Events
A Blueprint for Success: Yes, You Can Build a Thriving Law Practice
October 25 @ 10:00 am – 3:45 pm
4.0 Participatory MCLE
Hotel Casa del Mar
1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
This day-long in-person seminar is designed to build the skills and confidence you need to strike out on your own and grow your own legal practice. Gain tools from Lawyers who have successfully built their own firm with a solid foundation, brick by brick. Going out on your own can be daunting, but this seminar is devoted to teaching lawyers the skills needed to succeed with confidence.
CLA Members please call LACBA Member Services to register for the program 213-896-6560
Moderator — Carolin Shining
Keynote Speaker – Patricia Daehnke
FIRST HOUR – Sections 1 & 2 (10:00 – 11:00 a.m.)
Section 1 – Where to Start and How to Build From Here
Speakers: Marina Fraigun and Erin Joyce
- Choosing a Practice Area
- Solo or Partner?
- Your Firm Name
- Your Firm’s Business Plan
- Identifying Your Firm’s Target Client
- Developing a Firm Mission, Vision & Values
- Specialty and Niche Practices
- Creating an On-Line Presence
- Building a Website for Your Firm
- Marketing and Social Media
- Ethics of Lead Generation
SECOND HOUR – Section 3 (11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.)
Section 3 – The Finances of a Small Law Firm
Speakers – Greg Zbylut, Kimberly Lee and Jorge Perazzo, CPA
- Bank Accounts for Your Practice
- Proper Trust Accounting
- Creating a Firm Budget
- How to Determine Your Fees and Fee Structures
- Maintaining Cash Flow
- Billing Clients
- Billing Software Options
- Firm Insurance
(Lunch – 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. & Keynote Speaker)
THIRD HOUR – Section 4 (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.)
Section 4 – Now You are Busy, How to Get Help
Speakers: Sima Aghai, Sabrina Green and Cindy Elkins
- Outsourcing Work
- Principles for Managing Your Firm
- Establishing Firm Policies & Procedures
- Your Ethical Responsibilities to Attorneys/Staff
- Recruiting and Hiring Employees
- Separation of Employment
- Hiring a Human Resources Manager vs. Consultant
- Alternatives to Employees
FOURTH HOUR – Section 5 and 6 (2:45 – 3:45 p.m.)
Speakers: Carl Kanowsky and Brandon McKennon
- Physical Office Space
- Mobile Lawyering
- Assessing Your Firm’s Needs
- IT Support
- Firm Email
- Legal Software and Research
- E-Filing Documents
- Computer Security, Privacy and Related Ethics
- Going Paperless with an Electronic File
We are committed to accessibility! Virtual events are equipped with closed captioning. To request an in-person accommodation, send us a note at accessibility@calawyers.org or contact us at 916-516-1760 for assistance.