Law Office Management & ICT

- PART I: Foundation -

What is Law Office Management

Law Office Management is the study of the organisation and methods employed in the law office. It involves:

• The relationship between members of staff;
• The relationship between staff and members of the public.

It is concerned with the development of human, capital, and other resources.

Old vs New Position on Pupillage

Old Position	New Position
A lawyer of less than 5 years post-call was prohibited from private practice on his own - S6(2) Regulated and Other Professions (Private Practice Prohibition) Act, Cap 390 LFN 1990	That law has been REPEALED. Every legal practitioner can engage in private practice immediately after call to bar

Why Establish a Law Office - R22 RPC

4 Reasons to Establish a Law Office

1. Necessity;
2. Realisation of an ambition;
3. Desire for independence;
4. Profitability.

Qualities of Lawyers Who Intend to Establish - Adewumi v Plastex (Nig) Ltd

1. Honesty and integrity - Rules 1, 15, 23, 54 RPC;
2. Hard work and organisation;
3. Determination and commitment;
4. Resilience.

4 Pillars for Success

- PART II: Capital & Sourcing -

Two Types of Capital

Type	Use
Start-Up Capital	Funds for office facilities - premises, furniture, vehicle, equipment, machines
Working Capital	Recurrent expenditures - salaries, wages, utility bills, stationery; keeps the office running

3 Sources of Capital

1. Personal funds;
2. Funds (gifts) from family & friends;
3. Loans or overdraft.

Business Plan - 13 Contents

1. Name of practitioner;
2. Name of firm;
3. Business address;
4. Business start date;
5. Type of firm;
6. Goals of the firm;
7. Market competitors;
8. Capital requirement;
9. Borrowing requirement;
10. Security to be provided;
11. Use of funds;
12. Employment of staff;
13. Management system.

Clientele (Client Search)

Clients range from: relatives, friends, banks & financial institutions, companies, large statutory bodies, Legal Aid Council, government establishments, and individuals.