Don't Get Over Your Head in Overhead

If you're reading up on how to open your own law office, you will see advice to keep your overhead to a minimum. Take that advice seriously.

When I rented my office space, I spent about $600 more per month than I ideally wanted to. But the space was so nice, you see. It looked so professional. And it had a separate conference room. So in addition to the higher rent, I also spent around $2000 on a conference table and chairs.

All of this would have been fine if I had been able to generate more traffic into the office. As it is, I figure that conference room furniture cost about $100 per client or client prospect that has actually sat in the conference room, and right now I really wish my bank account had the extra $18,000 I've paid in rent these last 30 months.

And I don't think the "professionalism" of my office helped me sign a single client.

By all means, start with shared space or a sublease if at all possible. Home office, even better.