In some cases, solo attorneys set up shop in an office building and keep their practice running from the same location for two or three decades. But remaining in the exact same office location for years on end is not necessarily typical. Many solo attorneys choose to move their office every few years.
Why do solo attorneys choose to relocate their office when this type of activity can be disruptive to business? There are many possible reasons. First, in order to cut down on the daily commute, a solo attorney might want to find an office closer to home. Second, over the course of many years, the rent for a particular office space might rise to a level that is unaffordable. Third, a solo attorney might want to move to a different area of town in order to make appointments with clients more convenient.
Besides the reasons listed above, dozens of other factors can contribute to a solo attorney’s desire to relocate to a different office space. If you are a solo attorney, and if you are thinking about moving your office, make sure to consider the following issues before you make a final decision. Also, make sure to consider all of the ways in which a move might positively and/or negatively affect your current and/or future clients.
If the reason you are moving is related to the price of rent, make sure to consider the cost of moving. If it’s getting close to the time you are scheduled to renew your lease and you discover that the cost of rent is scheduled to rise by a considerable amount, it’s important to think about your options. In other words, don’t make a rash decision to immediately move your office. Moving your office can be an expensive proposition. While rent might less expensive in a different building, the cost of moving and the time you must spend packing and unpacking might make moving an unwise choice.
Is the location of your office important? It’s becoming more and more common for solo attorneys to conduct virtual meetings rather than in-person meetings. Before you decide to move your office so that your clients have more convenient access to you, make sure to consider how many clients actually visit your office in person on a regular basis. If the number is relatively low, moving your office to a more convenient location for in-person meetings might not be worthwhile.
Will a different office space help your business? If your current office is isolated and its location is not helping you gain new clients, then it might be time to move. If you find an office space that allows you to be closer to other solo attorneys or to others who might provide you with client referrals, a move might be an excellent idea.
In sum, moving your office can have upsides and downsides. First and foremost, moving can be a time-consuming process. Also, moving can be disruptive to you and to your current clients. However, if moving your office is ultimately in your best interest, it should certainly be considered.
If you do choose to move, it is important to communicate the details of the move with your past and current clients. Make sure they know your new address – and let them know when you expect to be settled in your new location. Also, it’s important to stay organized before, during, and after your move. Finally, change your address with all pertinent organizations and update your website with your new contact information as quickly as possible.
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