The American Bar Association reports that there are 1,338,678 lawyers actively practicing law. When they look at a 10-year span, there’s an overall 15.2 percent gain in practicing attorneys.
Maybe you’ve recently joined the legal industry or have been practicing for a while and now want to start your own practice.
Wondering what law firm essentials you’ll need for your new law firm?
Read on for this quick guide on the basic items you’ll need to set up your law practice.
Office Space
The first consideration once you’ve decided to open your new law firm is office space. Rent for an office will likely be a big expense for your new business so you want to plan carefully.
You want to get enough space to meet your current needs. But when choosing a location, consider whether there would be space to grow without a big move.
You will want to have space for an actual office. Consider if you’ll have other employees and what workspace they will need.
You will want a reception area for clients as they enter your office. You’ll probably also want to have some type of closed conference room where you can meet with clients and still afford them privacy.
Office Furniture
Once you have your office space secured, you’ll need to furnish it. You don’t have to go crazy and buy the most expensive stuff. You can probably even find quality second-hand furniture if you’re on a tight budget.
The first consideration will be your workspace. This might be your primary work area starting out. Choose a desk that gives you some room to spread out if you’re working on a case.
You also want to consider storage in your desk. If you choose a desk without drawers, it’s likely the top of your desk becomes more cluttered.
You may need a place for some files, not everything will be digital. You will likely also need some bookshelves for reference materials and supplies.
If you will have an assistant, they will need a desk too.
Then you’ll need assorted office chairs. Some for the desks, some for clients when they meet with you. You will probably want seating in a reception area too.
If you opt for a conference room, you’ll need a conference table and seating.
Office Supplies
No office runs smoothly without the requisite office supplies. You’ll want the usual stapler, tape, notepads, and pens.
You’ll want to spend some time thinking about how you want to organize client files. You can use binders or file folders for client materials. It is also smart and adds more organization to include tabs from TabShop to your client organization system.
Technology
The world runs on technology and you need to be able to communicate with the courts, clients and do research for cases.
You’ll need computers, phone lines, and WiFi. You’ll also need a copy machine.
Start the Best Law Firm in Town With These Law Firm Essentials
Starting your own law firm is exciting and even perhaps daunting when you consider all you will need. Use this law firm essentials guide to help you get started on the road to a successful practice.
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