Take your small law firm to the next level with these growth law practice areas
The legal industry continues to change and evolve, and clients have more options for legal services than ever before. For small law firms, that means focusing on growth law practice areas could help you gain a foothold in a new niche.
As you develop a growth strategy for your small law firm, consider these in-demand practice areas. All have shown recent growth and a need for skilled legal counsel:
Blockchain
As one of the latest trends in business, scores of start-ups have focused on blockchain technology as the next big thing. This uptick in the use of blockchain translates into a growing need for experienced lawyers.
Attorney Julie Q. Brush told Above the Law:
“Blockchain companies have attracted billions of dollars from investors and executives are wasting no time hiring lawyers early on in their company’s life cycle. So opportunities for lawyers are robust. Many companies are seeking to onramp their first lawyer to build and lead the function, which is viewed as mission critical to the business.”
Lawyers with experience in technology, IP or business contracts have the opportunity to expand their practices to include blockchain.
Elder law
As baby boomers age, the need for elder law services continues to expand. Think beyond wills and estate planning. Older adults will also need more legal help related to health care, elder abuse, fraud and civil liberties.
Health care
Medical technology changes, and new health insurance laws, have left more people seeking legal help. This broad and far-reaching practice area offers a number of opportunities, which includes both private and corporate clients.
The American Health Lawyers Association podcast gives a snapshot of recent changes in the field.
Environmental law
From climate change to social responsibility, more environmental law cases have taken center stage in recent history. One environmental writer predicts:
“The year 2019 will see many environmental-centric legal cases brought to the fore by young Americans, environmentalists, leaders of indigenous peoples and many other groups concerned with the livability of planet earth.”
A number of private groups, corporations, government entities and more will be seeking skilled lawyers for these cases this year and beyond.
E-discovery
The Balance Careers predicts and increase in a need for lawyers with e-discovery skills, writing:
“As more data is stored electronically, corporations are challenged with the task of wading through a growing sea of ESI to locate information relevant to a lawsuit. E-discovery attorneys and litigation support professionals help identify, preserve, collect, process, review and produce ESI in litigation. As the costs of e-discovery escalate, corporations are under increasing pressure to comply with new e-discovery rules and judges are less tolerant of discovery abuses.”
As with blockchain, lawyers who can keep pace with advances in technology can create a niche practice offering these 21st century legal skills.
To learn more about growing an independent law practice, contact us. We offer lawyer coworking and private office space at three central Denver locations.
