Koehler Law Ready for Business

by Jamison Koehler on November 4, 2009

On November 6, 2009, ten months after I applied to waive in, I will be sworn in to practice law in Washington, D.C.  I will officially open Koehler Law on the same day.  The firm will focus on defending people charged with criminal and driving offenses in D.C.

It’s been a long process getting the firm off the ground.  Lest I ever get discouraged, all I need to do is to review the business plan I prepared a month and a half ago to take comfort in all the progress I have made.

I have launched this blog and associated website.  I have populated the website with what I hope will be helpful reference information on a broad range of different offenses, including drugs, firearms, theft, and assault.  My hope is that the website will become a frequently bookmarked reference point for people looking for information on criminal and DUI offenses in D.C.

I have signed up for court appointments through Criminal Justice Act lists for Superior Court, Juvenile, and the Counsel for Child Abuse and Neglect (CCAN).  I have secured office space in Georgetown through my wife’s firm Burke O’Neil.  My sister designed my logo and stationary, and I have secured business cards and envelopes.

I have furnished my office with a laptop, scanner, printer, fax machine, copier, and supplies.  I have filled out my website pages on Avvo and LinkedIn, and joined the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and other professional organizations.  I have attended training and networking events through the D.C. Bar Association and the ABA Listserv Solosez.

I have opened two bank accounts for the firm, one for general operating purposes and the other to handle client funds through IOLTA.  I have signed up for the legal research service of Lexis-Nexus, and will soon be submitting my application to take the Virginia Bar in February 2010.  I will complete my firm’s registration as a sole proprietorship with the D.C. Government as soon as I receive my D.C. Bar number.  I have prepared a generic retainer letter for new clients.  I have sent out multiple letters to legal contacts throughout D.C. announcing my firm’s opening on Friday. And I am now registered with four legal placement firms with the hope that I can do temporary contract work while my practice gets off the ground.

In short, come Friday, I should be ready for business.