How to Start a Law Firm | Highrise Review

If you haven't started your law firm yet, I'll let you in on a little secret. The hard part isn't getting started, the hard part is managing the firm when you start to get really busy. And, I'll be honest with you, if you do the stuff that I've been talking about here, particularly with respect to law firm internet marketing, you will be busy.

See, when you start to get busy, then you have to be organized. You have to have a system in place to make sure you don't forget anything. And, trust me, you'll forget something a few times before you really get serious about putting a system in place (I know from personal experience).

For me, part of that system is managing my case load, managing my contacts, and managing what happens every day with my clients. I was looking for a place where I could store all of my information in an online "case" file and have it accessible to me (and eventually my staff) anywhere I was. And, I wanted a way to be able to look at a case at any time and immediately know what was happening, what had happened in the past, and what was next.

The firm I rent space has something like that set up. I can't remember what it's called, but I know it is extremely expensive. I wanted something like that, but something that didn't require a network, or IT people, or any big learning curve (remember, starting a law firm is your chance to streamline whatever you want to do). And then I found Highrise, which is set up to do all of the things I've said.

I only signed up for Highrise last week, but I can already sense that it's something I'm going to use for a long time. First, it's really easy to use. Second, it can do all of the things I need it to do (see above for a rundown). And third, it's set up in a way that I can add users as I add staff to only a minimal increase in expenses (I think for up to 15 people it's only $50/month).

One of the coolest things about Highrise is that you can set it up so that people can leave notes on a particular case, and everyone can see them. You can also attach documents, create tasks, and calendar important dates. It's a great way to create an electronic "case file" that anyone can then use.

The important part for me now, and for you, is to come up with a system to handle every file and every case so that everything is done the same - efficiently, effectively, and so when you hire someone new they can learn the system. And to do this, you need to write everything down, step by step.

I know, I know, it sucks. And it takes a lot of time. And it takes a little tweaking every now and then. But trust me, when you start to get busy, you are going to wish you had something set up to manage the information you are receiving on a daily basis, to manage the cases you have going, and to set up new ones.

If you have some time, take a look at Highrise. If you're starting a law firm you don't have to necessarily go there first, but it's definitely a great tool to check out.