opening own law firm

[Anonymous]

Anyone out there done this or in the process of doing so?

[Anonymous]

I have. What's your background? Did you a big firm, government? New grad? It helps to have a network from prior employer and other lawyers to give you referrals. Keep overhead low. Consider joining small firm as of counsel with eat what you kill arrangement or rent space. Keep overhead low at first. Laptop, cell phone, you can seem more sophisticated on a shoestring if that's a concern. More advice if I knew where you are coming from so to speak.

[Anonymous]

I would add it was the best decision I ever made. But of course it's up to each individual. Not for everyone. There are scary times in terms if you get light on work. But it seems like things just keep coming in. Depends on your practice areas as well. I think basic consumer/ individual law such wills is hardest to make the fees that can keep the lights on.

[Anonymous]

Best decision I ever made. I have never for one moment regretted it.

[Anonymous]

Not the OP. My husband is a local prosecutor. His pay is pathetic, but bennies are good. How hard is it to make a living doing criminal defense? Imagine it's easy to keep overhead low in that type of practice, but maybe not?

Any advice?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP. My husband is a local prosecutor. His pay is pathetic, but bennies are good. How hard is it to make a living doing criminal defense? Imagine it's easy to keep overhead low in that type of practice, but maybe not?

Any advice?

Depends on a number of factors. My first reaction is, that isn't a steady client base with repeat business, like other areas of law can be.

Also, speaking as a spouse of a DH who has done this, the other points I'd bring up are, what are your family's expenses, and what are YOUR salary and benefits? At the time we did this, I had good benefits and a salary that covered our expenses and savings - nothing extravagant though.

There is definitely risk in doing this and it isn't for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP. My husband is a local prosecutor. His pay is pathetic, but bennies are good. How hard is it to make a living doing criminal defense? Imagine it's easy to keep overhead low in that type of practice, but maybe not?

Any advice?

He should talk to some cja panel counsel. Many do it as a full time job with a home office and cell phone. Always I court. Can make pretty decent money. Not the highest, but decent.

[Anonymous]

Talk to Dan Mills, DC Bar Practice Management Advisory Service.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the PPs about the CJA panel and talking to Dan Mills. He teaches a class that I found really helpful in getting myself started. Also about the CJA panel - it takes some time to get established, but you can earn a decent living. Best decision I ever made.