Coming Attractions

By Tina Wallis

After the first in-person Solo and Small Firm Summit in Newport Beach concludes, the section will begin preparing and hosting a series of webinars based on the section’s book Opening and Managing a Law Office, last published in 2020.  This series of webinars will provide updated information and guidance about establishing, maintaining, and building your solo or small firm.  The topics are still evolving, but will include:

• Creating the Foundation for your Firm:  Leaving your old firm, real estate leasing issues, selecting a practice area, choosing a name for your firm, branding, business plans, and business mapping;
• Advertising:  The Rules of Professional Conduct and advertising, the ethics of business development, specialized and niche practices, and using social media, websites, and other tools to advertise your practice;
• Finances:  Bank accounts (including IOLTAs and CTAPP compliance), ethical billing practices, and insurance;
• Staffing:  Basic management principles, ethical responsibilities to lawyers, staff, and law clerks, alternatives to employees, and employee separation;
• Law Practice Technology:  AI, legal software, computer, privacy, and ethics concerns;
• Client Matters:  Client intake, saying “no” to a potential client, setting boundaries, client billing, and communication; and
• Personal Wellness:  Competency requirement, dealing with stress and anxiety, addressing addiction, suicide awareness, work-life balance, and overall lawyer wellness.

Join us in-person at the summit in Newport Beach this June and continue learning through this webinar series.