Kicking off our Entrepreneur Workshop Series, Jeff Baughman (’08) stopped by the Career Resource Room to share some extraordinarily helpful information about starting your own law practice and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Jeff Baughman is the CEO and Founder of his own law practice, Spartan Law Group (formerly Baughman Law Group). Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University in Information, Sciences and Technologies and his Juris Doctor from Stetson. Jeff also served in the United States Army as a member of the 10th Mountain Division (LI). Actively involved in the community, Jeff is on the Board of Trustees for the UU Church of St. Petersburg, a board member for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Credit Managers, among others.
Just like his firm does for his clients, Jeff lead students “through the gray” areas of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Jeff, whose firm takes a proactive approach to client needs, shared with us many of the lessons he has learned since graduating from Stetson. When asked what he wished he knew in law school that would be important to his practice, Jeff said that“[u]nderstanding the practical implications on a client’s life or business is almost as important as a good analysis of their legal rights.”
Additionally, Jeff shared with us many practical tips for starting your own business. Here are a few:
- Read lots of books about business, especially if you do not have a business background. You must learn that starting your own practice involves the practice of law and knowing how to fully run a business. You cannot do one without the other.
- Ask for feedback on your business plan from other business people, not necessarily lawyers.
- Take advantage of free community resources such as the Business Assistance Center and SCORE.
- As 90% of referral marketing is done outside the office, you need to get comfortable shaking hands with people and getting out into the community to learn your client base and their needs.
- Ask for help when you need it!
Jeff’s presentation was invaluable to our students who are considering starting their own business after graduation. Stay tuned in the Spring as we continue this valuable workshop series.