Build a healthy small law firm culture for yourself and staff

Long hours and no life outside of work no longer have to become reality for career lawyers. When you set out to build an independent practice, you can set the stage for creating a healthier small law firm culture.

Culture matters, even for solo practitioners

We have heard the story so many times: You left Big Law to regain some control over your decision-making and to reclaim your personal time. What started with the best intentions quickly devolved into a sense of building pressure to log more hours and bring in more clients, so all sense of balance went out the window. Sound familiar?

Whether you started your firm this year or have been in business for years, you have the power to change your firm’s culture right now. Yes, even if it’s just you.

As this Forbes writer reminds us, flexibility and a new definition of success rank among the big benefits that comes with independent business ownership:

“It’s no longer about building the biggest company or employing the most people. Instead, solopreneurs define success on their own terms—whether that’s working four days a week, spending more time with family or building a business around a personal passion.”

So, start defining “success” for yourself. When you begin that process, you have the foundation for a healthier firm culture.

Setting sustainable routines

Next, consider how your daily routines can inform your small law firm culture. Successful routines will vary from person to person, so customize one that fits your own style and work flow.

Ask yourself:

  • When do I focus best?
  • What conditions spark creativity and innovation in me (and my team)?
  • How do clients need to hear from me? In what setting? When and how often?
  • Do I have the right technology and tools in place to streamline my routines?
  • Does my current schedule allow for personal interests and the people in my life?
  • Has my routine become monotonous and dull, or do I feel inspired?

Some of these questions might take some deeper thought. That process will help you uncover where your routine supports your energy and motivation and where it makes you feel more drained. Those draining moments will give you the information you need to make sustainable changes toward a better firm culture.

Healthy growth for you and your people

Culture goes well beyond hours and schedules. You also want to have goals that inspire you (and your team) and create momentum for future growth.

Here are a few small law firm goals to consider as you begin planning:

  • Improve client satisfaction
  • Reduce operating costs and processes
  • Streamline filing and court processes
  • Commit to a four-day work week and make a plan to achieve it
  • Develop as a community leader (and offer development opportunities for your people)
  • Increase your firm’s reputation in the community
  • Expand your team’s involvement in community and charity events
  • Bring innovation into your practice area and become a thought leader

What would you add to this list? What defines “healthy growth” for you?

Create a supportive community

Finally, creating culture as an independent lawyer or small law firm can feel daunting if you don’t have a strong support network backing your efforts.

Seek out new relationships that will help you grow both as a business owner and as a person. For your professional growth, connect with likeminded people in places like business associations and conferences, or consider choosing office space in a coworking community.

Regardless of your stage in business, you can begin today to create a healthy and sustainable culture for your small law firm.

LawBank allows lawyers to work differently. Reach out to learn more about our two collaborative communities for lawyers in Denver that include coworking and office options to fit your small law firm needs.