Opening a New Law Firm

While having an office is beneficial for client meetings, if you can avoid this cost, at least initially, it will make a huge difference to your bottom line and the start-up capital you will require. This allows you to focus your energies and budget on critical items like a marketing plan, necessary technology and support staff. If practicing from your home, you need dedicated “work” space that is distinct from your “living” space – not only to preserve your mental health but also to meet the ethical requirements of safeguarding client information. 

This differentiation may also be important for tax purposes. We recommend you review the Canada Revenue Agency website, including the Business-use-of-home expenses resource, for further information on the possibility of deducting expenses for the business use of a workspace in your home. 

You should also consider whether you want to meet with clients in your home. If you do plan to meet with clients where you live, make sure you have a dedicated space for meetings that is clean and presentable. You don’t want your clients to see a plate from breakfast or a pile of dirty clothes in the corner. You’ll also want to improve curb appeal to make a good impression. At minimum, cut your grass in the summer and keep the sidewalk clear in the winter. Also think about parking space and give your clients clear instructions. You want your clients to leave your home with legal advice, not a parking ticket.

Security may also be a concern. If you have security concerns with a client, you should make arrangements to meet them outside your home. In any event, make sure that you take proper security measures, including locking your door and using a security system. 

Finally, if you plan to work from home, consider the possibility of professional isolation. It can be lonely and isolating to work on your own, and this is especially so if you are working from home. Be proactive and think about how you can mitigate loneliness before it starts to affect you. The nice thing about being your own boss is that you can take time out of the day to grab lunch or a coffee with a colleague or a friend, attend a fitness class or lunch-and-learn, or just take a few minutes out of your day to refresh and recharge at a time that works for you.