Growing a Practice Archives

Run Your Law Firm Like a Business [VIDEO]

Run Your Law Firm Like a Business [VIDEO]Share this VideoAre you a solo, small, and growing law firm? If you feel stuck, you need to evolve from merely practicing law to actually managing your law firm. In order to achieve long-term success, it’s necessary to transition from working in your business to working on your business. Brian Hall (Managing Partner at Traverse Legal in Austin, TX) joins us in this Law Practice Management segment to speak about how his firm grew from a single office in Michigan to a successful, multi-disciplinary firm with over 20 people across several states.

Plan for Office Relocation

How to Plan for Office Relocation×Print PDF version Of This HOW TO GUIDE. Things to Do Prior to the Move: There are eight basic steps to follow in preparing for an office relocation: 12 Months Prior to the Move Assign project manager, coordinator and dedicated word processor. Determine how much space will be needed now and in the future. Project personnel growth, and possible future equipment changes. Locate space. Estimate costs. Negotiate for space. Secure complete accurate copy of all permanent partitions etc., if new building, hire architect to prepare layout. Adopt a maximum reasonable budget for the moving project. 11 Months Prior to the Move Begin a search for sub tenants if needed. Analyze individual office size requirements, clerical space needs, and special room requirements i.e. lunch, conference, library, etc., and project growth. Determine the style which the offices should project. Review all current office systems for handling; a) files b) wp c) acctg d) timekeeping and billing e) telephone – to determine future changes required and consider in new plans. Finalize a program for development of final layout. Begin inventory to determine usable furniture etc. 9 Months Prior to the Move Develop schematic layout drawings for the space. …

Create a Move Plan Checklist

How to Create a Move Plan Checklist×Print PDF version Of This HOW TO GUIDE. How to Create a Move Plan Checklist The information provided and the opinions expressed in this monograph are solely those of the author. Neither the State Bar of Texas nor the author are rendering legal, accounting or professional advice and assume no liability in connection with the suggestions, opinions, or products mentioned. Introduction Following is a sample of a checklist to be used while preparing to move the office. This or any similar list will help assure that all the necessary details of relocating an office will be taken care of. Pre-Move Checklist Select personnel to oversee removal from existing offices. Select personnel to oversee receipt of all moved items at the new quarters and set up a “headquarters station”. Check on the delivery of new furniture to the new quarters. Schedule delivery to the old office of cartons and other containers provided by the moving company. Tag all furniture and equipment and use the furniture plan code for location delivery to new office. Assign packing tasks, schedule packing and distribute instructions to those responsible. The moving consultant can furnish copies of the “Moving Guidelines” . …

Client Surveys

Client Surveys×Print PDF version Of This HOW TO GUIDE. By Matthew E. EilersDo you know what clients think of your firm? Are you so preoccupied with your ever-present next hearing or meeting that you fail to take the time and find out? Or maybe you would rather not know as long as the clients pay their bills and keep the money wheel turning. Knowing how your clients perceive your law practice is essential information that can enhance the quality of your legal service and limit your firm’s exposure to malpractice liability. Reasons for Conducting Client Surveys Conducting regular client surveys is an effective way of obtaining this valuable legal intelligence. Learning your clients’ opinions regarding the performance of your firm serves several objectives: Getting out of your bubble. If you are too consumed by the minutiae of work, your perception of the quality of your services may be vastly different from the client’s. A client survey lets you see the view from another angle. Understanding client needs and concerns. Likewise, a client may identify specific issues or worries in a survey that she cannot communicate openly. Some clients may prefer to offer criticism indirectly in the context of a questionnaire, …

Implement Law Office Marketing Strategies

How to Implement Law Office Marketing Strategies×Print PDF version Of This HOW TO GUIDE. Law office marketing plan The purpose of a law office marketing plan is to help identify and cultivate your client base by implementing strategies to rouse interest in your services. This checklist is designed with the intent to assist attorneys in the objective of implementing and recording the progress of marketing their practice. All of the strategies should be evaluated with the goal of getting word out about you and your service to current and potential clients. To what extent any of the following can help you achieve your marketing efforts will vary according to practice area and individual application of strategies listed. Start by reviewing your current marketing plan and adjust your overall business plan accordingly. Make certain your marketing efforts do not conflict with current advertising rules or rules of Professional Conduct. Strategies Complete the following sentences then highlight the strategies below that meet your goals. As you accomplish each goal every month, write down the date in the column to the right. Periodically review and adjust your goals to meet changes in your practice. To date my marketing plan involves… My goals from …

Evaluate Your Office Leasing Needs

How to Evaluate Your Office Leasing Needs×Print PDF version Of This HOW TO GUIDE. Introduction Leasing smart is an intregal part of your practice being on the Road to Success! Office space is often the second largest operating expense of most law firms today. If that is your case, perhaps it is time to renegotiate or find lease space more in line with the needs of your firm. Plan for the future. Make sure your lease takes into consideration your firm’s future needs. While taking our suggestions into consideration, please keep in mind that leasing requirements for each firm will vary. Helpful Lease Terms Following are definitions of some commonly used lease terms. These definitions are meant to give you some foundation for evaluating a lease. Actual Rent is comprised of net rent plus operating expenses, and real estate taxes assessed on the building. Net Rent is the actual amount paid for the space. Operating Expense is the cost of operating the building. Be sure and set the operating expense high enough to prevent substantial increases in future years of the lease. Real Estate Taxes should be based on a fully occupied building and representative of other comparable buildings in the locality. Net Cost is the same as …

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