Last night I received an email from my aunt, forwarding an email from an out-of-state attorney (a close friend of theirs) who is looking for a family law attorney in my area.
I honestly don't know any family law attorneys--but could probably ask around to get a name. Or I could try to sell myself--after all, that is what I'll be doing if I go solo, and I am jumping in with my legal aid case.
I haven't decided how to respond yet. DH and I agreed to give it until the end of summer before launching my solo firm if it becomes necessary. Going solo really isn't my top choice. The financial instability terrifies me--especially when I consider the amount that I owe in student loans. We can get by on DH's salary--but only while my loans are deferred, and they can't be deferred forever.
Nevertheless, I have been preparing for "Plan B," should it become necessary. I have received quotes for insurance and advertising, I have looked around a bit at renting office space, DH has started designing my website and I already have a domain registered. I signed up for a virtual PBX system which gives a free 800 number, fax, and the aura of a real office for minimal cost. Yesterday I filled up a virtual shopping cart with office supplies to get an idea of the cost of the bare minimum to set up my office (about $150.) DH has speced out a new computer and the software I would need.
I could go forward and try to take this case.
But what if I do get an offer next week or next month? Will a firm be turned off if I bring family law clients with me? I haven't been interviewing with firms that practice family law. Or will it show that I have the gumption to move forward when I am unemployed?
Also, although I have done a lot of research so far, there are still additional steps to be taken should I take on an actual paying client. At a minimum, I would have to open an IOLTA account. Is it worth the hassle, just to stick my toe in?
I don't know--but I am reluctant to turn down any opportunity at this point.
3 comments:
A friend of mine who works solo shares office space with another more established family law attorney who is also solo. She does some paralegal/law clerk type work for her in exchange for the use of her office to meet with her own clients. Much cheaper that way, and she has the benefit of a mentor if she has any questions.
I don't think firms would have a problem with the family law clients coming with. I mean, aren't we supposed to be doing so much pro bono work anyway?
If you have paying clients... what your 2nd year out? firms are going to be interested in you, nobody cares why they are paying you, firms just want $$ coming in the door
As for advertising - what seems to be most effective here is personal networking.
There are some great "her business" womens networks you can get into, in New Zealand a BNI network can also be good.
You may do this anyway, but if you don't it's worth starting.
If you do go to family law, think about who could be your centres of influence - the people to give you word of mouth referrals. Beauticians, and Hairdressers talk a lot all day and hear clients problems, doing direct marketing to them can be good, as can doing things like an e-zine newsletter with tips.
Post a Comment