Challenges that Solo Attorney’s at Foreign Law face
Starting a solo law practice can be tough. It takes persistence, attention to detail, and a realistic, implementable business plan in order to succeed as a solo lawyer. Of these challenges, the most prominent are the basic issues of managing administrative tasks, using flexible office space, and marketing.
Managing Administrative Tasks
Besides the work you are doing in the courtroom, when you are a solo attorney at foreign law practice there is always more work to be done in the office. Between answering emails, scheduling consultations, processing billing, and document preparation a solo attorney may find themselves overwhelmed by paperwork.
The Thomas Reuter’s Solo and Small Law Firms Group recently completed a study asking attorneys about the most challenging aspects of their profession, and not surprisingly, time spent on nonbillable, administrative tasks were at the top of the list. Survey results concluded that (74%) say they spend too much time on administrative tasks rather than practicing law. (17% of respondents rated this a significant challenge). As a result of management and administrative burdens, the study found that small/solo firm lawyers, spend only 60% of their time doing client work.
Using Flexible Office Space
Another challenge comes in the form of finding a place to meet your clients. It’s no secret that a more professional image leads to higher hourly rates. Attorneys who meet clients at a coffee shop will just simply never make as much as those who meet on the 8th floor in an executive office suite. Unfortunately, solo practicing lawyers often cannot afford prime real estate. Meeting at home is no better. Lawyers who go the home office route soon find they sacrifice their privacy and comfort at the expense of their practice.
Marketing
One of the most difficult things for young, solo practice attorneys just starting out is finding clients. Marketing is challenging for all businesses and with so much competition it’s enough harder to get new clients. New attorneys need a networking group to support them and spread their name. They need high-quality printing and copying equipment to print flyers and direct mailers. They also need a professional address and local phone number to promote online and on business cards. If your address is a P.O. box and your phone number area code is from Maine, no one will ever find your firm when they search for a foreign law attorney located in Baltimore.
So, what can you do?
Luckily, there is a solution for Attorney at Foreign Law at Officense we have been helping attorneys for over 10 years. Our team of executive assistants can scan mail, client drop-off documents, and other paperwork in mere minutes, answer your calls, and make your scheduling and client follow up a breeze. Stop meeting your clients at restaurants or stop signing up long-term and expensive office lease and use our beautifully furnished offices and conference rooms which can be rented hourly, daily, and yearly. You can pay as you go and use the offices when you need them.
Attorneys can leverage our network of business connections and take advantage of Officense community events to drive their firm from an unknown to being talked about by business owners throughout all of Baltimore. The resources and amenities provided by Officense are what every solo practice and small firm needs to beat the competition and reach their potential success.
Call us today at 410-814-7500 and learn how we can make your life easier and help your practice grow!
