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The Solo Attorney Practice Startup Checklist: 25 Things to Do First

2026-08-21

The Solo Attorney Practice Startup Checklist: 25 Things to Do First
Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels

A practical 25-item checklist for solo attorneys starting a practice, covering legal setup, finances, marketing, and operations with realistic costs.

Starting a solo law practice is a major step. You need to handle licensing, finances, marketing, and client management, often with limited resources. This checklist gives you 25 concrete actions to take, in order, with realistic costs and time frames. Work through it systematically, and you will build a solid foundation for your firm.

  1. Choose a business entity. Most solo attorneys form an LLC or PC. An LLC costs $50-$500 to file, depending on your state. A PC may be required in some states for professional services. Check your state bar rules.
  2. Register with your state bar. If you are not already admitted, apply for bar admission. Fees range from $100-$500. If you are moving states, consider reciprocity.
  3. Get an EIN. Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. It is free and takes about 15 minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and hire staff.
  4. Open a business bank account. Separate your personal and business finances. Most banks offer free business checking with no minimum balance. Bring your EIN and formation documents.
  5. Set up accounting software. QuickBooks Online costs $30-$100/month. Alternatively, use Wave (free) or Xero ($12-$65/month). Track income and expenses from day one.

2. Insurance and Trust Accounts

  1. Get malpractice insurance. Also called professional liability insurance. For a solo, expect to pay $3,000-$10,000/year, depending on practice area and location. Get quotes from ALPS, CNA, or Aon.
  2. Consider general liability insurance. This covers office accidents and property damage. It costs $500-$1,500/year. Bundle with malpractice for discounts.
  3. Set up an IOLTA trust account. If you handle client funds, you need a separate trust account. Check your state’s IOLTA program for requirements. Many banks offer free IOLTA accounts.
  4. Create a trust accounting system. Use software like Clio or MyCase to track client funds. You must reconcile monthly. This is critical for ethics compliance.

3. Office and Technology

  1. Decide on a physical office. Options: virtual office ($50-$200/month), shared office ($200-$600/month), or leased space ($1,000-$3,000/month). Start virtual if you can, to reduce overhead.
  2. Set up a professional email. Use your domain (e.g., you@yourfirm.com). Google Workspace costs $6-$18/user/month. Avoid free Gmail for client communications.
  3. Get a dedicated phone line. Use a VoIP service like RingCentral ($20-$35/month) or Grasshopper ($28-$80/month). Separate business and personal calls.
  4. Invest in practice management software. Clio ($39-$99/user/month) or MyCase ($49-$99/user/month) help with case management, billing, and client intake. Start with one to stay organized.
  5. Set up document management. Use Dropbox Business ($20/user/month) or Google Drive (free with Workspace). Organize files by client and matter.
  6. Secure your data. Use a VPN ($5-$12/month) and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. Consider cyber liability insurance ($500-$2,000/year).

4. Marketing and Branding

  1. Create a basic website. Use Squarespace ($16-$49/month) or Wix ($17-$49/month). Include your practice areas, contact info, and a simple intake form. A professional site builds credibility.
  2. Claim your Google Business Profile. It is free and helps you appear in local searches. Add your address, hours, and phone number. Ask clients for reviews.
  3. Set up a LinkedIn profile. Connect with other attorneys and potential referral sources. Post weekly about legal updates in your niche.
  4. Develop a referral network. Contact other solo attorneys and professionals like accountants. Offer to refer clients in areas you do not handle. Referrals are a top source of business.
  5. Create a client intake process. Use a simple form on your website or a tool like Lawmatics ($99-$300/month). Capture contact info, case details, and conflicts check.

5. Financial Management

  1. Set your billing rates. Research local rates for your practice area. Solo rates range from $200-$500/hour, depending on market and experience. Consider flat fees for simple matters.
  2. Implement a billing system. Use your practice management software to send invoices and accept credit cards. Payment processing fees are 2.5%-3.5% per transaction.
  3. Create a budget for startup costs. Typical first-year expenses: insurance ($5,000), software ($2,000), marketing ($3,000), office ($6,000), and bar dues ($500). Total: $15,000-$25,000.
  4. Open a retirement account. Consider a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k). You can contribute up to $69,000 (2026 limit) as both employer and employee. This reduces taxable income.
  5. Plan for taxes. Set aside 25%-30% of income for federal and state taxes. Pay quarterly estimated taxes using Form 1040-ES. Use accounting software to track.

FAQ

Q: How much capital do I need to start a solo practice? A: Plan for $15,000-$25,000 to cover insurance, software, marketing, and office costs for the first six months. Many attorneys start with less by using a virtual office and free tools.

Q: Do I need malpractice insurance right away? A: Yes. Even if you have no clients, you need coverage from day one. It protects you from claims that may arise from prior work or early cases. Costs start around $3,000/year.

Q: Can I start with a home office? A: Yes, but check your state bar rules and zoning laws. You can use a home office to save money, but you need a separate business phone line and a professional mailing address.

Q: How long does it take to get clients? A: It varies, but most solos see their first paying client within 1-3 months. Networking and referrals are the fastest ways to get business. Online marketing takes longer, often 6-12 months.

The bottom line

Starting a solo practice requires careful planning, but this checklist gives you a clear path. Focus on the legal and financial foundations first, then build your marketing and operations. Use realistic numbers to budget, and do not overspend on office space or software. With discipline and persistence, you can build a successful solo practice. Start with the first item today, and work through the list in order.