Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 15 N OV E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S L AW Founders Russell Ford and Michael Murray came up with the idea when they were both with large firms and talked about creating their own practice. ey wanted a firm that was not tied to bill- able hours, where everyone just gets on with the job, and where they try to hire only folks with a sense of humor — after they're vetted by everyone in the office. Murray says that while they could be up to 15 to 20 employees in five years, that raises the question of where is the "sweet spot" in terms of size: "Right now I'm loving it — what's too big?" Ford says that's a question they have yet to answer, adding: "Hopefully when we get to the edge we'll know it." Small practices with a heart In Presque Isle, Swanson Law PA con- sists of two attorneys — supported by an administrative staffer and a paralegal — with a bulging caseload of mainly criminal defense and family law. ey recently moved into bigger space on Main Street. "We outgrew the old space, which is a good problem to have," says founding partner Adam Swanson, who opened the practice as a solo in March 2013 and hired fellow Maine Law alum Cassie Rodgers as an asso- ciate last year. Both put in long hours, and Swanson doesn't even go on vacation — with the exception of his honeymoon, though with his computer in tow. To other lawyers thinking of hang- ing out a shingle, Swanson recommends having a business plan, while Rodgers — who handles a lot of child protective cases — says "a degree in social work would have been helpful." Back in Augusta, Ellis and Meader are equally committed to serving their community, which also means charging what their clients can afford. "If people don't have the money," Meader says, "we'll find a way to work with them." Sitting next to her, Ellis says: "I have a disabled veteran, he pays $40 a month when he gets his check. at's all he can do, that's fine. We work with people." R e n e e C o r d e s , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t r c o r d e s @ m a i n e b i z . b i z a n d @ r s c o r d e s For over 40 years, Norman Hanson & DeTroy has provided it's clients with effective legal expertise when it's needed most. Put our talent and expertise to work for you. To learn more, call or visit us at nhdlaw.com Portland (207) 774-7000 Lewiston (207) 777-5200 Trust Norman Hanson & DeTroy to provide skilled and effective legal expertise when it's needed most. Put our talent and expertise to work for you. To learn more, call or visit us at nhdlaw.com Confidence No Matter The Challenge contact us today to fuel productivity at your business! productivity with onsite gourmet coffee, tea and water service (207) 945-5688 1-800-432-7919 cascobayfb.com Full setup, management, and maintenance Wide range of beverage kiosks to choose from Promote a positive work environment and sense of community T H E S TAT E O F S M A L L L AW F I R M S *Significantly higher than 2016 S O U R C E : 2017 State of Small Law Firms report, published by Thompson Reuters, based on a survey of more than 300 participants from solo practitioners to firms up to 29 employees, practicing in a wide range of areas. overall profits overall revenues repeat business revenue per partner client satisfaction ratings case win percentage work/life balance How do small law firms chart success? 89% 88% 56% 46% 34% 26% 18% In the next 12 months will your investment in these areas be lower, higher or remain the same as in the previous 12 months? lower higher same Business development and marketing 7% 35% 59% Technology/infrastructure 5% 25% 70% Attorney head count 6% 16% 78% Professional development 2% 16% 82% Staff support 5% 21%* 74% Real estate 16% 10% 75%

• Cover