Angel Zimmerman Discusses Running a Private Law Practice

Angel Zimmerman, '06, was hosted on November 7, 2022, by the Business and Transactional Law Center Ms. Zimmerman spoke to students about her role as Managing Partner at Zimmerman & Zimmerman, P.A. and the ins and outs of starting and running a successful private practice.

Ms. Zimmerman explained to students that she entered law school with the intention of having her own practice. At the time, she worked for the firm that she now owns. She recommended that students who want to hang their own shingle try to work for someone for four to five years before starting their own practice. If students do not have the option to work for someone before starting out on their own, she advised them to find as many mentors as possible while in law school.

Ms. Zimmerman provided many practical tips for lawyers starting their own law practice. She reminded students always to refer to the ethics rules when making decisions, because they do change over time. She is a proponent of learning law practice management and stressed its importance when you are your own boss. Ms. Zimmerman also spoke about the different expenses that are incurred when running a firm, including the different insurance products necessary to reduce your own liability. Ms. Zimmerman said that when starting a firm, you should remember to develop business relationships with the "A,B,C's": a corporate Attorney, a Banker, and a C.P.A.

Washburn Law is grateful to Ms. Zimmerman for taking time out of her busy private practice to provide students with insight on starting and operating their own legal practice.