Running a Lean and Mean Law Office: Bigger isn't always Better

I never hard the urge to be a managing partner of my own law firm with a few associates working under me and working with other law partners. It could be done with a licensure defense practice in three states.

I worked and clerked in large law firms but at the end of the day, big law didn't fit my personality or my client base. I wanted to work with nurses and these types of cases are not big money by any means. A large law firm represents physicians, hospitals, health systems, dentists, etc. This is where the money is so I was told.

Last year I even pondered hiring a nurse to work for me. To assist me with reviewing cases and contacting clients. I changed my mind because I have alot of ideas and I incorporate these ideas into my law or consulting practice and I don't want anyone taking my ideas or concepts and starting their own business or offering similiar services.

My decision to keep it lean and mean over the years has paid off. I utilize Office Suites Plus for a virtual office and conference room and meeting space. This is also helpful because I meet with clients not only in Cinti, but also Columbus, Louisville, Lexington, and Indianapolis and I use the Office Suites Plus locations in those cities.

I am meeting a client in Canton, Ohio this weekend and I will utilize a conference room at a local hotel for this meeting. I do this when I meet with clients in Ashland, Kentucky and the Bowling Green, Kentucky. You talk about a drive, we lost our cell phone signals driving from Cinti to Bowling Green, Kentucky. But I have Verizon Wireless now, not T-Mobile. That's another post.

I have a home office however I don't meet with clients here at my home although I do have a business and professional association meetings at my home. I have my eyes on a building about a mile from home. I could walk to work. I would like to purchase this building and use it as an office. I need more space and would like to have a law and nursing library for my periodicals. Even with this building, I would keep my contract with Office Suites Plus and my home office.

If business continue to pick up, I can see having a part-time receptionist to answer the phone and assist with appt. scheduling maybe in 2011. I am funny about my mail and checks so I would continue to open all my own mail and deposit my checks.

Comments

[gyi tsakalakis]

Lean and mean is a great policy for law firm management. I would suggest the services of a receptionist. No matter how militant you are about answering your phone, you will likely find yourself losing potential clients to other firms. Now the question is, who should you hire to do it? http://tinyurl.com/dbsqca