Conservative Firm just called to set up an interview with 2 named partners (I already interviewed with one of 3 named partners). Woot! This is my last glimmer of hope of landing a job before my end of summer deadline, and then it is full speed ahead with my solo gig.
Actually, this weekend we bought a pricey new all -in-one laser printer. It is pretty much a necessity if I go solo, and can still be used even if I miraculously land a job. We also bought a desk off Craigslist for $80. It's not especially nice, but it gives me a ton of workspace and the price was right.
We've also started converting SS's room into an office. The twins have been begging to be in the same room again, and have both been sleeping in TT's room all summer, so I might as well take advantage of the space.
Since I haven't been able to find affordable office space, I think I am going forward with a virtual office, run from my newly-converted home office. It is the easiest way to keep overhead down--I'm just not so sure about how people feel about a lawyer without a real office.
Opinions anybody?
This is certainly becoming an acceptable way for the small-firm lawyer to practice. It is discussed frequently on Solosez and my state bar is offering a webcast-CLE on the home-based law office this week.
And in reality, I rarely met my clients face-to-face when I worked in a real firm--usually only when we were preparing for depositions. And I hired many experts who charge much more than I will be without ever meeting them in person.
Plus there is the added benefit that I will go to my clients, rather than them coming to me. Like old-fashioned house-calls. Since I'm focusing on a more rural area, this could be a big plus.
But will clients see it that way? And should I openly market my home-based status and the potential benefits, or only mention it when it comes up?
I guess we'll see what works.
4 comments:
I have way more input on this than I have time to type right now! Feel free to call me (email for my cell) and I would love to chat your ear off about the pros and cons, having done this right out of the gate. It is challenging, but there are some definite benefits.
Shelley (and others), if you can respond to the questions in the comments section, some of us readers can benefit from this discussion as well!
I am a lawyer now, but spent 8 years in sales management/marketing before going to law school. My recommendation: market yourself based on your strengths, not your perceived weaknesses. Clients who would not hire a lawyer because she works out of a home office are not likely to hire you anyway (either because you do not work for a name firm, because you do not have extensive experience, or other prestige factors). On the other hand, clients that are likely to retain you are likely to do so because of the particular value proposition you make. It strikes me that your value proposition is that you have excellent educational credentials, solid litigation experience and success, and a mature and responsible outlook, while at the same time offer clients a personal touch and better value for their dollar. The type of client likely to hire you probably prefers it if you don't spend money on offices and fancy stationary - so long as they feel that savings is passed on to them. Until you are well established, make it part of your pitch: a smart, experienced attorney that delivers better value than her peers.
Of course, once you are more experienced and want to charge premium rates, then you get the oak-paneled office and the fancy stationary and the $450 an hour rate! But trying to give the impression you are that person is not likely to land you many clients, and might alienate those that are your natural client base.
Shelley--I would love to chat with you. But I can't figure out how to contact you. I can't even get to your blog anymore b/c it is password protected (is that recent?) and I don't have your email. If you would like you can email me at legallycertifiable at gmail . com
Anon--thanks, your comments are really helpful.
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