5 Steps to Lasting Success: Starting Out or Seasoned

Starting your own law firm or making the leap from firm life to solo practice can be daunting. But even established lawyers can benefit from revisiting the basics and optimizing workflow. 

Whether you’re charting your own course for the first time, weighing a breakaway move, or simply seeking a tune-up for your current practice, these five tips offer a blueprint for ongoing success.

Summarized from Chapter 1 of Michigan Basic Practice Handbook.

1. Preparation Is Power: Plan with Precision

Opening (or revitalizing) a firm isn’t just about legal know-how. The lawyers who thrive are those who dedicate real time to upfront preparation—much like thorough trial prep. Start by auditing everything: What are your sources of business? Who is your ideal client? How will you reach them?

Figure out how you’ll keep the lights on during slow months. Calculate your startup and operating costs, and project how long until revenue flows reliably. This isn’t just advice for newcomers—seasoned lawyers can benefit from tuning up spending and business development plans to ensure efficiency and profitability.

Pro Tip: Use a budgeting worksheet and operational checklist annually—not just at launch—to identify areas for improvement.

2. Build (and Broadcast) Your Brand—Online and Off

A well-crafted online presence is no longer optional—it’s the modern handshake. Invest in a clean, informative website. Build and maintain active professional profiles on LinkedIn and other relevant networks. 

Don’t ignore traditional business sources either: court appointments, referral programs, and local bar connections can be vital. Whether nurturing your own client base or strengthening your standing at a firm, genuine networking and a credible public profile pay dividends.

Pro Tip: Set aside recurring time to update your website, author blog posts, or share legal insights on social—this signals expertise and keeps your practice top of mind.

3. Master Your Money—Mindfully

Many solo or small firm failures boil down to finances, not legal skills. Track every dollar—pre-launch, post-launch, and regularly thereafter. Overhead isn’t just rent: factor in insurance, research tools, staff costs, and technology subscriptions. 

Don’t overcommit to services or subscriptions that don’t serve your current needs, and line up contingency funds for unexpected bumps. Firm attorneys: challenge yourself to review and renegotiate vendor contracts or internal spending patterns—those small leaks sink big ships.

Pro Tip: Prioritize essential over “nice-to-have” purchases—especially when tempted by new-vendor deals. Outsource or automate accounting, but never ignore it.

4. Cultivate Competence and Reputation

Your professional success is inseparably linked to your reputation for competence and reliability. If you’ve developed expertise in a niche, market it—write articles, give talks, or offer client briefings. If you’re broadening your practice, ensure every new engagement is matched by diligent, ethical self-education (see MRPC 1.1: Competence).

Make it a goal to “level up” in a new subject area each year. Firm lawyers and solos alike can benefit from sharpening their edge and avoiding the trap of spreading too thin without adequate preparation.

Pro Tip: Build a “learning list” for the year—areas you want to master—and invest time or CLE credits toward them.

5. Gain Wisdom from Those Who Have Been There

Don’t reinvent the wheel. Before you leap (or for firm lawyers, when considering a pivot or tuning your practice), talk with lawyers who’ve been there. Most lawyers are generous with wisdom—often in exchange for coffee or a quick call. And don’t forget your local bar association, alumni networks, or affinity groups. Their hindsight is your foresight.

Pro Tip: Schedule quarterly check-ins with peers or mentors. Even 10-minute conversations can save you hours—and headaches—down the line.

Want More?