A law firm is a business entity formed by a group of lawyers to engage in the practice of law. The primary function of a law firm is to advise clients about their legal rights and obligations. Typically, a law firm serves as both a client’s primary contact with the legal system, as well as the source of a broad range of legal services.
A typical law firm has partners and associates. Associate attorneys are employed by the firm and do not own it. Some law firms also engage the services of “of counsel” attorneys, which are highly specialized and highly experienced in certain areas of law. In some cases, partners are the only ones who have a stake in the firm, so there is a hierarchy of power within the firm.
While a law firm can be anywhere, most firms are located in office buildings. Some are modest one-story buildings, while others are large skyscrapers. Some firms are even so bold as to put their name on a skyscraper. Some law firms also operate from a modest home or special addition to a home.
Although the legal industry tends to focus on big international law firms, the majority of attorneys practice in small firms with five or fewer lawyers. Most small law firms were established by two solo practitioners who joined forces. Unlike associates, partners do not get their names on the door of the firm.