From researching to writing a business plan right through to winding up, selling or merging a firm, our practice support services can assist you along the way.

The Business Hub provides resources and information catering to the unique and often specific needs of smaller practices.

• Visit the Business Hub

Opening a practice

Carrying out research for opening a practice is a vital step. Setting up in self-employment requires an enormous amount of commitment and desire. The Business Hub provides business plan templates and guidance on setting up a practice.

• Research you need to do

There are many regulatory requirements that must be adhered to when opening your own practice. The Business Hub provides information on these requirements, as well as offering an advisory service to help get you started. For more information on everything from taking out a practising certificate to securing professional indemnity insurance cover, the Business hub can assist.

• Regulatory guidance on opening a practice

Closing a practice

For solicitors ceasing practice or retiring, or considering selling their practice, certain steps must be taken to meet Law Society requirements.

To access helpful information on all aspects of winding-up your practice, from transferring files, ensuring run-off cover is in place, to notifying the Law Society, the Business Hub is here to help.

• Closing, selling or merging a practice

Legal Services Excellence Standard

The Business Hub is a vital tool in preparing your practice for assessment for the Law Society’s Legal Services Excellence Standard (LSES) which will be open for applications soon.

The LSES is a voluntary certification scheme for all practices with a focus on your processes and operations. It has been designed by solicitors for solicitors in collaboration with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

If you wish to run your practice more efficiently and highlight your value to current and potential clients, learn more about the steps involved and register your interest in the LSES.

Information Sessions

The Business Hub also hosts ongoing 30-minute web-based sessions produced by the Law Society for solicitors on a range of subjects to help you run your practice:

• 6 March 2024 at 1pm: 'Information for Practitioners on Library Services Register Now

• 20 March 2024 at 1pm: 'Let's talk technology in my legal practice' Register Now

• Previous Information Sessions

Practice Support Update

For further resources, tips and information on small practices subscribe to our Practice Support Update newsletter. If you have any questions about the Business Hub, please contact our Practice Support Team. For regulatory queries, please contact our Regulation Team.