Solo and Small Firm

The Practitioner VOLUME 30, ISSUE 2, AUTUMN 2024

ACHIEVING FISCAL EFFICIENCY IN A SMALL LAW OFFICE: NAVIGATING EXPENSES WITHIN ETHICAL BOUNDS

Angelina Ray*

Running a small law office demands not only legal acumen but also fiscal prudence. In the pursuit of fiscal efficiency, it is paramount for attorneys to strike a delicate balance between managing expenses and upholding the ethical standards set by the California Rules of Professional Conduct. This article explores strategies for creating fiscal efficiency in a small law office while providing insights into what expenses are billable and the ethical considerations outlined by the California State Bar.

FOUNDATIONS IN ETHICS: CALIFORNIA RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Before delving into fiscal considerations, it is crucial to establish a framework rooted in ethics. The California Rules of Professional Conduct provide the ethical guidelines that attorneys in the state must adhere to in their professional practice. Rule 1.5, addressing fees and division of fees, and rule 1.15, focusing on safekeeping property, are particularly relevant when considering expenses and costs.

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