how to start a legal business without being a lawyer

1. Know the Laws That Exists In Your Country. If you must start up a law firm, you must first know the law that exists in the country or state ...
2. Seek Legal Partners. As a non-lawyer who wants to dabble into the legal business, one of the first steps you must take would be to seek partnership with lawyers.
3. Choose a Name for Your Company. No business could possibly exist professionally without a name. ...
4. Define Your Niche. There are various specializations in law; there is the Maritime law, Criminal Law, Industrial Law, civil law and a host of others.
5. Choose a Location. Choosing a location for your business is as important as the name you give your business. ...
Register Your Company. Now that you probably have a name for your business, it is time to do a proper documentation of it. ...
Get an Office Facility. Although you can start a law firm from your house like some folks do, it is always advisable to separate business of this nature from ...
Furnish and Equip Your Office. Depending on your financial strength, there are basic equipment and furniture that are required in an ideal law firm.
Hire Competent Hands. As a non-lawyer going into law business, it means that you might have some form of restriction on your level of involvement in the day to ...

Full Answer

How to start a law firm as a non-lawyer?

As a non-lawyer who wants to dabble into the legal business, one of the first steps you must take would be to seek partnership with lawyers. In starting up a Law firm, it is very expedient to have core professional lawyers to be part of the ownership of the firm.

Do you have to be a lawyer to work in law?

The legal career is an often difficult but rewarding life choice, but many believe you have to go to law school and become a lawyer to work in law. The truth is, there are many roles within the legal sphere that don’t require you to be a lawyer, and many more legal jobs that you need not go to law school for.

Can an individual own a law firm?

You cannot in any way own a law firm. You cannot in any way mislead the public into believing you are a law firm. You have to clearly and identify in what capacity you are representing any potential clients. There are quite a number of companies presently drafting documents for individuals in this capacity.

Can a paralegal own a law firm?

Nearly all of these "Paralegal" strip-mall storefronts violate the Code. A non-attorney cannot own a law firm or have a stake in a law firm. The only practical exceptions are when someone "inherits" a business/law firm, but every attempt has to be made to immediately transfer or sale the business to an attorney.

What type of business does not require an attorney to set up?

A sole proprietorship is the simplest business form. It doesn't require that you register your business with your state, so no, you probably don't need an attorney to start this type of business.

What makes a business legal?

If you form a corporation, you need a proper shareholder agreement and articles of incorporation. If you form an LLC, you will need articles of organization and an LLC operating agreement. You also need designated legal counsel to make sure the agreements and articles are sound.

What are the 4 types of business?

What Are the Four Types of Business Structures?Sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is the most common type of business structure. ... Partnership. ... Limited liability company. ... Corporation.

Can I start a business without registering it?

To operate a business without registration you need a current account. Now to open the current account, the bank will ask you for any government registration. The government registration can be MSME registration, Shop & establishment registration or GST registration.

Why do lawyers work in the field?

Most attorneys enter the field because they want to make the world a better place and use the law to protect the rights of people who cannot protect themselves. For many, the field of law is a calling, and most lawyers adhere to a very strict set of ethics when working with clients.

What is the legal industry?

Aside from the niche that is well-known with the legal industry which basically deals with standing in for clients, there are a lot of other niches that can be implemented in this industry, which can really pave a way for any law firm starting up.

How much revenue does the legal services industry generate?

Only in 2013, the legal services industry in the United States generated 256.66 billion U.S. dollars in revenue according to Statistics. By 2018, this revenue is expected to increase to approximately 288 billion. Industry revenue has increased year-on-year since the 2009 global recession.

What is the duty of law firms?

While legal matters cannot be handled in isolation, it is the duty of law firms to liaise with one another, and relevant government authorities if need be to speed up the dispensation of justice in the country. 23. Tips for Running a Law Firm Successfully.

What are the threats to a law firm?

Generally in the legal industry, both the already established law firms and start – up law firms are subject to threat and challenges from government policies, global economic downturn which usually affects spending and unforeseen natural disasters (disasters that may cause setback).

Why is the legal industry important?

The legal industry is one of the industries that is highly regulated so as to prevent costly malpractices that can jeopardise the dispensation of justice in any country. It is for this reason that if you are looking towards beginning a law firm, then you should acquire certain certifications; that will give you edge amongst your competitors. The truth is that, the more relevant legal certifications that you and your team have, the easier it is for you to convince people to patronize your services.

What was the leading law firm in 2013?

Interesting Statistics About the Industry. In terms of gross revenue, the leading law firm in 2013 was DLA Piper. Headquartered in London and Chicago, the firm was formed in 2005 by a merger of three law firms and has locations in more than 30 countries around the world.

How long does it take to become a solicitor?

It is now possible to become a solicitor via the solicitor apprenticeship route. This is a six-year programme where you will receive paid work while you learn and which results in qualification as a solicitor.

What is a legal executive?

A Legal Executive decides to specialise in one area of the law, becoming an expert in that field only. This is different to a trainee solicitor who will be required to train and practice across at least 3 different areas (one area must be contentious). Legal Executives must adhere to a strict code of conduct and are required to complete a lot ...

What is a barrister clerk?

A Barristers Clerk is an invaluable asset to any barrister. The Clerk will organise the workload and day-to-day business that occurs in the Barrister’s office, known as a chamber. A Clerk will speak to solicitors to take instructions for a barrister and will organise invoices and payment.

What is the job of a legal secretary?

Some of the tasks of a Legal Secretary are to organise and maintain the filing systems, liaise with clients, organise meetings and calendars and typing and preparing legal documents. Legal Secretary roles are extremely varied and they are key players in any law practice.

What is legal field?

The legal field is a stable and intellectually stimulating sector in the UK that can make a huge difference to people’s lives. Regardless of your role, working in the legal field can be exciting and rewarding and has the ability to change peoples’ lives for the better. It is for these reasons that it is becoming increasingly popular ...

What is Chartered Legal Executive?

A Chartered Legal Executive is able to undertake most of the same responsibilities as a solicitor.

How to become a mediator?

To become a mediator, you need to have a calm temperament and be prepared to listen. You’ll usually need a higher education qualification or up to 5 years’ relevant work experience in: law. social work. counselling. therapy or education. A degree is not essential but can be beneficial.

Why do lawyers rely on jury consultants?

Lawyers rely on jury consultants to gain a winning edge in high-stakes jury trials. These consultants provide insight into juror behavior, and they help attorneys craft arguments and trial themes designed to persuade jurors.

How much does a paralegal charge?

Paralegal services are typically billed at 25% to 50% of an attorney's hourly rate. Many paralegals perform the same services an attorney does, but paralegals are prohibited from giving legal advice or negotiating fees for services when they don't have law degrees.

What is LSP in law?

The increased automation of legal processes has also spawned another occupation in the field of law: the litigation support professional (LSP). This cutting-edge profession combines the legal knowledge of paralegals with the technical skills of information technology professionals.

Can a non-lawyer own a law firm?

A non-attorney cannot own a law firm or have a stake in a law firm. The only practical exceptions are when someone "inherits" a business/law firm, but every attempt has to be made to immediately transfer or sale the business to an attorney.

Is it illegal to practice law in California without a license?

Offering legal services, especially legal advice, without a valid California license to practice law is the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) and it is illegal, potentially exposing one to both criminal and civil liability. Now with that said, there are currently many shades of gray here and the line between illegal UPL and legal service offerings is now...