Rolling Meadows Attorney on Becoming a Lawyer

Life is about pursuing our dreams. Whatever your dreams may be, it is important to take the necessary steps in achieving those dreams. We only live once, thus we shouldn't focus on our regrets. Take control of your destiny. Here is a brief video on Becoming a Lawyer:

Finding an Office for Your Law Firm

Now that you've decided to start your own firm, where will you meet with clients? I would not recommend inviting clients to your home for a meeting. Also, if you are currently employed you should give your current employer at least two weeks notice of your departure. Your letter should be polite, and give a brief explanation of why your are leaving. Your explanation can be general, stating that you would like to pursue other options or endeavors. Even if you absolutely hate your current employment situation, you shouldn't pull a Rochelle (Everybody Hates Chris), “I don't need this job, my man has two jobs” bit on your last day.

There are numerous options for office space. You should do your research on what works best for your needs. Some companies offer virtual office space agreements. A virtual office space agreement may include a fixed number of hours that you may use the office space, a receptionist, and use of a conference room. Depending on your location, rates may vary.

Attorneys may prove to be a great resource for office space. Other solo practitioners in your area may be leasing the extra office in their space. Although, I would try to find a space with an attorney with a different practice area than your own. What if a potential client comes in and asks for a civil attorney, who gets the consultation/client?

Starting A Law Firm

Illinois Paternity Law- Unmarried Couples

According to the National Vital Statistics Reports (2010), about 40.6 percent of children were born to an unwed mother in 2008. Considering the statistics, if unmarried, it's important to establish paternity soon after the birth of the child. A parentage action allows the father to establish a parent-child relationship. In Illinois, experts and DNA evidence may be utilized to determine the biological father of a child. Refusing to submit to the DNA testing may result in a ruling against the Respondent/Father. Once paternity is established, issues regarding child custody and support may be heard by the court.

In the alternative, an action may be brought to declare the non-existence of a father-child relationship. A presumed father may bring such action in order to terminate the parent-child relationship. For example, if the presumed father believes that someone else fathered the child, the actual father may now take responsibility for the child.

What happens in a situation where the test results show that the presumed father is not the father of the child? What if the father has been involved in a child's life for years, and later it is determined that he is not the biological father? Although paternity testing determines the legal relationship of the parties, does a father have a moral obligation to care for the child he has been raising?

Starting A Law Firm

Almost one year ago, I started The Mangum Law Firm, LLC in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. I'm originally from Los Angeles, so this was a huge move for me. Honestly, I never pictured myself living outside of the Los Angeles area. I moved to Illinois from New Mexico in July of 2008. I'll have to discuss how I arrived in New Mexico during another entry. Four days after my arrival in Illinois, I accepted a job offer from a State's Attorney's Office. Although I loved being a Prosecutor, I wanted to own my own law firm.

I did not know any lawyers prior to law school. I started by doing research about private law practice. I was fascinated by the amount of information that covers the topic of solo law practice. Additionally, I contacted a small number of attorneys and judges and asked for advice on starting a law firm.

I remember my last day as an Assistant State's Attorney. I was both excited and somewhat nervous. I felt as if I was on top of a very large cliff, right at the edge. I was looking over the edge, but I could not see the bottom. I jumped, and fortunately there was a net to catch me. I launched my law firm on June 1, 2010.