5 Simple Ways To Reduce Stress While You Grow Your Law Firm

When I decided to hang a shingle last year I was terrified, confused and stressed to the max. There was so much information out there about case management software, billing software, marketing, logo design, malpractice insurance — that I simply did not know where to begin. It was the first day of law school all over again. #sensoryoverload.

It wasn’t until May of 2021, that I realized all that extra stuff could wait. I didn’t need the fancy accounting software to get started. I didn’t need to accept all forms of payment. AND I certainly didn’t need to pay $7,000 for a professional website. Startups don’t go from a garage office to a fortune 500 over night. Growth and development take time. I’ve compiled a list of 5 things I’ve learned to help guide you from day 1 to day 161.

1) Keep Overhead Low

The first (and most important) thing I learned was that a profit can be made almost instantly, as long as you keep overhead low. The biggest expenses I incurred off the bat, were the following:

• Malpractice Insurance;
• Office Space;
• Utilities;
• Case Management Software; and
• Office Supplies.

For many people, a virtual office can be a great way to reduce recurring expenses while maintaining the look of a formal office. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option for me. The fact that internet where is live is spotty at best, meant that a virtual office was a no go. Because I was trying to keep overhead low, I had to get creative when looking for space. I called the local businesses to see if I could rent an office and when that didn’t work, I called the City. It was there that I found the old police building that had been empty for the last decade. I negotiated and ended up securing the building for under $300 per month; the only caveat was that I had to update it. Luckily, my fiancé is a very handy fella and my mother is a great painter!

As for utilities, I bummed off of the fire house for a couple of months before I set up my own service. (Again, small town. Everyone was super helpful and supportive in getting my practice up and running!) I kept the heat low during the winter and only turned it up when I new a client was coming in; and ran a window fan during the summer. When it was especially warm, I scheduled client meetings in the evening or early morning. This allowed me to keep the Avista bill low.

Malpractice Insurance is a necessity (even if it isn’t required in your jurisdiction). *In Washington State, it is optional. However …

Do. Not. Skimp. On. Malpractice. Insurance.

It’s not worth the headache and added stress to constantly be worried about a malpractice suit. Just pick an affordable policy and bite the bullet. I chose Alps because they have a new lawyer program, a great reputation and were willing to work with me on the cost.

Case Management Software and Office Supplies go hand in hand. I chose to splurge on Clio Manage because it gave me the most bang for my buck. I was able to manage files, billing, e-signing etc, all through one platform. While Clio can be expensive, I would highly recommend splurging for this software. When it comes to other office supplies, don’t get carried away thinking you need the best of the best, or that you need it right now. Instead, focus on the necessities:

• Printer;
• Paper Shredder;
• Pens;
• Legal Pads;
• Prong Folders;
• White Out;
• Paperclips.

A few of these might seem trivial, but if you are in a paper filing jurisdiction, you can’t submit stapled pleadings or other documents. Paperclips are your friend. Prong folders are great to have because regardless of how eco-friendly you try to run your firm, you will always have paper copies. Click the links above to see exactly which products I purchased for my firm.

2) Charge for Consultations

You wouldn’t expect a hair consultation for your wedding to be free; so why would you give an hour of your time up, sans paiement? Your time is valuable. Set a rate and be upfront about it. I explain to potential clients that a 1-hour consultation is a great way to get a base understanding of their options, without having to immediately commit to a high retainer. This usually leads to clients being more comfortable and forthcoming which helps narrow down the issues. I use consultations as a way to gauge if the client is a good fit and if they have the financial capacity to afford my services. Personality and temperament are huge. The last thing I want is a problem client — or a client who can’t pay.

I’ve found that the only people who scoff at my consultation fee, are the ones who never intended to hire me in the first place. I just remind myself that my time is valuable and I don’t work for free.

3) Network Like You Mean It

Networking has been a godsend for my practice. Word-of-mouth is how I marketed for the first 4 months. It’s also how I landed a second-chair position on a murder trial. When I opened my firm, I held a small “open house” that allowed everyone from town to come in, say hi and get a feel for what I was doing. I kept it casual and inviting. Not 3 day’s later, I signed my first client.

Get in the habit of introducing yourself as a business. It sounds weird and uncomfortable, but it helps people associate you with your firm. It also opens the door to conversation. For example, whenever I met someone new in town, I would introduce myself like this:

“Hi, I’m Kara. I just opened the new law firm in town.”

This was effective because it allowed me to talk about my firm in a casual way AND people associated my face and name to the new firm in town.

I also joined some legal groups and attended networking happy hours to meet other lawyers in the area. Through those relationships, I received referrals, advice and mentorship. Networking is huge. Show face, make some friends and watch those numbers grow.

4) Make a Website

It’s absolutely not necessary to spend thousands of dollars on a “professional” site. Simply download WordPress, pick a layout and get your information out there. I recommend WordPress because the customer service is 10/10. When I was stumped getting a page to look right, I’d reach out to customer service through the “chat” application. Within minutes, my page would be fixed. Not to mention that they will send videos to show you how to fix the problem in the future.

5) Set Clear and Attainable Goals

Setting clear and attainable goals is a huge part of success. Be realistic about the money you think you can make in the first 6 months. Setting too lofty of a goal can work against you by making you feel like a failure. Instead, set reasonable milestones and adjust the plan every six months.

Growth will happen as long as you keep overhead low, set realistic goals and work on getting your name out there.