Do I Need A Consultant Or Advisor To Grow My Solo Law Practice?
Build a legal practice that is viable, sustainable, profitable and capable of growing beyond you.
Who This Is For
This advisory consulting is specifically for solos who already have an established practice and are ready to take it to the next stage - i.e. growing and scaling it.
It is for:
solo solicitors
small law firm principals
barristers
consultants working within law firms
This is not about starting a practice - it is about that point that some of us get to as solo lawyers where we want to take it to the next level.
It can be about developing an existing practice so it can grow in a deliberate, structured, purposeful and controlled way.
Common Issues At This Growth Stage
As solo law practices grow, significant challenges quite often also arise so getting the existing foundations right before building on them is very important.
Common issues include:
not knowing what to do next
too much conflicting information
fatigue
decision making inertia or overload
increasing workload without commensurate profitability
inconsistent and unpredictable revenue
lack of clearly documented as well as automated systems and workflows
reactive work patterns
lack of sufficient planning and reflection time
pricing structures that have not kept pace with experience
too much low-value or routine work not being automated
uncertainty about delegation, support, or next steps of engaging support
These are not usually competency issues either but more so structural practice issues.
What Growth Actually Means
Growth does not simply mean working longer hours or becoming busier, nor does it necessarily mean hiring more lawyers or building a larger firm either.
It can focus on;
systemising your practice so it can take on more work and more people
maximising growth and profitability in a sustainable way
pricing discipline
strengthening cash flow
creating predictability in workload and revenue
freeing up your time and your headspace through better structure
clear practice and niche growth areas
ideal client definition and your unique value to them
intake, triage, and matter management discipline
consistent marketing and referral activity
Why Experience In Legal Practice Matters
There is a difference between generic business advice and advice grounded in the realities of running a legal practice.
Our work is also informed by Paul Ippolito’s experience, including:
continuing to practise law
more than 18 years running his own law firm
experience teaching law students and lawyers
ongoing research and presentation on the future of solo legal practice
Paul’s advice to solo lawyers is informed by that experience and by having dealt with many of the practical, commercial and professional issues that arise when building and growing a solo practice.
Not Sure Whether Your Practice Is Ready To Grow?
If you're thinking about growth but are not sure whether your practice is ready for it, start with our Taking Your Solo Law Practice To The Next Level checklist.
It is a practical tool designed to identify the issues you should consider before growing or scaling your practice further.
The Taking Your Solo Law Practice To The Next Level Checklist Kit
Ready To Work Out What Comes Next?
If you're already running an established practice and need greater clarity about what to prioritise, change or develop next, our Strategy Session is the starting point.
It is designed to help you step back from the day-to-day demands of practice, identify the issues that matter and determine the priorities for the next stage of your practice.