Business Formation Sites by State
Official state portals for forming and registering your law firm entity — Professional Corporations (PC), Professional LLCs (PLLC), and LLCs. These are the authoritative filing sites; verify current forms, fees, and naming rules on each official portal before filing.
Choosing your office space
Where you physically practice law is one of the first decisions to make. Options include leasing, purchasing a building, working from home, a virtual office, and sharing space with other lawyers. Each has advantages and disadvantages — and your office should reflect the image you wish to project to clients and opposing counsel.
Home office / virtual office
Pros: Low cost and convenience — no commute, no lease.
Cons: Distractions when the home is shared with other adults or children; challenges with client meetings, depositions, support staff, and future expansion.
Check zoning and restrictive covenants before meeting clients at home — increased traffic to the residence is usually the trigger for a prohibition. Use virtual receptionist services, executive suites for meetings, and cloud tools (e.g., Clio) to make a home office manageable.
Commercial lease
Pros: Professional image, dedicated space, room to grow.
Cons: Likely your largest single fixed expense; long-term commitment.
Use a written lease. A short-term lease (month-to-month, 6-month, or 1-year) lets you establish the practice and predict long-term needs before committing. Consider proximity to the courthouse, bank, law library, and client base.
Shared space
Pros: Lower expense plus referrals and experienced attorneys nearby as a sounding board.
Cons: Special ethical considerations around conflicts can arise.
Review the Rules of Professional Conduct on conflicts before sharing. If you share space but do not intend to form a firm, take steps to avoid the appearance that you are one.
Commercial lease redlines
- CAM (Common Area Management) fees — confirm exactly what they cover and any caps.
- Triple net (NNN) — determine whether you pay the premises’ taxes, insurance, and maintenance separately from rent.
- Early termination clause and renewal terms.
- Which utilities (internet, phone, other) are included vs. tenant-paid.
- You are an attorney — negotiate the terms with the landlord to make the arrangement as advantageous as possible.
Consider retaining a commercial real estate agent to find the right space for your practice.
Work-from-home balance
- Create a routine that works for you and your family.
- Make time to exercise.
- Create a dedicated space for work.
- Eat a proper lunch.
- Stay organized in both your work space and home space.
- Schedule 10-minute chats about non-work topics with colleagues.
- Get outside — fresh air in the middle of the work day.
- Limit your availability and make time to disconnect.
Educational only. Zoning, covenants, lease terms, and ethical rules vary by jurisdiction — confirm against your local rules and a qualified advisor before deciding.