Considerations for Starting a Law Practice 2026

Making the Leap: Planning Your Transition to Firm Ownership (LPM)

Amy M. Bentley, Sarah E. Peterson

• Evaluate the personal, professional, and financial considerations
• Identify key ethical duties that arise during a transition
• Assess whether solo or small firm ownership aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, work style, and long-term vision for practicing law.

Protecting Yourself and Your Practice: Insurance Coverage Every New Firm Should Consider (LPM)

Matthew M. Beier, Corrine Bultman

• Review the insurance coverages commonly recommended for new law firms
• Understand the basic structure of a legal malpractice policy
• Identify how to evaluate coverage needs based on firm size, practice areas, staffing, and technology risks

Break

Financial Management and Daily Operations for a Healthy Practice (LPM)

Jeffrey S. Krause, J. David Krekeler

• Understand the bookkeeping fundamentals every new law firm needs
• Identify the key reports that help firm owners measure performance
• Use financial and productivity reports to spot problems early
• Build a stronger operational foundation by creating repeatable systems, reviewing metrics regularly, and identifying next-level improvements as the practice grows

Building a Book of Business: Attracting, Retaining, and Growing the Right Clients (LPM)

J. David Krekeler, Lindsay Marty

• Define your ideal client and align your services, messaging, and referral strategy to attract the right clients
• Evaluate ethical and practical approaches to marketing
• Recognize when a matter or prospective client is not a good fit and develop screening practices
• Create an onboarding process that sets clear expectations from the start
• Design a client experience and firm culture that support trust, strong service, repeat business, and long-term goodwill.

Networking Luncheon (in-person seminar only)

Trust Accounting Fundamentals (EPR)

Travis J. Stieren

• Learn how to set up and maintain the records, reconciliations, and internal controls
• Understand what funds belong in trust, when they must be deposited, and when they may be properly withdrawn
• Review common trust accounting mistakes and identify practical steps to avoid them

Choosing and Using Technology to Run a Modern Law Practice (LPM)

Brent J. Hoeft

• Identify the core software systems most new firms need
• Evaluate hardware and equipment needs for a functional and efficient office
• Understand backup and disaster recovery basics
• Recognize the essential elements of physical and digital security
• Explore practical ways to use emerging technologies, including AI

Break

Building the Business Foundation for Your New Firm (LPM)

Jessica M. Kramer, Erin R.Ogden

• Compare common law firm structures and entity options
• Develop a basic business plan
• Understand key decisions on compensation, owner draws, partnerships, of counsel roles, and staffing

Hot Topics, Practical Lessons, and Q&A (No CLE)

All Faculty

• Identify common early-stage mistakes new firm owners make and learn practical steps to avoid them.
• Apply takeaways from the day’s sessions to open questions, current trends, and real-world startup challenges raised by attendees and panelists.

Program Concludes