things To Consider In Deciding Where To Locate A Law Office:
Read more3 Key Things To Consider In Deciding Where To Locate A Law Office
Starting your law firm with quickbooks online? Good. You should start your law firm with Quickbooks. Quickbooks done right.
You are asking for trouble if your books are a mess. You are risking your law license, needlessly endangering your clients, and paying the wrong amount in taxes. 
You must start your books off right. Don’t put this off. Don’t think that one day you’ll organize everything. That day will never come. Don’t assume that just because you are just starting and your transactions are few and far between that you can afford putting this task off. You can’t. Click below to learn some valuable tips:
Are you thinking of renting a law office?
Deciding to go out on your own is 
a big decision. Once you’ve made the choice to start a firm – deciding on an office is probably your second big decision.
This post doesn’t deal with finding an office. It deals with 4 things you need to know about renting your first law office. These terms may very well differ from residential terms that you are used to.
Click below for 4 things you must know:
Read more4 Things You Need To Know About Renting A Law Office