The Ins and Outs of Running a Law Firm

Posted on 6/3/2026, 9:11:11 AM

If you’re a new attorney, you might feel as though the hard part is over already. After all, you’ve passed the bar and qualified as a lawyer. What next? There are a lot of potential options for your career.

Most new attorneys find employment so they can work their way up to earn more money and build up a reputation. But some new lawyers, or lawyers who have a few years of experience and savings, decide to open their own firm. Here are some tips to help new law firms get going.

Find a Practice Area to Focus On

The first step should be to specialize. This is what sets you apart from other law firms, and it will also inform the clients and types of cases you take on. If you already have experience working as a lawyer for another firm, the simplest option would be to continue to do what you’re familiar with. Or, if you’re a new lawyer, think about what you enjoyed during law school or training programs. You can always branch out and take on different cases once your firm is established.

Some common entry points for new law firms are family law, immigration, personal injury, and small business work. These often have a lot of potential clients. Criminal defense and real estate or estate planning are also good options.

The actual practice area isn’t as important as the fact that you specialize in anything. Once you have a reputation or a defined area of expertise, other lawyers can refer work to you and help you get a client base started.

View It as a Business

One common mistake some lawyers make is that they focus on the law, not the business. 

A law firm is a business, first and foremost, and the same principles for running any business still apply. 

So, write a business plan, think about finances and how you’ll earn an income, determine a pricing strategy, and make sure that the business side of your law firm is solid. This will provide the stability and longevity you want out of your law firm. 

Licensing and Certifications

Before you can take on any clients, you need to make sure you meet all the requirements from the ABA or your state bar. Otherwise, your law firm might not be legally able to practice law. 

You will need to research the requirements in your area, but they typically involve filling out specific forms, ensuring that your Client Trust Account is set up, complying with client solicitation rules, and getting liability coverage.

Do not skip this step.

Marketing Your New Firm

As with any other business, marketing is the best way to get new clients. Social media marketing can be a great way to connect with an audience, especially if you settle into a niche.

Targeted marketing generally works better than a carpet bomb approach, and if in doubt, consider outsourcing your marketing to experts. For example, you can use a Hispanic marketing agency SEO for law firms to reach a Spanish-speaking audience and grow a specific audience.