How to Start and Build a Law Practice

by Jay G. Foonberg

A Classic ABA Bestseller, you'll find 128 chapters packed with techniques for getting started, finding clients and the right location, setting fees, managing your office, maintaining an ethical responsible practice, mazimizing availabe resources.

Genres: Law, Nonfiction, Reference, Legal, Business

625 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.