(Webcast) Starting Your Own Practice in the New Normal

Thursday, March 23, 2023 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Program Chair:

Mark A. Josephson, Esq.
CPA, CFP, CFE, CGMA, Murray & Josephson, CPAs, LLC

Description
Faculty
Agenda
CLE Credit
Sponsors

You’re thinking of starting your own firm, or maybe you’ve started working with clients, but want a framework for how to approach building your firm and client base more efficiently and effectively. This program, with seasoned practitioners with their own firms, will discuss the basic issues needed for anyone starting out in the post-COVID era: forming your firm; practice management; basic computer tools for protecting and managing your clients and practice; developing a strategy for identifying prospects and engaging clients; how to develop a mutually supportive community of lawyers and related practitioners to improve your practice and help your clients.

Program Fee:
$99 for Members | $199 for Nonmembers
Joam Alisme
Alisme Law LLC

Mark A. Josephson, Esq.
CPA, CFP, CFE, CGMA, Murray & Josephson, CPAs, LLC

Alla Roytberg
Roytberg, Traum Law and Mediation P.C

Anne Wolfson
Anne Wolfson, PLLC
2:00 pm – 2:05 pm
I. Panel intros
1. 1. Practice Areas
  2. How Long in Practice/Solo Practice
  3. Firm Size
  4. Decision to Set Up Own Law Firm
2:05 pm – 2:35 pm
II. The Basics
1. 1. Firm Name
  2. Registering an Entity (PC/PLLC)
  3. Bank Account
  4. Website, email address
  5. Business Cards
  6. Office Equipment
  7. Timekeeping systems
  8. Billing
  9. Insurance
    1. Malpractice
    2. Cyberliability
    3. General Liability
    4. Workman’s Compensation
    5. State Disability
  10. Confidentiality!
2:35 pm – 2:45 pm
III. The Retainer/Engagement Letter
1. 1. What should it include
  2. Who should sign it
  3. When should they sign it
  4. How long do they last
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm
IV. Getting an Office
1. 1. Do I need one?
    1. Brick and Mortar Rule
  2. Subletting from Another Attorney – Confidentiality
  3. Prudent working from home
    1. Protected, Quiet Space
    2. Protected Computer and Storage Systems
  4. Protecting your Client Files
  5. Professional Meeting Space
  6. Research Tools
  7. NYCBA Library and VLF Program
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm
V. In-Person Versus Virtual
1. 1. Before COVID
  2. During COVID
  3. Now: hybrid, Prepare for New Surges
  4. Other Post-2020 Issues
    1. Notary Rules
    2. Travel
3:15 pm – 3:25 pm
VI. Structuring Your Time
1. 1. Learning to be The Boss of You
  2. Managing Client Expectations
  3. Learning to Take Vacations
  4. Work – Life Balance
3:25 pm – 3:45 pm
VII. Getting Clients and Ethical Considerations
1. 1. Identifying your Niche
  2. Developing Trusting Relationships
    1. In Person
    2. Online
  3. Marketing
    1. LinkedIn
    2. Other Social media
    3. Newsletters
    4. Articles
    5. Podcasts/videos
  4. Networking
    1. In-person
      1. Groups
      2. Events
    2. Online
      1. Email
      2. Events
      3. Groups
  5. Referrals
    1. Lawyers
    2. Non-lawyer professionals
  6. Panels
  7. Articles
  8. Professional Groups
  9. Fee-splitting
  10. Time management – different software
  11. Bookkeeping – different software
  12. Taxes – business taxes, payroll taxes, other taxes
3:45 pm – 3:55 pm
VIII. The Courts, Post COVID

3:55 pm – 4:00 pm
IX. Conclusions
1. 1. Be flexible
  2. Maintain Confidentiality
  3. Develop a Network of Trusted Colleagues
  4. Enjoy What You Do
  5. Pro bono
New York: 2.0 Professional Practice
New Jersey: 2.3 General
California: 2.0 General
Pennsylvania: 1.5 General
Sponsored By:
Small Law Firm Committee, Anne Wolfson, Chair

Co-Sponsored By:
Small Law Firm Center

Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! Please Contact:
Yelena Balashchenko, Manager, Business Development & Sponsorships | (212) 382-6608 | ybalashchenko@nycbar.org

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