setting up shop

[Canuck32]

Hey folks,

I'm looking into opening a small law office. If anyone has experience in getting a professional office started, or has some suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Right now I have a few clients but think having a physical presence will motivate me to be more proactive in searching (there are clients out there) as well as make me seem more professional.

Also, if anyone has access to decent, reasonably priced, office space in the GTA (preferably something near the Yonge subway) then please let me know. I'd prefer to rent something in a chambers with other lawyers but will consider all possibilities. I could also use a web site, so feel free to post what you can offer if you are in that business. My preference would be for you to reply here as opposed to sending a PM.

For those of you unaware, I currently practice criminal law but am looking to expand into other areas (immigration, employment, etc.). I have another thread where I talk about my experience as a new lawyer, but feel free to post here if you have any questions.

[slavka012]

depends how big an office you want, and how much you want to pay. There are dozens of office buildings but they expect you to rent large chunks. There are business centers, but they charge top dollars for everything.

I was looking for a small office on Yonge and after 6 month of searches I got what I needed -- 500 sq.f. for roughly a 1000. I searched in Craiglist, but the one I rented I found myself -- just by driving around and looking for FOR LEASE billboards.

[Jokez Guy]

I don't know if you heard about virtual offices they are a great to go if you really don't need an office but just a physical location to go meet your clients here and there. They are cheap and affordable too, last time I checked you also get a secretary that takes your calls for you and emails you them or something along that line.

The First time I got my office was from Searching on the internet Craigslist and Kijiji, I also use to drive around the area i was looking for my office for and checked if there were any for Lease signs and jotted down the number and gave them a ring.

Also one of my real estate friend told me about this website http://www.icx.ca/index.aspx