YLD website details how to start your own law firm
The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division has launched a new website, “How to Start Your Own Law Firm,” at startmyfloridalawfirm.com.
“The website explains the steps of opening a private law firm in an easy-to-follow format, and offers practice tips along the way,” said Zackary Zuroweste, co-chair of the Transition to Practice Committee. “This website is a must-see for any Florida lawyer looking to go solo.”
YLD President Gordon Glover asked the YLD Transition to Practice Committee to create the site in order to help the growing number of young lawyers who are “hanging their shingle.”
“Most new law school graduates have $100,000 to $200,000 in student loan debt, and nearly 16 percent of new law school graduates are unable to find any employment,” said Glover. “So there is a great need for a resource like this.”
The YLD, Zuroweste said, recognized that existing resources for would-be solo practitioners are fragmented and difficult to find, so critical information is rolled into one cohesive guide.
“From committing to going solo, whether to rent office space or go virtual, managing trust accounts, to choosing the right law firm technology, the new website covers it all,” he said.
The website contains videos featuring various accomplished lawyers, including Chad E. Burton, an Ohio-based attorney who lectures around the country on establishing and running virtual law firms. Burton created seven videos specifically for the YLD’s website explaining what a virtual law office is, and how to operate, market, and effectively run a virtual practice. A virtual law firm is a law practice that does not have an actual office, but rather operates from the homes or satellite offices of its lawyers, and delivers services to clients remotely using technology.
“Virtual law firms have proliferated in recent years, especially for young lawyers who cannot afford to operate a brick-and-mortar law firm,” said Zuroweste, who is also president-elect designate of the YLD. “That trend will likely continue.”
Transition to Practice Committee Co-chair Paige Gillman, Randall Richardson, and Jason Lambert also worked closely to find the best content available for the website.
“Our goal was to create a website guiding young lawyers through 10 practical steps needed to launch their own law firms, using the best content out there, and it turned out great,” Gillman said. “We believe it’s the best resource available for Florida young lawyers.”
The new website is located at www.startmyfloridalawfirm.com.
