Affinity LPM | Open a Firm

Launching a new firm or “hanging out a shingle” is not just for newly minted attorneys. Maybe you’ve practiced in a firm for a while and have decided to go out on your own. There’s certainly a lot to know. Where do you start? The materials in this section start you down the right path and make sure vital considerations aren’t overlooked. And, if you’re on the other end of your career, ready to close or sell a practice, these materials will help you there too.

Merging Law Firms
Combining existing law firms into a single business involves a lot of moving parts and personalities. Use this list to make sure you don’t overlook anything important.

New Firm Technology
Launching a new firm, whether fresh out of law school or starting a new career stage, is exhilarating, and terrifying. Finally, you can do everything the “right” way. But a lot of things go into launching a business and you probably haven’t thought of them all. Use this checklist as a reference for the types of technology to consider. Use it in conjunction with “Starting a Firm” for a full 360-degree picture of options and possibilities.

Starting a Firm
There’s more to starting a new firm than just a great legal mind or a great team. There are tons of business considerations beyond being a great lawyer or legal professional. These factors include type of business entity, compensation structure, and all manner of financial tracking and reporting. This checklist makes sure you have the “business basics” in mind when starting your new firm. Use this checklist in conjunction with “New Firm Technology” for a full 360-degree picture of options and possibilities.

Answering Services Feature
When you’re busy, it’s difficult to think of a ringing phone as a prospective client rather than a mere interruption. This chart compares services that not only answer phones but can help with client screening, intake, and more.

Cloud Document Storage
Having “everywhere access” to your documents requires internet-connected storage. If you’re a Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace customer, you already pay for terabytes of online storage. Use this comparison chart to find the right cloud storage vendor for your organization.

Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365
Henry Ford said customers could have any color so long as it’s black. At least you have two choices when it comes to core email, communication, and office productivity applications. This comparison chart highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Google and Microsoft’s bundled, subscription offerings.

Microsoft 365 Plans
Microsoft 365 offerings combine an always up-to-date install of Microsoft Office with email hosting, mobile apps, and web-based apps. Compare Microsoft’s 365 options with this link.

Password Managers Feature
Hard-to-break passwords are either long, complex, or both. Don’t expect to remember them all. Use this chart to pick a password manager that will do the remembering for you as well as help create secure new passwords.

PDF Programs for Windows
Since Adobe open-sourced the PDF standard in 2008, the number of PDF editors and the range of price points has exploded, to the benefit of buyers. This chart walks through the major features and primary players to help you pick the product for you.

PDF Programs for Mac
Since Adobe open-sourced the PDF standard in 2008, the number of PDF editors and the range of price points has exploded, to the benefit of buyers. This chart walks through a Mac user’s options regarding the major features and primary players to help you pick the product for you.

Voice Over IP (VoIP) Services Feature
Working away from the office doesn’t mean clients have to reach you at a different phone number. Voice over IP services use the internet to carry phone calls. Be anywhere and look like you’re calling from the office. You don’t even have to change phone numbers. This chart lists core features by vendor.

Web Meeting Services Feature
Zoom is not the only game in town for web meetings, but it’s popular for a reason. Use this chart to learn about the major web meeting vendors and what they offer.