what does it mean to become a partner at a law firm? What are the various levels?
356717
When becoming a partner, you are then a part owner of sorts(share in profits, decisionmaking, etc.)\n\nUntil then, you are simpl an Associate, which is basically a lawyer who just works there.
308191
you have to be hired by some firm.
575442
I'm guessing you haven't already gone to law school?  Anyway, after law school you pass the bar exam in your state and (assuming you pass the bar exam) then you receive your license to practice law generally (any law) from your state.  You don't need a specific license for each area of law (unless it's patent law; then there's a separate patent bar exam).  If you are talking about opening up your own law firm after you have your license to practice law in your state then you of course need the various business and tax, etc. licenses to open a business.
786421
In general in the US, a non-lawyer cannot own a law firm.  It violates professional rules of ethics prohibiting the splitting or sharing of legal fees with someone who is a non-lawyer.  Check WA laws to be certain.
1011738
I believe they are referring to a one to one relationship with a "C" level person.  CEO, CFO, CIO, CMO, etc.  This would be a professional, social or other relationship.
790383
Attracting clients when getting started in any business can be a challenge.  In Southern California there is an organization called BNI :  Business Networking International.  They have groups that meet weekly in different communities with the sole purpose of meeting other professionals and discussing needs and talking about their specific businesses.\n\nI understand that they only have one of each profession in each group, so your challenge would be to find a group local to you that would have an opening for an attorney.  \n\nCheck the BNI website and then see if there's a group near you where you can visit or get information.\n\ngood luck
941503
Mutual Agency is the right of all partners in a partnership to act as agents for the normal business operations of the partnership, with the authority to bind it to business agreements.\n\nA Limited Partnership is a business organization with one or more general partners who manage the business and assume legal debts and obligations, and one or more limited partners, who are liable only to the extent of their investments. Limited partners also enjoy rights to the partnership's cash flow but are not liable for company obligations.
293832
A firm is a company.\nAn industry is the line of business that a company is in.  (like law, or pharmaceuticals)\nA company is a company.
834772
Either as long as you can trust your partner and you draw up contracts if entering into a partnership.  May also be worth considering setting up a limited company as you can do this with a small business, and at least then you will not be personally liable if things do not go according to plan with your business idea.  Good Luck!
729097
Yes, you work for the firm. It probably means that you draw a salary and have some seniority, but do not split end-of-year profits with senior partners.
20510
I've considered a career in law as well and tried to do as much research as possible.  What I found is, literally, 90% of the lawyers I've interviewed are unhappy with their lives.  The other 10% were merely ok with their decision.  Considering these are close friends or friends of friends, it's very telling about the profession.\n\nThe major reason for their answers are usually the long hours.  Working for law firms tend to be worse than the corporate environment, but it isn't saying much about corporations either.  I met up with a friend who was a corporate lawyer and noticed how hard rock was absolutely blasting out of his car.  When asked why it was so loud, he responded in a serious tone, "Man, I gotta drown out the $!%@# from work".\n\nI suggest you try to find some friends or friends of friends who are lawyers and asking for a completely candid Q & A session with them.  You'll learn the most from that than anything else.
288684
Most of practicing law is research, and very few lawyers are actually trial lawyers.  If that's what you want to do, it may take some time after you get out of law school to work your way up, gain experience, and get more involved at trials.  The type of person who succeeds in law school is someone who can reason, argue, write well and most of all likes it!!  If it's your passion go for it with all you've got, and you'll succeed.
589875
You become the butt of some of the oldest jokes around.\n\nPeople always have a "quick legal question" for you even though they're not "asking for legal advice"\n\nYou suddenly become the legal expert on all issues, irrespective of whether they are in your area of practice.\n\nYou risk being perceived as just another ambulance chaser.\n\nLong, long, long hours at the office.\n\nAs a result of those hours, potentially damaging your family life.\n\nBut the fulfillment you get from a job well done, when someone thanks you for doing something which really makes a difference in their lives and the lives of others and which also has a positive impact on society in general, that my friend is priceless and makes up for anything bad which people can and do say about lawyers.
106042
A lawyer is a person licensed by the state to advise clients in legal matters and represent them in courts of law and in other forms of dispute resolution. Most countries today require professional law advisors in their judicial systems.\n\nThe role of the lawyer can vary significantly across legal jurisdictions. For instance, in some countries, lawyers may be required to lead or manage criminal investigations. In the United States, lawyers advise their clients regarding their rights, and argue in favor of the best interests of their clients.
184420
Typically they are using their best knowledge of how to use the law to defend a case that their client brings them.  If you are on the wrong side of that case it can suck.  If you are on the right side of the case you love that lawyer.  Especially if you've been screwed so many times without using one.
1088740
I went into biz with my best friend of 17 yrs....what did it get me?  The loss of every last item I owned to my name including the business and all of my clients.\n\nBiz partners should be on a super super short leash, weekly meetings with notes should be taken, an attorney should be involved and you should be an S corp, Inc, or least an LLC.  I did all that but I was too trusting with him on numbers due to friendship.\n\nAfter saying all that.....I don't promote partnerships as you see for yourself they don't work after time.  Personal issues, relationships, spouses of other partners, etc always get in the way and the business stops growing and suffers.\n\nI will never have a business partner again besides a bank that loans me money.  The few hours of extra work I do per week is well worth the non stress ownership I now hold.\n\nBuy out the partner, legalize the company with an Inc or LLC and bump the GF right off the page, flat up get in her face and remind her she wasn't here during the creation of the business and has no foot to stand on when it comes to decisions.  Many things can be done but remember one thing....you arent' running the business while you are tending to her.
474290
Sure, why not.  Since you'll be working with lawyers, be careful to avoid anything that might be seen as a conflict of interest (e.g., doing extra work for a client of the firm and getting paid under the table for it -- that's a definite no-no).  L.A. is kind of expensive so you'll need all the income you can get.  Good luck.