Starting a law firm is not easy and it isn’t for the faint of heart. My first recommendation to all graduating law students is that starting your own law firm after law school is not your best bet for making it as a solo attorney.
Experience is the key to hanging out your own shingle. Why? Because, law schools don’t do a very good job of preparing lawyers for the practice of law. How do you get experience? For starters, you need to be licensed in your particular jurisdiction. After that, in general, most graduating law students do one of two things: (1) they get a job in private practice, or (2) they get a job in the civil or government arena.
Getting a job in private practice.
Hopefully, you can find a job as an associate in a law firm after graduation. Your first job will make a big difference on the kind of experience you obtain.
If you start a job with a large firm, you are not likely to have client contact right away and you, therefore, won’t need to worry as much about the procedural minutiae of practicing law. Conversely, if you get a job with a small law firm, you are more likely to get practical experience quickly.
After you get your first job, my recommendation is to get as much client and courtroom contact as possible. You should also ingratiate yourself with an older attorney. Establishing a mentor relationship can prove invaluable. After that, if you work hard, and keep your nose to the grindstone, you may be ready to start a law firm.