Law Practice Management

Law Practice Management

Class #2 -The Law Office and Technology 1 (Office Space, Location,

Facilities Planning, Equipment)

Locating your law officeGeographic considerations

Growth Areas Sunbelt v Rustbelt?

Probably not a growth area

Ratio of population to lawyers300 to 1 (.36% of total U.S. population)

“Lawyers are the only profession where the more there are, the more are needed!”-- Robert Lucky

Access to court house

40% of legal fees generated by litigation

Demographic data

• Private firms (pay)– Demographics Now

Reports 1, 2, and 3

State, County and City Quick FactsFact Sheet for a Community

Gulfport, FL Data

Beyond $$$

Juggling three ballsOne goes up, other two come down

• Money• Quality of professional life• Quality of personal life

Choosing a Neighborhood and Building

Look for deferred maintenance problems

How to find space

How much space?

Office design is important

Acceptable Furniture Also Important

Getting most for money

Without Settling for a (Very Fancy) Cardboard Box

Lease negotiation considerations

What type of office setting

Law or Executive SuiteMay be best choice for new lawyer

Like This One in South Tampa (Hyde Park)

Advantages of law suite

Disadvantages of law suite

Local Suite Examples

• New Urban Suites – Ybor City

• The Centers of Westshore

Practicing from home

Suggestions for home-based lawyers

If you meet with clients at home

Make Sure Your Office Doesn’t Look Like This

Or This

But This is More Like It

Problem

What location and type of office will you select for your new law practice?

Why?