How to manage small law firm growing pains and build a sustainable law business

When your law firm moves from solo practitioner to boutique or mid-sized, keep an eye out for these small law firm growing pains.

After launch

For many independent lawyers, the launch phase represents the biggest hurdle. Deciding to start a business is huge and requires a lot of strategy and investment of resources up front.

Then what? Then you’re working at your kitchen table and trying to focus while dirty dishes beckon or the UPS guy rings the doorbell. Working from home has its perks for sure, but it can limit your ability to focus on sustainable growth for your firm. It also limits how often you get to interact with other professionals who could become referral sources or business mentors.

For many independent law firms, finding a professional office becomes high priority after the first several months in business. Coworking and shared offices provide a great, affordable alternative to a traditional lease.

Adding staff and expanding capacity

Ok, so you have found your perfect coworking space and hybrid schedule. You have connected with other business owners, independent lawyers and professionals. Suddenly, more clients know you and want to work with you.

Fantastic!

Until you have more work than you can possibly complete in a 40-hour workweek and burnout starts to creep in. You know you need to find help, but where? Consider these options:

  • Traditional job boards or bar association hiring events
  • Hiring contract lawyers or administrative professionals
  • Outsourcing some business functions like marketing or accounting
  • Using technology to streamline business processes like client communication or discovery

Hiring staff makes sense for many small firms, but it’s not the only option for building more capacity.

Going after bigger cases

Now business is humming and your firm runs efficiently. It’s time to tackle some bigger cases, but that can feel like a huge leap for a single-attorney firm.

Here’s where your network comes in. You don’t have to hire attorneys or add partners. You can reach out to other lawyers you know and collaborate on big cases together.

Heidi K. Gardner, Harvard Law School distinguished fellow and author of “Smart Collaboration” notes:

“Clients demand that their external counsel not only to help solve strictly legal problems, but also add value by delivering holistic and contextualized solutions to the wider business problems. Ideally, outside lawyers will anticipate clients’ potential problems, and use their perspectives from across client matters to proactively surface issues and lead the client toward solutions. This type of superior client requires teams of lawyers to integrate their expertise across disciplines and geographic divides.” 

Expanding and growing your law firm often looks like reaching out to complementary firms and working together.

Maintaining lawyer work-life balance

Many entrepreneurs – not just lawyers – fall victim to the “do more” trap as they try to grow their businesses. It happens to most of us at one point or another. When this temptation pops up for you, ask yourself:

  • Why did I launch an independent law firm in the first place?
  • What are my core values, and will this business growth support them?
  • Outside of my work, what is important in my life?
  • Am I chasing more work because it’s right for my firm or because I am operating from a scarcity mindset?
  • Have I created a strategic plan that supports smart, sustainable law firm growth AND allows time and space for personal growth?

It’s far too easy to say yes to every client and every opportunity, especially in the early and mid stages of growth. However, remember that you get to run the business and not let the business run you. Make smart decisions that support both professional growth and personal priorities.

Remember to celebrate your wins

Finally, in the midst of rapid growth, many of us forget to slow down and enjoy our success. If you feel compelled to race through your to-do list each day or week, or if you immediately jump from goal to goal without a break, that’s a sign to take a break.

Entrepreneur magazine reminds business owners that:

“Celebrating creates happiness and gratitude, which are high-vibe emotions that driven achievers need in order to keep their momentum going. You must celebrate yourself to generate positive energy for yourself so you can break through your own limiting beliefs (we all have them) and continue to succeed.”

So, take a beat. Pat yourself on the back, take a vacation, go out with friends and toast your achievements. You’ve earned it, and business growth should include some fun and relaxation along with the growing pains.

Looking for a community of professionals who can help you celebrate your law firm milestones and offer support? Look no further than our LawBank shared office settings in Denver and Las Vegas. Reach out to learn more or schedule a tour.