Lawyers contemplating a move to a smaller law firm or starting their own practice often find it helpful to hear from other practitioners about points to consider in starting a smaller firm practice, as well as the day-to-day management of a law practice once begun.  This presentation will address some of the key points that our panelists -- with a total of over 20 years running their own firms -- have found essential to making a practice run smoothly and successfully. The panelists will discuss issues such as deciding how to focus and market a new practice and using a website and other types of social media. From there, the panelists will discuss the logistics involved with running a practice. They will focus on marketing, business development and client practices such as retainer agreements, billing methods, and getting paid. Additionally, they will discuss various firm infrastructure issues, such as legal software and cloud systems, firm accounting and banking, interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA), cash flow, and firm expenses, ranging from malpractice insurance to computer equipment and smartphone costs. The panel also will briefly address firm administrative support staff, attorney hiring, and employee issues as a practice grows. Finally, the panel briefly will touch on work/life balance issues and where and how to reach out for support when necessary.

This brown bag luncheon program is sponsored by the Law Practice Management Section, in cosponsorship with the Administrative Law and Agency Practice Section, Arts, Entertainment, Media and Sports Law Section, Corporation, Finance and Securities Law Section, Courts, Lawyers and the Administration of Justice Section, Family Law Section, Intellectual Property Law Section, Labor and Employment Law Section, Litigation Section and Real Estate, Housing and Land Use Section.

** This program is offered in a live webinar format.

Please note: If webcasting service is disabled during the program, only audio transmission will be available for the remainder of that program. Also note: Webinar Information will be e-mailed to registrants 24 hours prior to the event.