Small Firm Business posts an article written by Susan Cartier-Liebel for The Connecticut Law Tribune that warns solos against winging it as they begin their practice.
She lists some things you would need to consider as if you were a small business owner, which of course you are. Her suggestions go beyond marketing (For more on a marketing plan, see an earlier post where you can download a marketing planning form) and include such things as insurance coverage, location (a marketing issue), cash flow expectations, “bail out” plan, and CLE.
Although Susan’s suggestions merely touch the surface of the planning necessary to start a solo practice, if you are thinking of do so (whether as a new lawyer or one about to leave a firm for life as a solo), her nine points are worth a look and including in your solo business plan.