TIPS FOR STARTING YOUR PRACTICE RIGHT

By Karren Jo Pope-Onwukwe, Esquire

The first thing that I did when I decided to open my own law office was to attend the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) sponsored, “Hanging Out A Shingle” seminar. Prior to opening my door I was instructed to write a business plan that detailed my goals for my practice. The business plan also had to set out strategies for attaining my goals. Finally, the most important part, I had to articulate a mission/purpose for the practice (other than to make money). After talking to many attorneys, I found that business planning is a rather novel approach to starting a law practice. The preferred method is to start a law practice on a wing and a prayer.

Armed with my prayers and angel wings hovering, I worked on my financial plan for my practice. How much money would I need and where would I get this money? What were my operating expenses? Interestingly enough, this exercise forced me to be the most creative. I realized that I needed to identify some alternative income streams. I began working as a contract lawyer for an established practitioner drafting documents. I applied for a job teaching paralegals at a local college, and they hired me! Then I took an unpaid leave of absence from my job, and never went back.

I purchased malpractice insurance before I had any clients, in fact I had to show my insurance binder as proof of coverage in order to work as a contract attorney. I made an appointment with the branch manager of my bank to open my checking, savings, and IRA accounts. I hired a paralegal student to work part-time in my office for credit through the college cooperative education program. She helped me to organize my office and develop office procedures. When she graduated I attended her graduation as a faculty member, it was great - we both wore caps and gowns!

My paralegal helped me create an office that others may use whether I am there or not. Based on the type of practice that I have (Elder Law and Business Planning), I started my practice from a home office. Generally, I meet with clients in my home office by appointment only, most other clients I meet at their home. Additionally, I have one restaurant and one hotel where I meet clients on a regular basis. When necessary, I use a conference room at a law office in my neighborhood.

After talking to and observing lawyers that I admire, I made a conscious decision to become active in local, state, and specialty bar associations. Consequently, I became adept at giving my one minute “infomercial” and business card to everyone that I meet. I volunteered to speak before community groups, lawyers, students, and the elderly. I developed the discipline to take notes, return calls, bill clients, ask for payment, and take vacations.

I learned to write press releases; I created a firm brochure and had the brochures printed at a nominal cost. I developed a thank you letter to mail out upon receipt of a first-time referral. I continue to do all of these things because it makes good business sense – and, I am trying to run a business that practices law.

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