Hanging Your Shingle: Starting and Operating a Solo or Small Firm Practice
Essential guidance on developing a successful law practice
- Product Number: 2180272EBK
- Publication Date: 10/26/2020
- Edition: 2nd Edition 2020
- Copyright: © 2020 MCLE, Inc.
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Product Description
Product Description
Expertise in one's area of practice is only one aspect of success as a solo or small firm lawyer. The second component is the day-to-day operations of a practice, the handling of data and finances, cultivation of clients, management of staff, and the marketing of professional services through various channels. The third essential requirement is to stay current on the law and dealing with the inevitable stress that comes with performing a professional high-wire act. Hanging Your Shingle: Starting and Operating a Solo or Small Firm Practice is a comprehensive, engaging, and practical guide to the many challenges of law practice management. With concrete examples, perspectives from experienced solo and small firm practitioners, and expert ethics commentary, this publication is an indispensable resource for any lawyer contemplating, starting, or seeking to improve a solo or small firm practice.
Recent updates:
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Update: October 2020
Dear Subscriber:
Thank you for updating your reference library with the 2020 edition of Hanging Your Shingle: Starting and Operating a Solo or Small Firm Practice. This updated product brings the latest in practice development within your immediate reach—for fast answers to the questions that arise most frequently in your practice.
Highlights from this year's edition include
- a new discussion of defining the target market for a law practice, including guidance on how to identify the ideal client and how to conduct effective market research;
- a new checklist illustrating the use of SWOT analysis (assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) to evaluate the market position of a law firm;
- a new section on developing subject matter competency, including ethical requirements and the use of resources such as mentors, listservs, and continuing legal education;
- approaches for dealing with the increased use of Zoom communications and electronic signatures;
- updated guidance on financial management and risk analysis for legal practices, with a particular focus on managerial accounting, fraud control measures, and cyberliability;
- a new discussion of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates for law firm websites and guidance on integrating online payment options into law firm websites;
- tips on hiring and supervising law firm employees in remote working environments;
- an update on the increasing prevalence of wire transfer fraud;
- amendments to Chapter 93H regarding protection of personal information, including provisions on reporting and credit monitoring as well as information required for consumer notices; and
- the adoption of Rule 1.15A of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, which sets forth requirements for handling client files.
Thank you for your ongoing support of this product, as we at MCLE continue our efforts to bring you the latest solutions to the issues you face in your practice.
Cordially,
John M. Lawlor, Esq., MCLE Publications Attorney
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Update: October 2020
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
expand allChapter 1 expandKeys to Developing a Practice: Tips from the Field
Buy ChapterChecklist 1.1
- Best and Worst Advice Received by Surveyed Sole Practitioners Buy FormChapter 2 expandInitial Steps
Buy ChapterChecklist 2.1
- Questions to Ask When Performing Market Research Buy FormChecklist 2.2
- Sample SWOT Analysis Buy FormChecklist 2.3
- Information to Obtain About Law Practice Competitors Buy FormChecklist 2.4
- Considerations in Selecting a Law Practice Office Location Buy FormChecklist 2.5
- Tips on Lawyers’ Professional Liability (Malpractice) Insurance Buy FormExhibit 2A
- Sample Business Plan Buy FormExhibit 2B
- Choice of Entity Spreadsheet Buy FormExhibit 2C
- Budgeting Spreadsheet Buy FormChapter 3 expandFees and Billing
Buy ChapterExhibit 3A
- Sample Consultation Agreement Buy FormExhibit 3B
- Sample Flat-Fee Agreement Buy FormExhibit 3C
- Sample Recovery Breakdown Letter Buy FormExhibit 3D
- Sample Contingency Fee Agreement Buy FormExhibit 3E
- Sample Clause on Use of Internet Cloud Storage Devices Buy FormExhibit 3F
- Sample Destruction of Documents Clause Buy FormExhibit 3G
- Sample Nonengagement Letter Buy FormExhibit 3H
- Sample Disengagement Letter Buy FormExhibit 3I
- Simple Client Ledger for Tracking Individual Client Funds Buy FormExhibit 3J
- Sample Ledger Buy FormExhibit 3K
- Sample Check Register Buy FormChapter 4 expandBookkeeping and Accounting
Buy ChapterChecklist 4.1
- Procedures for Maintaining Accounting and Cash Controls Buy FormExhibit 4A
- Client Funds Manual 2018 Buy FormExhibit 4B
- Income Statement Buy FormExhibit 4C
- Balance Sheet Buy FormExhibit 4D
- Cash Flow Buy FormExhibit 4E
- Aged Accounts Receivable Report Buy FormExhibit 4F
- Billable Hours Report Buy FormChapter 5 expandDeveloping Your Brand for Integrated Marketing
Buy ChapterChapter 6 expandClient Development and Networking
Buy ChapterChecklist 6.1
- Questions to Be Asked When Disengaging from a Representation Buy FormChecklist 6.2
- Tips for Attending a Networking Event Buy FormChecklist 6.3
- Ten Tips for Success at Networking Events Buy FormExhibit 6A
- Sample Marketing Research Plan Template Buy FormExhibit 6B
- Sample Business Plan Template Buy FormExhibit 6C
- Trends Exercise Buy FormExhibit 6D
- Age of the Customer Buy FormExhibit 6E
- Content Creation Exercise Buy FormExhibit 6F
- EQ Self-Assessment Buy FormExhibit 6G
- Alignment of Brand Assets with Projected Image Buy FormExhibit 6H
- Author’s Network Map Buy FormExhibit 6I
- Summary of Relationships Buy FormExhibit 6J
- Assessment of Relationships Buy FormExhibit 6K
- Self-Evaluation Quiz Buy FormChapter 7 expandOnline Directories and Reviews
Buy ChapterChapter 8 expandWebsite Design and Development
Buy ChapterChecklist 8.1
- Key Steps to Take in Setting Up a Website Buy FormChapter 9 expandChapter 10 expandManaging Client Relationships
Buy ChapterChapter 11 expandOngoing Operations
Buy ChapterChecklist 11.1
- Steps to Follow When Giving Feedback to Law Firm Employees Buy FormChapter 12 expandResearch and Training
Buy ChapterChapter 13 expandChapter 14 expandPersonal Challenges and Resources
Buy ChapterChecklist 14.1
- Resources for Close Support, Business, and Personal Support Networks Buy FormChapter 15 expandExit Planning
Buy ChapterExhibit 15A
- Informed Consent to Disclosure of Client Information to Prospective Successor Counsel Buy Form - Editors & Authors