Launching your own firm is exciting — and overwhelming. Use our interactive checklist to make sure your technology foundation is solid from day one. Select your firm type below to get started.
Whether you're leaving BigLaw or starting fresh out of practice, here's every technology decision you need to make before your first client walks through the door.
Business-grade internet with a secondary connection (LTE/5G failover) so you're never offline during a filing deadline.
A properly configured firewall with intrusion detection — not a consumer-grade router from the office supply store.
Standardized hardware makes support easier. Plan for dual monitors — document review demands screen real estate.
A reliable multifunction device with secure print release for client documents.
Cloud-based phone system with professional auto-attendant, voicemail-to-email, and mobile app for calls on the go.
Clio, PracticePanther, MyCase, or similar. This is the hub for calendaring, contacts, billing, and matter management.
NetDocuments, iManage, or a well-organized SharePoint/cloud structure. Never lose a version of a document again.
Email, calendar, word processing, and cloud storage. Microsoft 365 is the legal industry standard.
Westlaw, LexisNexis, Fastcase, or Casetext depending on your practice area and budget.
Built into most practice management tools, but ensure it supports LEDES billing if your clients require it.
DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or similar for engagement letters, settlements, and client agreements.
Required on every account — email, practice management, banking, everything. This is your single most important security step.
Business-grade endpoint detection and response on every device. Consumer antivirus isn't sufficient for client data.
Encrypted email for client communications and advanced anti-phishing to prevent business email compromise.
Automated, encrypted backups with a tested recovery process. Know your RTO and RPO before you need them.
Acceptable use, data handling, and incident response policies. Many state bars now require documented security measures.
Separate from your malpractice policy. Covers breach notification costs, forensics, and liability. Many carriers require documented IT controls.
Your online presence with practice area information, attorney bios, and a way for potential clients to reach you.
Give clients a secure way to share documents, review invoices, and communicate — instead of emailing sensitive files.
LawPay, Headnote, or similar trust-account-compliant payment platform. Make it easy for clients to pay you.
Zoom, Teams, or similar for client meetings, depositions, and court appearances. Ensure it meets your jurisdiction's requirements.
Starting your own accounting practice means handling some of the most sensitive financial data your clients have. Here's the technology foundation you need to do it right.
Business-grade internet with failover. During tax season, a connection outage can mean missed deadlines and lost clients.
IRS Pub. 4557 requires "a security system for your computers" — a business firewall is the minimum starting point.
Dual monitors are a must for tax preparation and reconciliation work. Standardize hardware for easier management.
High-volume scanning capabilities are essential. Many clients still bring paper documents.
Cloud phone with auto-attendant and call routing. Essential during busy season when call volume spikes.
Lacerte, UltraTax CS, Drake, or ProSeries depending on your practice size and complexity. Choose early — migration is painful.
QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage for your own books, plus familiarity with what your clients use.
Canopy, Karbon, or Jetpack Workflow for managing client engagements, deadlines, and staff assignments.
Email, calendar, and document collaboration. Excel proficiency is assumed — make sure your suite supports it well.
Organized cloud storage with proper folder structures and version control. You'll need this for audits and IRS correspondence.
For engagement letters, 8879 forms, and other authorization documents. Streamlines the client experience significantly.
Required by the FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS Pub. 4557. This is not optional — it's the law for anyone handling tax returns.
Required by IRS Pub. 4557 on all systems containing taxpayer data. No exceptions.
Business-grade endpoint detection on every device that touches client data. Consumer tools don't meet IRS requirements.
Tax professionals are prime targets for phishing. Protect your email with encryption and advanced threat filtering.
Encrypted, automated backups with tested recovery. Losing client tax data is a practice-ending event.
Full-disk encryption on all laptops and workstations. Required by IRS guidelines to protect data at rest.
Covers breach costs, forensic investigation, and client notification. A data breach at a tax firm triggers state and federal reporting obligations.
Services offered, team credentials, and a secure way for prospects to contact you.
Stop emailing W-2s and tax returns. A secure portal protects client data and looks professional.
Make it easy for clients to pay invoices online. Integrates with most practice management tools.
For client meetings and staff collaboration, especially during busy season when time is precious.
Launching a consulting practice means your deliverables are your reputation. Here's the technology you need to look professional, stay secure, and operate efficiently from day one.
Consultants work everywhere. Reliable primary internet plus a mobile hotspot for client sites and travel.
A powerful, portable laptop with a travel monitor or docking station. You'll present to clients frequently.
Protect your work when connecting from client offices, hotels, and coffee shops.
A professional business number with mobile app — keep your personal and business communications separate.
Email, calendar, cloud storage, and the full productivity suite. Most clients expect Microsoft compatibility.
Asana, Monday, or Notion for tracking deliverables, timelines, and client communications.
HubSpot, Pipedrive, or similar for managing prospects, clients, and your business development pipeline.
Harvest, FreshBooks, or similar for tracking billable hours and sending professional invoices.
Polished slide decks and professional proposals are your calling card. Consider Canva, Beautiful.ai, or Proposify.
For engagement letters, NDAs, SOWs, and contracts. Speeds up your sales cycle significantly.
On every account. Period. Many enterprise clients require it before granting you system access.
Protect your devices — and by extension, every client network you connect to.
Automated backups of all client deliverables and business data. Losing a client's report is unrecoverable.
Full-disk encryption on all devices. If your laptop is lost or stolen, client data stays protected.
E&O insurance plus cyber coverage. Many clients require proof of insurance before signing an engagement.
Your website and LinkedIn are often a prospect's first impression. Make them count.
Zoom or Teams with a professional background, good camera, and quality microphone. First impressions matter.
SharePoint, Dropbox Business, or similar for sharing deliverables with clients securely.
Calendly or similar so prospects and clients can book time with you without the back-and-forth.