72 The Alabama Lawyer 380 (2011). Best Resources for Starting A New Practice from the PMAP.

• Author: By Laura A. Calloway

Alabama Lawyer

2011.

72 The Alabama Lawyer 380 (2011).

Best Resources for Starting A New Practice from the PMAP

Best Resources for Starting A New Practice from the PMAPBy Laura A. CallowayAlabama State Bar Practice Management Assistance Program

The Alabama State Bar's Practice Management Assistance Program (PMAP) is designed to act as a clearinghouse for information on the four major areas of modern law practice operations: finance, management, marketing and technology. We can help point you to resources that will be useful as you make the decision or move forward with opening a new law practice.

One of the major ways that the PMAP delivers information is through a free checkout library. The following books and materials are especially useful to lawyers who are thinking about starting a new firm.

Featured Books and Materials for New Start-ups

The Lawyer's Guide to Creating a Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Software Package-2008 Edition by Linda Pinson (ABA-2008)

Automate Your Business Plan has been used for years by thousands in the business world to generate comprehensive, effective business plans. Now, Linda Pinson has revised and adapted this award-winning software specifically for lawyers. It's a complete, easy-to-use Windows®-based software package that will help you research and write a winning business plan for a new or existing law firm. The step-by-step, stand-alone program assumes you know nothing about writing a business plan. Create your entire plan while the program sets up and formulates all your financial spreadsheets and does all your calculations for you. The end result is a professional business plan that will be easily digested by potential partners and investors. Also included with the software, in PDF format, is Anatomy of a Business Plan, an award-winning book that has helped over one million new business owners to date.

The Essential Formbook: Comprehensive Management Tools for Lawyers by Gary A. Munneke and Anthony E. Davis (ABA-2000)

This four-volume set contains almost anything you'd like to know about law firm management. Volume 1 contains partnership and organizational agreements and client intake and fee agreements. Volume 2 covers human resources and fees, billing and collection. Volume 3 has information on calendar, docket and file management and law firm financial analysis, and Volume 4 covers disaster planning, risk management and professional liability insurance.

How to Start and Build a Law Practice, 5th Edition by Jay Foonberg (ABA-2004)

This is a revised and updated guide for lawyers who wish to start a new practice or bring purpose and re-impose order on an existing one. This useful work has sections on getting started, getting located, getting equipped, getting clients, setting fees, managing the law office, ethics and professional responsibility, resources and advice, and quality of life.

How to Build and Manage series

How to Build and Manage an Employment Law Practice by Mindy Farber (ABA-2007)

Written in a direct and accessible style, this guide instills 20 years of experience into the essentials that every employment lawyer needs to know. You'll avoid the most common mistakes that plague startup practices, and obtain valuable advice that can help you at every stage of your practice's growth. The book covers practically every situation you may encounter in setting up and maintaining an employment law practice. It contains samples of the most common letters (including demand letters), forms, interrogatories, the EEOC charging document, and other legal documents specific to employment law and starting a practice.

How to Build and Manage an Entertainment Law Practice by Gary Greenburg (ABA-2001)

This one offers practical suggestions on how to get your foot in the door; get properly set up, network and market yourself to prospective clients; keep your clients happy; avoid mistakes; and effectively manage your time. Sample forms such as retainer and fee letters, conflict-of-interest waiver, office and computer configurations and more are included.

How to Build and Manage an Estates Practice by Daniel B. Evans (ABA-2008)

Specifically tailored to the unique needs of the estates and trusts lawyers, this updated second edition focuses on making your practice better. Written as a "book of ideas," you'll find guidance on marketing, effective client communications, fee agreements and ethics, including the updates to the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The author, a veteran attorney, highlights constructive ways to apply ideas that have worked for him to your own practice.

How to Build and Manage a Family Law Practice by Mark A. Chinn (ABA-2006)

A must-read for any family lawyer, this book helps you understand the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to build and manage a successful and rewarding practice.

This helpful guide, the sixth in the popular "practice building" series, takes a no-nonsense...