• If you are considering starting a practice, there are supports available to help you with planning and getting set up.

• Setting up in self-employment requires an enormous amount of commitment and desire.

• Be honest with yourself about a range of issues including your knowledge, your financial status and the personal qualities that you will bring with you into the business.

Writing a business plan

An effective business plan outlines why a business is being set up, where it will go and how it will get there.

• The business plan should tell a compelling story about the proposed business, providing clear, easy-to access information on ‘what, why, who, when, where and how’.

• The plan should define specific business objectives and goals and should also outline general parameters that will guide the organisation.

• The plan should ideally provide forecasts of revenue and financial projections that are all credible.

• The plan should be an evolving, ever-developing document that is continually updated.

If you wish to open your own practice, ensure that you meet the requirements of the Law Society.

Resources

In this section we have provided you with helpful explainer information for you in the areas of:

• thinking of setting up in practice

• writing a business plan

• library booklist, and

• practitioners' experiences

Business plan

• Fill out a Practice Support Business Plan template
• Setting up in Practice leaflet
• Setting up a partnership leaflet
• Limited Liability Partnerships – Legal Services Regulatory Authority

Guidance and ethics

• Solicitors' Guide to Setting up in practice

Library booklists

• Business Skills for lawyers
• Running a Solicitors' Practice

Information sessions

• Setting up in Practice - Practitioner Experiences   
• Setting up Practice – Regulatory Requirements 

Contact

For more information, email practicesupport@lawsociety.ie.