Reply to Starting My Own Law Practice . . . What Made You Finally Do It?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have been a prosecutor for about 10 years now and want to open my own criminal defense firm.  I have applied to the CJA panel and am waiting for a decision on my application. However, as much as I want to do this, I am still scared. For those who went out on their own, what finally pushed you to make that move????[/quote]

If you're a prosecutor my guess is you are not going to have any clients, or any leads when you leave?  Be prepared for 3 "fun" years of hard work - but it will be exhilarating.   If you're still around after 3 years, you may start to see fruits from your labor.  But it's tough.  IMO have an "office sharing" arrangement, and one where you might simply have 1) conference capability and 2) library sharing space and 3) IF NECESSARY a physical office.

The industry in DC is shrinking and b/c your new - PAYING clients may be few and far between.

I found Jay Foonberg's book helpful:  "How To Start and Build a Law Practice" is still relevant.   In short:  1/2 of your time will be "technical work" (criminal defense cases); another 1/2 will be administrative (billing, collecting, paying your bills, HR issues (if you hire people)); and the 3rd 1/2 will be "new business generation".  I'd laugh - but I'm serious.  It will be difficult if you're single.  It will be really difficult if you're married.

BUT - it is infinitely doable.  It can be very rewarding professionally, as well as financially (assuming you get a great case or big client....BUT DON'T COUNT ON THAT).

If you are doing it for the money - do something different.  There are plenty of ways to make money, and do it much easier.   The greatest gift you have as a lawyer is that you have tremendous "perspective".  By the same token, if you only looked at law school as a "trade school" you may have missed a lot of what was being taught.  :)

Good luck![/quote]

This is good advice but if you are on the CJA panel, isn't there enough work to exclusively just do CJA cases, meaning you don't really have to hustle up cases because you are appointed to cases?[/quote]

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