Got what it takes to start a law firm? Take this quiz

Scaling / April 19, 2013 / lbenetton

Do you have what it takes to start your own law firm?

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve already taken that leap. But did you do it right out of school, saddled with a massive debt load and insecurity about your job prospects?

That’s what legal technology evangelist Dan Pinnington challenges readers of Slaw, Canada’s leading blog for the legal profession, to consider. He quoted parts of this LAWPRO Magazine article that explores what it takes to develop a satisfying career in law. Pinnington noted 7 of the article’s 20 tips, and he made sure to point out #5, “Are you ready for sole practice?”

Tip #5 is a gut check, a page-length, 40-point quiz based on a checklist of what it takes to tough it out as a one-person law firm. The quiz covers everything from getting clients through personal business skills (as the criteria are listed) and even covers “intangibles,” stuff you can’t learn from books.

The intro to the quiz offers this:

As a solo, it’s great to have the freedom that comes with being your own boss, but you also have full responsibility for all aspects of the operation of your law practice.

Yes, this is a startup, just like any other business. It’s time to take stock of what you didn’t learn in law school, and figure out just how quickly you can learn it.

Try taking the quiz, even if you’re established in your practice or you work for somebody else. Heck, take the quiz even if you don’t practice law!

If it isn’t too nosy of us to ask: what was your score?

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