It’s already difficult, as it is, for new lawyers coming out of law school to work their way up. There’s no shortage of competition from their peers who also want to join reputable firms and a lack of funding and resources, should they wish to establish their own firms. You also have to consider how the economic and social climate will affect your opportunities to practice. Is it possible to build your private practice during unfavorable circumstances?

This episode’s guest is Attorney Sara Lincoln of Lincoln Derr, and she shares her story on how she started her own firm even during the economic downturn in 1993, a time when firms weren’t hiring. Despite growing expenses, she was able to slowly build her practice with the help of the solo practitioners with whom she shared office space. 

She talks about some strategies that have worked for her in generating leads. The biggest was building relationships early on, by being active in the local bar and proactive in taking on extra cases from other attorneys. Put yourself front and center and be involved in spaces outside of the area of law in which you practice.

Networking is necessary, as well, if you want to generate referral resources, particularly if you’re in the litigation space. You can also take advantage of online marketing, especially in today’s day and age.

Ultimately, for Attorney Lincoln, you have to first do a good job at practicing the law, so that you build a positive reputation with others. Demonstrating that you are a competent lawyer lets your colleagues know that you are someone that they can trust their own clients to.

You can connect with Sara Lincoln and find out more about Lincoln Derr at www.lincolnderr.com.

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