How to Start and Build a Law Practice, Fifth Edition

by Jay G. Foonberg

Learn from a practicing lawyer who provides you with real answers, for real practices, gained from real experiences. This classic ABA bestseller has been used by tens of thousands of lawyers as the comprehensive guide to planning, launching, and growing a successful practice. It's packed with over 600 pages of guidance on identifying the right location, finding clients, setting fees, managing your office, maintaining an ethical and responsible practice, maximizing available resources, upholding your standards, and much more. If you're committed to starting your own practice, this book will give you the expert advice you need to make it succeed. The book is organized into short, easy-to-read chapters and they deal with all the specific challenges you undoubtedly will encounter when you open your office. And the answers you'll get are realistic, practical, and based on real-life experience. Even if you already have an established practice, you are sure to find information that will help you compete and succeed. You'll find a wealth of tips that can improve your practice once it is up and running, as well as dozens of time-saving templates and checklists. In addition, there is all-new material for this edition, covering areas This book is guaranteed to help you successfully launch your practice, run it at maximum efficiency, and avoid potential pitfalls along the way. You'll get basic, practical advice given in Foonberg's inimitable down-to-earth style - and answers to down-to-earth questions More than 100,000 lawyers have turned to Jay Foonberg for the secrets to running a successful law firm; now you can, too, with the acclaimed fifth edition.

Genres: Law, Nonfiction, Reference

704 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

um, duh, more motivational than substantive. There really is a section on how to arrange your desk.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has useful tips and tricks for starting a law practice. I especially like the list of "clients to avoid" as a new attorney. Also really like the "Client Appreciation Curve." This book is sort of the "gold standard" for any solo; tell any lawyer you are opening your own practice and they will invariably recommend this book. However, I will say I find Mr. Foonberg a little rigid on what to do, what not to do. I first read an older edition of this book and he was really stringent about getting your own office and own help, etc. He has come back to reality a bit more in this version, realizing that 1) some things he insisted were necessary have been rendered less so by technological advances and 2) economically some of those choices are no longer viable. But I still find it a little rigid sometimes for my taste. While I would recommend it for any other solo attorney, I would also recommend they read Carolyn Elephant's "Solo by Choice" for a more up to date, realistic approach to some of those same issues.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for one of my classes, and in general, I'm glad it was assigned. I'm sure there are parts that I will reference throughout my career for years to come, as many sections were very valuable. But I just can't give this more than three stars; while many parts were valuable, they were repeated numerous times. I felt that the book could have been half the size that it was, if only Foonberg had stopped repeating himself and talking about how important his books are. I was continually annoyed and distracted by the frequent self-congratulatory comments.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and very informative. Foonberg seems to have a good sense of humor. I especially enjoyed the diagram on pg. 357 entitled "Organizing Your Desk to Make Money (Designed for a Right-Handed Lawyer)."

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The client satisfaction bell curve is worth the price of the book.

[Garrett Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally informative and practical.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An indispensable guide for every solo practitioner out there. And, arguably, for every junior or aspiring partner looking to build a practice. Love Foonberg's style and learned a lot from him.

[Julio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book with lots of examples and tips. I recommend it to any one starting a law practice.

[Drew Maliniak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good starting point and reference guide

[SallyStenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book.