The National Creditors Bar Association Law Practice Management Blog

Lawyers start their own law firms for any number of reasons.  There isn’t a wrong one.   Despite that, most lawyers starting law firms tend to make the same mistakes.   So, if it’s time for you to start your own law firm, good for you.  And, these are three things you should figure out now, so you don’t get caught short resolving them later.   Create a Niche.    It’s really hard to market a law firm if you’re trying to sell ‘general practice’ legal services.  You can’t sell everything.  So focus down, create a niche, and build on it.  In a hypercompetitive environment, like small law, you need every  single  edge you can  get ; and, the most obvious differentiation point for a law firm is to drill down to specific practice areas.  This process also has the added benefit of opening you up to referrals from law firms focused on complementary practice areas.   Decide What to Cha...

Yes, it’s hard to believe; but, it’s 2019, everyone.  DO NOT PANIC.   This is a good thing.  What’s good is that the turning of the calendar is just another opportunity to improve your business management.  Now, what business owner among us would NOT want that opportunity.   So, let me tell you what you need to do in 2019, that you haven’t done yet:   This is the year you turn your law firm into a high performance machine.  You’re currently driving a Chevrolet Chevette; by the end of next year, I want you to be rolling up in a Ford Mustang.  And, Ford is the optimal analogy here; your job one this next year, is to build the law firm version of Ford’s assembly line.  Build systems, save time, do more work, make more money.  Rinse, repeat.   Don’t view the notion of a high-performing practice, as many attorneys do, as a bad thing.  Embrace operational efficiency, and it will pay dividends.  Now, I know that your inclination as a lawy...