Essential Boundaries For Your Solo Law Practice

 

I love my life. I love my business. And I love what I do. But sometimes my clients, family, friends, colleagues, and humans, in general, can drive me insane and make me wonder why I decided to go solo in the first place.

You have the client calling and emailing nonstop, family and friends asking for free advice, and my fellow attorneys asking to “pick my brain” about how I’ve built my business.

It can be extraordinary overbearing; if you let it.

There is a very simple solution to keeping it all in balance. That solution is BOUNDARIES.

Many people have issues setting boundaries because they don't want to be perceived as being mean. But having a set of rules and expectations in place will not only make things easier for you but also those who want to engage with you. Everyone will know what to expect.

FAMILY/FRIENDS/PARTNER BOUNDARIES:

As solo’s, we often have control over our schedules. Our loved ones can take this to mean we are available to them whenever they want. My sister would get mad if I didn't return her midday calls and I had to frequently remind her that I was working. One way to deal with this is to establish your work hours and let your loved ones know you’re not available (outside of an emergency) during those hours.

Another boundary to consider with friends and family if you are willing to represent them in legal matters and what (if any) discount you are willing to give. I personally would not feel comfortable representing a friend or family member in a litigated matter and I would refer them to a trusted colleague. I would represent them in a transactional matter but they would be treated like every other client with a written fee agreement and paid my full fee. Whatever you decide to do, have a policy and stick to it.

CLIENT BOUNDARIES:

Many lawyers I talk to have issues setting boundaries with clients. They say they have boundaries but don’t adhere to then so the clients don't take them seriously.

Clearly set out expectations for your clients and the consequences of not adhering to them. I like to discuss this at the consult and it is included in my new client welcome packet.

Some boundaries to consider

• How should clients communicate with you? Can they text you?
• When can they expect a response from you? Evenings? Weekends?
• What is your appointment policy? Can they just drop by the office if they want? How do they make appointments?
• What is your cancellation policy for meetings?
• What happens if they don’t show up for court?

MONEY BOUNDARIES:

Be very clear about getting paid. The biggest problem lawyers have with getting paid is a lack of policies. Clients can tell when you have no rules about payment so they pay when, how, and if they want. Have policies, make them clear, and have consequences.

I don’t start work unless I am paid and I will get off the case if I any subsequent payments are not paid on time and in full. Period. No exceptions. No excuses.

Some things to consider:

• What forms of payments do you accept?
• How should clients pay?
• When should clients pay?
• What happens if they don’t pay?
• What are your fees? Know the minimum you are willing to accept for any type of case and never accept anything less.
• Decide what, if any, discounts or payment plans you are willing to offer in advance.
• Have a budget for your business and stick to it.

The key to successfully establishing boundaries is consistency. Not everyone will cooperate right away, but keep correcting them until they get it. If a clients constantly texts, tell them you no longer respond to client texts and they need to use the client portal. Then don’t respond to any subsequent texts. They will eventually get it. Stay consistent.

What boundaries do you have for your practice and your life?