Four Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Law Firm
No doubt, buying a law firm is one of the biggest decisions an attorney could ever have to make. As such, it is crucial to make sure the final choice is the right one. Whether you are purchasing a law practice to expand your client base or provide extra services, here are a few things you need to take into account before signing the deal.
The firm’s culture
Before purchasing a law firm, one critical thing to ask yourself is whether the existing culture is a good fit for you. Notably, different firms have unique cultures based on factors such as the target market and the services they offer. Look at the defining aspects, including employee turnover and marketing tactics. This will help you determine whether the firm’s culture is compatible with your ideals. It is advisable to use the due diligence period to study the culture of your target law practice.
Timing
Purchasing a new law firm comes with new responsibilities. Therefore, you have an obligation to assess your team’s capacity to take on more roles and the hassle that comes with it. Ideally, check your capability to transition into more workload and whether you have the right skills in-house to carry out these responsibilities.
Documented transition plan
You do not want to buy a law firm without a clear and tangible plan of how you are going to operate it. Regardless of whether you are buying a firm you are a member of or it’s an outside purchase, it is important to have a documented plan of the transition, specifically on goals and how you are going to run it henceforth. In other words, ensure you develop benchmarks of being a successful law firm owner.
Price
Determining the value of a firm can be a challenge, especially if you do not have the right knowledge to do so. Typically, prices tend to vary depending on factors such as practice cash flow and age of the law firm. Make sure to review every important document so as not to spend more than you should. While here, consider hiring an expert to help you make a more informed decision in regard to price. Buying a law firm is undoubtedly a significant step in every attorney’s career. It is imperative to consider all integral factors to make a purchase that you will never regret. Filejet strives to help individuals and entities as well to maintain legal information through the use of automated and secure technology. Contact us for more information about our services.
