To Build Or Establish A Law Practice, Just Begin

As for myself, I have in the past been amazingly accomplished in exploring and developing law practices, and I have been equally dilatory to the point of not getting anything done - ever - in the same regard.

It is a shame really, and you need to strive not to let the latter happen to you.  But, I have learned a few things in the process.

The main problem with establishing a law practice or even a new niche is trying to figure out at the outset how to proceed, and all that needs to be done.  A business plan if you will or a road map that will tell you at the outset where to start, where to travel and where the journey will end up.  That is a problem because you generally do not know the answer to these questions, and all of the thoughts, ideas, concepts and questions that develop swirl around in your head to the extend you just become dizzy.  You start thinking that you just are not talented enough, or you cannot figure it out, or the task or uncertainty is just to monumental to do it.

The truth of the matter is that nothing operates in a vacuum, as is often said, and the same is true in developing a practice or niche.  Should I incorporate?  Do I need an office?  I do not really know what to do in this practice area or niche to which I am attracted. How do I know I will like it?  Where to I find clients?  I will look totally foolish if I speak to anybody about either my plans or in trying to get them to retain me.  Office furniture?  What books or software do I need?  What about forms?  How do I handle myself in an initial interview?  What if I am asked a question I do not know?  Is it best to go it alone or associate with someone else?  If so, who can I associate with?  What about a mentor?  Where do I find a mentor?

The truth of the matter is that is can, at first glance, seem all too involved and insurmountable.  I understand that feeling.

There are just a couple of things I can share about this experience.  First, nothing in law seems as hard as it appears at the outset.  I do not care what anybody tells you.  It seems insurmountable because in the beginning you do not even know what you do not know.  But, every practice area has a set of rules, or a matrix if you will, that few talk about (possibly because existing practitioners have just internalized it and have not written it out themselves).  You are just going to get to figure this stuff out as you go along, and you have to come to accept this fact.

One of the beauties of the Internet and Google, if you ask me, is that you can begin to discover this matrix for yourself just by visiting any and every website and blog on the subject.  Especially those of other lawyers.  Oh, it is not necessarily there on any given site, but as you focus and think through these sites the pattern starts to emerge.  Maybe it is not perfect, but it is a start.  It is a good start.

The websites and blogs are probably even better than course material because course material is generally so comprehensive that you get lost in the trees.  With the matrix in mind, the course material will later make sense, but not so much now.

Whether by faith or fortuitousness, we all that which we think we might be interested in doing.  It might be because of background or empathy or you just enjoy the thought process involved, or it is just quirky enough to excite you.  It really does not matter.  The point is that whether you are born with the desire or your have to hype yourself into the mood, you reach the point where you just have to explore this area or niche.

And, that is really how most practice areas or niches start out for attorneys.  It is more of a journey and adventure than it is business decision or resolute approach.  You just head out with the faith that somehow, some way, all will work out and you will be okay.

Because it is a journey and it appears from the beginning to be overwhelming, the best I can offer you is simply this.  Just begin doing something toward building your law practice or niche today.  It does not matter what it is.  Maybe today it need only be an affirmation that tomorrow you will start the process or an exclamation to family and friends that this is where you want to go.  But, the point is that this and this alone is the start of the journey.  It is intended to be and its should be empowering to you.

Then, like building blocks, just do something every day toward the goal.  Forget about the order.  Tear up the road map.  What should you do?  It does not matter as long at it tries to advance you in some way in regard to the niche or practice you wish to create.  Maybe the days chore is simply to call or email people with a question, read a blog on the subject, order some layman-type book on the subject from Amazon.  Maybe it is thinking through how not to do something, such as how not to hire staff, or rent office space, or buy a new computer.  That is okay as well.  It is the small events that matter, and it is the small and continuous events that result in big changes and advances for you.  The point is, even if it is somewhat blind in its application, these small, sometimes incoherent tasks represent movement.

The truth of the matter is that you can only see so far.  That is the reason at the start the journey looks so terribly impossible.  But, when you get to where you initially look, you can always see further.  When you take those small steps, it advances you further along so you can see further.  And, as you advance further those matters causing you confusion will be made clear, answers will be found, resources will be discovered, solutions will become apparent as in an epiphany, and things will ever so slowly fall in place.

So, just start doing something today, and you will be on your way to a new niche or practice area.

The best to you in this regard.

Comments

[Dallas Lain]

I agree Chuck. Last week I started posting to my blog and telling people I'm doing some estate planning part time. This week I got three opportunities for work. None were estate planning, but all were nice opportunities. I'm excited to see what happens next.

Dallas

[Corinne A. Tampas]

Yo, you talkin' to me? ..... I agree! In sum, besides your "Jiffy Lube" theory of niche practices, you've articulated the "Nike Principle", "Just do it."

It's time! Thanks!

Corinne

[Paul Perez]

The first step is always the hardest!