Solo Law Firm Setup: Full Time Breakdown and Real Cost Analysis

Starting a solo law firm is one of the most empowering career moves a legal professional can make. It offers independence, flexibility, and the ability to shape your own practice. However, establishing a compliant and fully functional law firm requires more time than many lawyers anticipate.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of every major component involved in a solo law firm setup. It also reveals the hidden opportunity cost in terms of lost billable hours.

Practice Structure and Business Planning

Estimated Time: 60 to 80 hours

• Determine solo vs. partnership: 2 to 4 hours
• Select legal entity (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporation): 3 to 5 hours
• Draft operating agreement (if applicable): 3 to 5 hours
• Register firm with law society and government registry: 8 to 10 hours
• Check and register firm name and domain: 2 to 3 hours
• Develop brand (name, logo, color palette): 7 to 10 hours
• Set up phone, internet, and voicemail: 3 to 4 hours
• Submit notification of practice opening: 3 to 4 hours

Financial Setup and Regulatory Compliance

Estimated Time: 38 to 55 hours

• Obtain tax identification number: 2 to 3 hours
• Open business bank account: 2 to 3 hours
• Set up accounting and timekeeping software: 5 to 7 hours
• Open trust and operating accounts: 5 to 6 hours
• Register for taxes and compliance systems: 5 to 6 hours
• Plan fiscal year-end and trust reporting: 4 to 5 hours
• Purchase malpractice and liability insurance: 8 to 12 hours
• Acquire all required licenses and permits: 5 to 6 hours

Office Operations and Infrastructure

Estimated Time: 50 to 70 hours

• Draft privacy policies and outline financing options: 4 to 6 hours
• Plan hiring, conduct interviews, and onboarding: 6 to 8 hours
• Purchase and set up equipment and furniture: 5 to 7 hours
• Configure supplies and telecom systems: 4 to 5 hours
• Announce firm launch: 5 to 6 hours
• Subscribe to legal research tools: 4 to 5 hours
• Create letterhead and invoice templates: 5 to 8 hours
• Develop basic legal precedents: 6 to 10 hours
• Order branded materials: 3 to 4 hours

Administrative Systems and SOPs

Estimated Time: 30 to 45 hours

• Set up document and file workflow: 4 to 6 hours
• Integrate time tracking and billing tools: 3 to 5 hours
• Prepare budget and financial forecasts: 4 to 6 hours
• Write standard operating procedures: 15 to 20 hours
• Install email, e-signature, and internal communication tools: 4 to 5 hours
• Complete data privacy and compliance review: 3 to 4 hours

Marketing and Brand Visibility

Estimated Time: 45 to 70 hours

• Create an overarching marketing strategy: 4 to 6 hours
• Design and launch a professional website: 15 to 20 hours
• Start a blog and publish SEO-friendly articles: 6 to 10 hours
• Set up Google My Business: 2 to 3 hours
• Collect and format client testimonials: 3 to 4 hours
• List firm in legal directories: 3 to 5 hours
• Claim listings on local platforms (Yelp, Bing): 3 to 4 hours
• Build presence on LinkedIn and other networks: 6 to 10 hours
• Hire freelance designers if needed: 3 to 5 hours

Client Intake and Communication Systems

Estimated Time: 28 to 40 hours

• Implement call and message handling tools: 3 to 4 hours
• Design client intake and screening workflows: 4 to 5 hours
• Set up limitation tracking and calendaring: 3 to 4 hours
• Draft tailored retainer and engagement agreements: 15 to 20 hours
• Create email templates for follow-ups: 3 to 4 hours

Total Estimated Time Commitment

Total Time: 251 to 360 hours

Opportunity Cost at $300/hour: $75,300 to $108,000 in potential billable hours

A well-planned solo law firm setup requires significant time and attention. While the path to independence is worthwhile, it is critical to account for the true scope of tasks and the financial impact of the hours invested.

Use this guide as a roadmap to plan your launch effectively—and consider where you might delegate, automate, or streamline to preserve valuable billable hours.