Starting A Practice

Starting a practice can be very overwhelming for a new lawyer or even an experienced lawyer planning to practice solo.

Where do you begin? What steps do you need to take? What factors have you not considered? What do you need to open your own office? Find out answers to these questions and more via the Opening a New Law Practice Checklist and Resources below.

Getting Started Checklists

Looking for an easy way to help you start your practice? Review these checklists!

Business Plan and Budget

Money. We hate talking about it, but without it, opening a new law practice is just a dream. Click here to learn more about how to start your business plan and create a budget that works for your practice.

Choice of Entity and Firm Name

How do you choose an entity or firm name? Start with these tips...

Finding the Right Office

Do you want to work from home, in a large city, or in a quaint country setting? Discover some important questions to ask yourself as you set out to find the right office!

Office Sharing

So, you're thinking about sharing an office with a friend or fellow acquaintance? What do you need to know and what do you need to avoid? Find the answers here...

Licenses and Notifications

What do you need to make sure you have to open your practice? Check out these important notifications and reminders here...

Insurance

Discover tips on health insurance, insurance to have on hand for your practice, plus other important tips you should know!

Business Development

What are the most effective marketing strategies? How can you attract new clients? Discover these answers and more here...

Trust Accounting & More

Looking for a guide to trust accounting? Discover the latest guide plus other important resources about this topic.

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness - PREPARE

Whether it is a major disaster like a hurricane or a more minor emergency such as a burst pipe or crashed computer, every law firm should create a plan and take steps to prepare for accidents or disasters that can seriously interrupt the firm's business.

Office Systems

What systems do you need in place to open your law practice? Discover checklists, tips, plus more!

Supplies

What supplies might you need in your new law office? Check out this list of suggestions...

Technology Resources

What technology should be considered for a new practice? Discover many, many resources to browse in the PMAP Technology Center.

Office Organization and Time Management Resources

How should you manage your time and stay organized? Discover some of the most current resources available here.

Recordkeeping and File Retention

How long should you plan to keep your client files? Discover important recordkeeping and file retention resources here...

Lawyers in Transition

Discover resources to help you transition in a variety of situations.

Succession Planning

Discover the latest resources to help you create a succession plan.

Resource Guides & Articles

25 Tips for the New Lawyer

ABA Legal Technology Resource Center
Helping Lawyers Solve the Technology Puzzle

Student to Lawyer: 20 Tips for a Successful Transition
LAWPRO Magazine

Join or Sign Up

South Carolina Bar Solo and Small Firm Section

Women Rainmakers of the ABA Law Practice Management Section

ABA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Section

ABA Law Practice Management Section

Publications

South Carolina Bar Lending Library

South Carolina Bar CLE Publications Store

ABA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Section Bookstore

ABA Law Practice Management Section Books