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Is it easier to start my own law firm or to start off as a lawyer for someone else’s law firm?
My father has a law firm that i would like to work for but I was also wondering if it would be better to start my own because he practices a different law than what I would like to practice.
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Jeanette Roch
Associate General Counsel at American General Life Insurance Company
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Jeanette’s Answer
It is easier to start off as a lawyer for someone else's law firm. You would have to incur the expenses attendant to starting a business. It takes time to develop a practice so it will be a while before you have a good income stream. Also, it is always great to have other lawyers around to mentor you and teach you the practical aspects of practicing law in your desired field. You could talk to your father about developing the type of practice you desire at his firm. If he does not want to expand his area I recommend that you go with a law firm that has the area of practice that you want to pursue. If you start in an area of practice other than the one you want, it may be hard to make a change.
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Keith’s Answer
Carl - I agree with Jeanette that it would be "easier" to start out at an established firm as opposed to starting your own. It is difficult, although not impossible, to start your own firm as a young attorney due to the costs and additional non-lawyer tasks running a firm requires (for instance, billing and answering phone calls). If you start your own firm with no additional staff, you're essentially your own secretary and accountant in addition to being a lawyer, which can take time away from your legal work and hurt your firm's productivity. In addition, as Jeanette mentioned, it can be difficult to attract clients that are looking for an experienced firm to represent them when you're just starting out.
The better question for you, though, may be what would be the most fulfilling and best align with your interests instead of what would be easiest. It seems like you aren't crazy about the area of law your dad practices. That's fine. One tip would be to leverage your dad's contacts in other areas of law. Network with other attorneys in hopes of finding a job in a practice area you like better by reaching out and asking if they'd be willing to speak with you about your career path.
If you're entrepreneurial and determined, starting your own firm may be the best option for you, but it isn't the traditional path for young attorneys. One huge advantage of working at a firm that Jeanette wrote about is the mentorship you gain from working under more senior attorneys while you continue to learn and grow as an attorney.
The better question for you, though, may be what would be the most fulfilling and best align with your interests instead of what would be easiest. It seems like you aren't crazy about the area of law your dad practices. That's fine. One tip would be to leverage your dad's contacts in other areas of law. Network with other attorneys in hopes of finding a job in a practice area you like better by reaching out and asking if they'd be willing to speak with you about your career path.
If you're entrepreneurial and determined, starting your own firm may be the best option for you, but it isn't the traditional path for young attorneys. One huge advantage of working at a firm that Jeanette wrote about is the mentorship you gain from working under more senior attorneys while you continue to learn and grow as an attorney.
Working with family can be just as challenging as starting your own firm, my suggestion would be getting experience in whatever type of law you want to practice by getting a job at a non profit agency or volunteering/working at the Bar Association in your state. You can make a good salary and still get experience. Networking is great but you can also join organizations like Rotary, masons or Kiwanis to meet other industry professionals .
Kelly Laporte
