---
title: "How to start a solo law practice in 2026: a step-by-step plan"
url: https://notionforlawyers.com/post/how-to-start-solo-law-practice-2026
updated: 2026-10-17
author: Raghav Handa
---

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

To start a solo law practice, confirm your licence and regulatory requirements, choose a structure, arrange insurance and client-money handling, set up core systems, write your engagement terms, and plan how you will find your first clients. Requirements differ by jurisdiction, so check with your bar or regulator at each step.

## Key takeaways

- Start with the regulator: licence status, insurance, client-money rules and any restrictions on new firms.
- Set up the minimum systems before your first client, not after.
- Write engagement terms and a conflict-check routine early.
- Budget for slow early months.

## A step-by-step plan

1. Regulatory check: Confirm what your bar or regulator requires of a new sole practice, including notifications, insurance and client-money rules.
2. Choose a structure: Sole practitioner, company or another form your jurisdiction allows. Take tax and accounting advice.
3. Insurance and money: Arrange professional cover and the accounts you need, including any client account.
4. Core systems: Matters, deadlines, accounting, communication and document storage.
5. Paperwork: Engagement letter, fee terms, privacy notice, conflict-check procedure.
6. Find clients: Define a practice area, tell your network, set up a simple website within advertising rules.


## A minimum systems list

| Need | Minimum viable option |
| --- | --- |
| Matters and deadlines | A matter database with a date-sorted deadlines view |
| Accounting and client money | Software suited to your regulator's rules |
| Documents | Consistent folder and naming convention |
| Security | Password manager, two-factor authentication, encrypted devices |
| Procedures | A short checklist for intake, opening and closing |


## 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: https://notionforlawyers.com/blog/notion-for-solo-lawyers-and-small-firms
- Virtual law practice guide: https://notionforlawyers.com/post/virtual-law-practice-guide


## FAQ

### 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.