what to call a law firm with only one lawyer

• Solo Law Firms. As the name suggests, solo law firms are run by a single lawyer. ...
• Small Law Firms. Small law firms, also referred to as "boutique" law firms, generally employ from two to ten attorneys -- often allowing the lawyers an opportunity to collaborate with ...
• Large Law Firms. Large law firms, also known as "full-service" firms, can range in size from several dozens of lawyers and employees, to several thousands of employees including lawyers, paralegals, ...
• Litigation vs. Transactional Law Firms. Law firms are sometimes broken down by the type of legal services they offer. ...
• Criminal Law Firms. Law firms specializing in criminal defense against crimes such as securities fraud, DUI and other crimes often focus on representing private clients who can afford their own ...
• Law Firms by Practice Area. In addition to size, location, and type of practice, law firms can be broken down by legal topic area.

Full Answer

What do you call a law practice with one lawyer?

What do you call a law practice with one lawyer? All the power, not all the cost. Amazon EC2 instances powered by AMD EPYC™ provide your compute workloads with the performance they need. A “one-man band” law practice is properly called a solo practice.

What is a law firm?

A law firm is a business entity formed by one or more lawyers to engage in the practice of law.

Can you have a law firm name with another law firm?

If you happen to share an office with another lawyer but have not actually partnered with them to form a law firm, don’t use a name that sounds like you are practicing law with them. As always, be sure to check your jurisdiction’s law firm naming rules as every state has different rules.

What does it mean when a lawyer is called a counsel?

The title is often seen among former associates who do not make partner, or who are laterally recruited to other firms, or who work as in-house counsel and then return to the big firm environment. At some firms, the title "of counsel" is given to retired partners who maintain ties to the firm.

What is the single owner of a law firm called?

Law Firm Partners Often called shareholders, they are owners and operators of the firm at the same time. The law firm can take many forms and structures. Firms with just one attorney are called sole proprietorships.

What are the four types of large law firms?

Four types of large law firms exist: local, regional, national, and interna- tional.

What do you mean by boutique law firm?

The definition of a boutique law firm varies. However, a boutique law firm is typically a small law firm of under 20 attorneys. In addition to being small in size, boutique firms usually offer legal services in select or niche practice areas.

What are the two types of lawyers called?

A: When talking about two main types of lawyers, we're actually referring to criminal law professionals. These are prosecutors and defense attorneys. While prosecutors represent the state, defense attorneys represent people accused by the state.

What is small law firm?

Most attorneys in private practice are employed by small law firms, defined as those with fewer than 20 lawyers. The majority work in even smaller firms. Almost half of all lawyers in private practice are solo practitioners.

What are the different levels of law firms?

The career progression for a private practice lawyer will usually go from summer clerk (while in your penultimate year of law school), to graduate lawyer, to associate, to senior associate, to partner. The highest level a lawyer can achieve in private practice is a senior equity partner.

What does niche law firm mean?

Having a niche practice means that an attorney, practice group, or firm has honed in on a narrow specialty within a larger practice. Our favorite definition of the word niche is “a place to stand,” and that is a good way to think of developing a niche law practice.

Should I go to a boutique law firm?

If you have a certain specialty, the best place for you to practice is often going to be a boutique law firm due to the boutique's strength in that practice area. In fact, some boutiques have such good reputations, pricing power, and access to important work that the best choice for your practice often is a boutique.

What is a boutique IP firm?

Boutique IP firms typically specialize in a more focused niche area of law, and sometimes serve only a specific client profile. For example, my firm (Henry Patent Law Firm) handles only patent prosecution and IP agreements for tech companies.

What are the 4 types of lawyers?

Bankruptcy Lawyer. Bankruptcy lawyers are experts in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and handle insolvency issues for individuals or corporations. ... Business Lawyer (Corporate Lawyer) ... Constitutional Lawyer. ... Criminal Defense Lawyer. ... Employment and Labor Lawyer. ... 6. Entertainment Lawyer. ... Estate Planning Lawyer. ... Family Lawyer.More items...

Are lawyers and attorneys the same thing?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

What is difference between advocate and attorney?

An advocate is a specialist attorney who represents clients in a court of law. Unlike an attorney an advocate does not deal directly with the client – the attorney will refer the client to an advocate when the situation requires it. Advocates can also appear in the higher courts on behalf of a client.

What is solo law?

As the name suggests, solo law firms are run by a single lawyer. These "solo practitioners" typically handle general legal matters on a variety of topics -- ranging from personal injury law to family law, but may also specialize in one particular area of law, like patent law. There are several benefits to working with a solo law firm, especially if you have a single legal issue to resolve or if you are looking at ways to reduce costs. Generally, solo law practices are less expensive than their larger legal counterparts, and they often have the flexibility to hire outside staff such as paralegals and legal experts - to help lower costs and/or assist with special tasks. They can also provide more one-on-one personal attention since the attorney would be working on your case usually single-handedly.

What is criminal defense?

Law firms specializing in criminal defense against crimes such as securities fraud, DUI and other crimes often focus on representing private clients who can afford their own criminal defense attorney (as opposed to being represented by a public defender.) A person facing criminal charges will often hire a criminal defense lawyer to assist them in all stages of the criminal process to help reduce the serious penalties often associated with criminal charges.

Do lawyers cross practice areas?

Lawyers typically do not cross over practice areas within a law firm, however. For instance, lawyers who are trained to represent clients in court hearing and at trials typically stay within this type of practice for the duration of their career.

Do solo law firms have experience?

On the other hand, solo law firms may lack extensive experience or resources - especially if the attorney is a recent law graduated who recently decided to "hand up their shingle" or has limited access to fee based legal resources and data.

How many associates are required for a lawyer?

It is unclear from that opinion and Rule 7.1 (a) whether the use of the term ‘associates’ means that the lawyer must have at least one associate, or at least two associates in order not to be ‘misleading.’. Similarly, many solo practitioners use the ‘John Doe Law Office’ or ‘Law Offices of John Doe’ appellation.

Does John Doe have a lawyer?

The Disciplinary Commission is of the opinion that the firm name, “John Doe & Associates” would lead the public to believe that John Doe has at least one other attorney associated with him in the practice of law. However, if the attorney has only one associate, the Disciplinary Commission is of the opinion that it is not necessary to restrict ...

Can a sole practitioner use the name John Doe Law Firm?

The Disciplinary Commission is further of the opinion that the names “John Doe Law Firm” and “John Doe Law Office” may be used by a sole practitioner without misleading the public as to the size of the firm or the number of attorneys employed. [1993-11]

Can an attorney have only one associate?

However, if the attorney has only one associate, the Disciplinary Commission is of the opinion that it is not necessary to restrict the name to the singular in order to avoid misleading the public. Whether a lawyer who does not presently employ other lawyers can claim that he normally employs one or more associates depends upon how long ...

What should a law firm name convey?

The law firm name that you choose needs to do many things. It needs to convey: Trustworthiness; Prestige; Experience; These are a very minimum set of starting points. You obviously don’t want to name your firm “The Trustworthy, Prestigious and Experienced Law Firm.”. In most cases, your name will convey this.

What is the decision to name a law firm?

The decision of what to name a law firm is something that can have far-reaching impact on the attorney or attorneys in the firm. It can impact everything from the obvious marketing, to the less obvious attracting and hiring good staff, to the nearly intangible things that can make or break a practice such as client control ...

How does a law firm's name affect the public?

Your firm’s name can impact the public’s perception of your practice. It can also affect internal morale and dynamics. For that reason, give careful thought to the name you choose. As part of the law firm naming process, you should also make sure that the name you choose is available to register as a domain name.

What is an associate law firm?

The “& Associates” part is a matter of some debate when it comes to naming a law firm. Most non-lawyers don’t know that the term “associate” typically refers to another licensed attorney. The term also has some negative connotations.

Is it all about you to name your law firm?

It’s Not All About You. When it comes to naming your law firm, it’s often hard to put ego aside. If there are two or more partners or firm owners, it may help to bring in an outside uninterested 3rd party who can mediate any ego or taste clashes between partners. Be sure to watch out for traps that may be hidden.

Is a law firm's name easy to spell?

Your law firm’s name should be easy to spell. If you have a name that is difficult to spell, you might take that fact into consideration. Referrals and referral sources may not know the exact spelling of your name, and that may make it difficult for them to find you and your firm.

What is included in a living attorney?

Includes the name of a living attorney who was never associated with your firm or any of its predecessors. Includes the name of someone who isn’t a lawyer (see Rule 5.7 for rules regarding associated non-legal services) Includes the name of a charitable legal services or public organization.

What is a trade name?

For those that don’t deal with business or trademark law, a “trade name” is basically just a name that you use to identify your services to consumers. This is opposed to your “legal name,” which should include some indicator of what your business entity is.

Is your law firm's name part of your advertising?

As with anything related to advertising your law firm to the public (and your name is certainly part of your advertising) – consult your local ethics rules. Since most of these are based on the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, let’s see what it has to say about law firm names.

Can you use the same name in two jurisdictions?

If you’ve got more than one office in different jurisdictions, you can use the same name in both jurisdictions. However, if there’s only one office, I wouldn’t choose a name with something like “The Law Offices of John Smith,” because it implies multiple offices and multiple attorneys (see #4 below). If you’re a solo, don’t choose ...

What is the best way to name a law firm?

If you’d like to get some professional help with deciding how to name a law firm, you can use a law firm branding consultant. A professional branding consultant help you develop a law firm brand and name that’s right for you, your clients, and your business.

How to choose a law firm name?

Narrow down options for your law firm name. Some tips for doing this: 1 Sort your options into 3 different categories. Category 1 is the winning category made up of the top contenders. Category 3 names are the ones that are fun but may not be entirely suitable for your business. Category 2 names are the in-betweens—promising but not as good as those in Category 1. 2 Avoid unintended meanings. Keep in mind that people may shorten your law firm’s name to an acronym, so make sure your law firm’s acronym remains professional. The last thing you want is to realize, at the last minute, that your law firm’s name reads “BOO” for short. While these may sound funny, it’s probably not something you want your law firm to be known for. 3 Double-check your state bar rules. Since different jurisdictions have varying rules, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 4 When you have finalized the law firm names in Category 1, check the following: What are the cultural and geographical meanings of these names? Are the acronyms appropriate? Can these names be used as your law firm grows? Do these names fit your law firm brand?

How long should I brainstorm a law firm name?

The brainstorming process can be a joy—whether you can spare an afternoon or just 30 minutes to focus on coming up with law firm name ideas based on the law firm naming conventions and methods mentioned above. For example, you can set aside 30 minutes to brainstorm. Narrow down options for your law firm name.

What is the ABA model rule of professional conduct?

The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Model Rule of Professional Conduct Rule 7.5 originally outlined the law firm naming rules you need to follow (The rule was deleted in 2018, but exists as enacted in many state implementations of the rules):

What is the importance of a law firm name?

A law firm name gives potential clients a first impression of the business, and it also plays a key role in your law firm’s brand and marketing strategy. In addition, it can play a significant role in determining how easily prospects and clients remember your law firm.

How to make a law firm?

2. Add your practice area. Adding your practice area can let potential clients know right away how you can help them, or if you’re the right law firm for them. However, consider if you may expand your practice areas in the future as naming your firm this way may be limiting. 3. Make it clear that you are a law firm.

What is a category 1 name?

Category 1 is the winning category made up of the top contenders. Category 3 names are the ones that are fun but may not be entirely suitable for your business. Category 2 names are the in-betweens—promising but not as good as those in Category 1. Avoid unintended meanings.

What is the most important thing about a law firm's name?

Ultimately, one of the most important attributes of a law firm’s name is its distinctiveness.

What is descriptive law firm name?

Studies have shown that generally speaking, descriptive law firm names are more likely to resonate with the millennial generation. This is important to note, as millennials are increasingly coming into leadership positions in corporate organizations. These names can also offer some unique branding opportunities. They can instantly inform prospective clients about the firm’s practice areas, which, in some cases, can provide a distinct advantage over the more-traditional naming options.

Why do law firms need to be branded?

Increasingly, new (and existing) law firms are hiring branding agencies to help them build corporate identities. They want to connect with their target clientele and create a brand that communicates their firm’s goals and values.

Can a law firm trademark a name?

Just like other businesses, law firms can and should obtain federal trademark registrations for their business names . The one major exception to this is that surnames generally are not eligible for trademark protection, absent proof of acquired distinctiveness or “secondary meaning.” But, if you are able to register your law firm’s name as a trademark, you can market your firm’s new name with confidence. You can also mitigate the risk of other firms using confusingly-similar names to compete for clients.

Do lawyers use their names?

As long as law firms have been in existence, many lawyers have preferred to simply use their names. Recently, some firms have taken a more brand-oriented approach by adopting descriptive or suggestive terms as their names.

Is it bad to use attorney names?

1. Using Attorney Names or Surnames. Using attorney names or surnames is a time-tested approach that remains in widespread use. While it may be considered “tradition al,” this is not necessarily a bad thing, even in today’s fast-paced market.

What is a member of a law firm called?

Depending on the legal structure of the firm, they might be called "Members" or "Shareholders.". While law firms often have a "Managing Partner" who runs the operations of the firm, most firms do not typically use the more corporate-style language of "CEO" or "President.". Associates: Lawyers who are employed by a firm, but who aren't owners, ...

What is an associate lawyer?

Associates: Lawyers who are employed by a firm, but who aren't owners, are usually called "associates.". Associates can be excellent lawyers, but typically have less experience than the partners of the firm. Much of their work will be reviewed by partners, and they may have very little personal contact with clients for their first few years at ...

What is a receptionist in a law firm?

He or she is the firm's initial contact with the outside world, and generally answers phones and greets clients at the door . Some receptionists double as paralegals or legal assistants, depending on the nature of the law firm.

What is a law clerk?

Law clerks: Law clerks are ordinarily current law students working at a firm for academic credit, or for a small amount of money. Clerks will do legal research and otherwise assist lawyers in preparing cases and working on other law-related matters. Like associates, firms will bill out clerks at a much lower rate than partners.

What is a legal assistant?

Legal assistants: This is a catchall term that is sometimes used by law firms to describe anyone in a law office who assists attorneys in working on legal matters. It may include paralegals, legal secretaries, and other support staff.

What is the law office hierarchy?

Typically, the law office hierarchy can include any of the following people: Partners: People commonly refer to the owners of a law firm as being the "partners.". Partners are usually the most experienced lawyers in a firm and, consequently, they charge the highest fees and receive a share of the overall profits.

What kind of investigators do law firms hire?

Investigators: Depending on the type of law they practice, some law firms will hire their own investigators who investigate background facts on a case. This is particularly common in criminal or personal injury practices.

Step One – Learn The Rules

Step Two – Brainstorming Some Solo Law Firm Names

Step Three – Making Sure Your Name Is Free to Use

• Don’t start printing up business cards just yet! First, you should do a clearance search on your proposed name. As a trademark attorney, I do this kind of thing all the time for clients. The initial step is to come up with more than 1 name. I generally suggest 5-10, but do your best. You don’t want to fall in love with one, just to see that someone...

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Step Four – Get The Domain

What’s Next?