Letting go of the status quo leads to small law firm success

In a competitive legal market, independent lawyers need to think strategically achieve small law firm success. The first step often involves letting go of traditional law firm models learned in big law.

Next, several key ingredients have helped lawyers build successful independent law practices:

  • Find your niche. Small firms can’t be all things to all people. By specializing in a particular area of law, you can develop a deep understanding of the legal issues and become a go-to resource for clients in that niche.

  • Embrace technology. Legal practice management software can streamline your operations, improve efficiency and allow you to focus on what you do best: practicing law.

  • Prioritize client service. In a small firm, client relationships are everything. Make sure your clients feel valued and heard. Respond to communications promptly, keep them informed about the progress of their cases and be transparent about fees.

  • Build a strong team. Even a small firm needs a good support system. Whether you hire additional attorneys and support staff, outsource key functions or choose to create a strong network of collaborative partners, you will need other people to support your business growth.

  • Raise your visibility. Get involved in your community, network with other professionals and develop a strong online presence.

Here are some stories from lawyers who have successfully built small law firms:

On the importance of collaboration:

“In law school, they teach you how to practice law, but they don’t really teach you how to run a business. Being around so many other small and solo lawyers who have run a business, some of them for a really long time, it was really great to be able to ask them for advice.”—Kevin Cheney, LawBank member

On practicing values:

“Unexpectedly, I ended up working in corporate law for several years, and I felt like I was sacrificing my morals. I made a lot of money, but part of me felt empty for a long time before finally being able to do something that truly fulfills me now.“—Priscilla Hamilton, as told to Business Insider

On changing the law firm model for lawyers and clients:

“Looking at things from a “business of law” perspective, I want to accomplish three things with Blue Maven Law: (1) establish marketing clarity, (2) allow business lawyers to thrive in their area of expertise, and (3) effectively train lawyers. I also want to put the firm’s economics, including how clients are charged, on a more rational basis…”—Brian Rogers, an attorney who started his own firm 10 years ago

On finding better balance and success:

“I have the flexibility to be a mom and attend school functions during the day while being a role model for my children.  I remember growing up thinking I couldn’t be a good mom and work full time.  Well, I now proved myself wrong.  I can be an awesome mom, a full-time lawyer, AND run my own law firm.”—Frances Shefter, as told to MyShingle

These reflections from small law firm owners show that leaving big law and starting an independent law practice can lead to greater satisfaction, better work-life balance and a chance to practice law your way. Many independent lawyers who office with us talk about success on their own terms. So, yes, while there may be best practices to follow (pun intended), sometimes bigger things come with doing things a new way.

As you build your own successful small law firm, reach out to us to learn how a collaborative community of fellow entrepreneurial lawyers can help you. We offer coworking space and shared office space to lawyers in Denver and Las Vegas.