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Starting a practice guide

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  5. Starting a practice guide

Congratulations on taking the first step to setting up your own practice. While establishing your own firm can bring many rewards, it pays to spend time at the outset planning how your business will operate. You will want to ensure that your new practice complies will all relevant legislation, rules and regulations.

This guide is designed to help you start out on the right path by getting you to consider some of the main requirements and relevant points for starting and operating a legal practice in Scotland.

As you think about your new venture, one of the first considerations is to research the market you are entering and consider what will set your new firm apart from competitors.

The type of practice you form will affect how your business operates and develops. Are you planning to operate as a sole practitioner, a traditional partnership, a limited liability partnership or a limited company? It would be advisable to speak to an accountant and a corporate solicitor before making your final decision.

If you want to talk to us before setting up, please contact our professional practice team on 0131 226 8896.

Eligibility

Are you eligible to set up a new practice?

Read more about Eligibility

Business planning

A business plan will help to establish how your firm will operate

Read more about Business planning

Finance and cashflow

Cashflow, banking arrangements, PAYE, VAT, Making Tax Digital, corporation and income tax and accountancy software

Read more about Finance and cashflow

Compliance

Accounts Rules, Anti-money Laundering, Data Protection and Incidental Financial Business

Read more about Compliance

Risk management

Business continuity, Cyber and fraud, and professional risk

Risk Management about Risk management

Insurance and client protection

Master Policy, additional cover and the Client Protection Fund

Read more about Insurance and client protection

Legal Aid

If you intend to carry out civil and criminal legal aid including advice and assistance

Read more about Legal Aid

Practice unit options and information

All forms required for setting up a practice

Read more about Practice unit options and information

Checklist

A checklist to get you started

Read more about Checklist

Contacts

Read more about Contacts

Practice Management Course

A course for new and prospective partners covering leadership, business skills and legal responsibilities.

Find out more and book your place about Practice Management Course
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Additional

In association with

The Cashroom offers outsourced legal cashiering, payroll, and management accounting services.

Find out more about In association with

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