How to start a solo law practice in 2026: a step-by-step plan

A step-by-step plan

1. 1

   Regulatory check

   Confirm what your bar or regulator requires of a new sole practice, including notifications, insurance and client-money rules.

2. 2

   Choose a structure

   Sole practitioner, company or another form your jurisdiction allows. Take tax and accounting advice.

3. 3

   Insurance and money

   Arrange professional cover and the accounts you need, including any client account.

4. 4

   Core systems

   Matters, deadlines, accounting, communication and document storage.

5. 5

   Paperwork

   Engagement letter, fee terms, privacy notice, conflict-check procedure.

6. 6

   Find clients

   Define a practice area, tell your network, set up a simple website within advertising rules.

A minimum systems list

First-year habits

• Review deadlines weekly and verify dates from the applicable rules.
• Log time even if you charge fixed fees; it shows what work really costs.
• Track where enquiries come from.
• Keep a monthly figure for cash in, cash out and time unbilled.

Nothing here is legal, tax or financial advice.

Where LawyerOS helps

LawyerOS Starter ($19) gives a new solo practice a matters database, a deadlines database and a home page with deadlines this week and active matters. Pro with AI ($39) adds actions, time, clients, invoices tracking and research. One-time payment. It is a Notion template and does not provide trust accounting, billing or court-rules calendaring.

• Notion for solo lawyers and small firms
• Virtual law practice guide

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need to start?

It varies widely. Build a budget with realistic months of low income and take local advice.

Can new lawyers go solo?

Some regulators set experience or supervision requirements. Check yours.

Do I need an office?

Not necessarily. See the virtual practice guide, and check your regulator's rules.

What should I set up first?

Regulatory compliance, insurance and a matter and deadline system.