Funded by a generous grant from the State Bar of Texas Section of Litigation and named the 2002-2003 Best Service Project to the Bar by the American Bar Association-Young Lawyers Division, Hangin' Out Your Shingle is designed to assist lawyers who are contemplating starting their own law practice.

The program, which is comprised of a book and a 40-minute video, provides good ideas on how to run your practice smoothly and reviews some of the soul-searching issues facing lawyers when they start their own practice.

The 40-minute video is designed to assist lawyers who are contemplating starting their own law practice. Many lawyers just look at the upside of starting their own practice and never consider reality. Many lawyers may be excellent in their legal field but may not understand what is involved in running their own business. The video provides good ideas on how to run your practice smoothly as well as overviewing some of the soul-searching issues facing lawyers when they are considering starting their own practice.

This 40-minute video is about Joe Botts, a young lawyer who teamed up with his old buddy Calloway Brigman and started their own firm, Brigman and Botts. However, as this video shows, "the grass ain't always greener on the other side." Joe and Calloway did not listen to sound advice, formed their firm and opened the doors. Needless to say, Joe and Calloway have their share of problems in running their new firm. Joe's "Voice of Reason" invades his psyche and helps him fix the problems he has at his office.

The video covers the following six areas; (1) Should I Stay or Should I Go; (2) Client Development; (3) Office Logistics & Layout; (4) Hiring and Supervising Staff; (5) Work Product; and (6) Getting Paid.

This video is a must for anyone contemplating starting their own practice. Even if you already started your own firm, this is a good reminder of how firms should run. Click here to contact TYLA to request a copy of this video.

Look for Hanging Out Your Shingle: Things to Consider Before Starting Your Practice at a TYLA office near you! Click here to view the Video