A quick Google search will bring up dozens of articles on choosing the right attorney or finding the right space to rent, but how do you find the right lawyer to rent your empty office space? What should you look for? And how do you get your LawSpace in front of the top tenants? Where do you start?
Tip 1 - Iron out the Details
To find the right tenant, you first need to know what you’re offering and your exact expectations from lawyer sharing your office space. Be prepared - clarity now will eliminate confusion and frustration later.
What is important to you? Think about these things:
- What are the terms of the lease? Monthly or annual rent term?
- How much will you charge?
- Do you want to share printing, interent and utility costs?
- Will there be any shared space, like a conference room, receptionist, and office for support staff?
- And as lawyer you know not to forget the written sublease or lease.
Tip 2 - Who is Your Ideal Match?
Sharing space with someone can be difficult. Lawyers want the right “match” with another law firm or attorney who provides a substantially similar practice vibe. Take your time and get to know the lawyer tenant to be. And, be familiar with your decision making process. You don’t want to lose a great tenant by not moving fast enough. However, jumping in with a sublease does not justify the reduction in overall law firm costs with the wrong tenant.
Define what ‘ideal tenant’ means to you. After getting inquiries for lawyers wanting to rent space, see if they are the right fit. What are you looking for in a space sharing arrangement in your law office?
- Are you interested in networking?
- Are you looking to get more referrals?
- Will their practice area benefit your law firm practice areas?
- Do you prefer to rent to an attorney in the same field to encourage collaboration?
- Have your checked the State Bar for bar complaints?
- Do you expect them to keep a neat law office desk? Do you have a cluttered work space?
Determine what qualities are important to you for your future LawSpace mate, and take note when meeting applicants.
Tip 3 - Take Notes and Compare
When meeting with potential renters, ask about and record their preferences and personality. Is it a good match? Don’t rely on memory - make sure you write down your thoughts so that you can compare the data later. Does your receptionist or legal secretary need to weigh in too?
Things to consider:
- How long have they been practicing?
- Where they are currently located with their law practice?
- Will they need the conference room often?
- How often do they have client meetings?
Sharing amenities allows for reduction of overhead in your law firm. Finding a great match for a lawyer tenant is the goal. Taking into account these tips hopefully will help. Also, check out our blog about “ 3 Reasons Solo Practitioners take the opportunity to share law office space”. https://www.lawspacematch.com/posts/67
