A Favor to ask of Small Business Owners and suppliers to Small Businesses

Hi – I need a favor. I am a law student at George Mason and my final project for my Law Firm Management class is to develop a business plan for opening my own family law firm.

My biggest concern about the project is how to find reasonable amounts for certain expenses. I’m hesitant to call vendors directly and ask them because 1) I don’t want to waste their time given I have no intention of actually opening this firm in the foreseeable future and 2) I’m afraid I may end up on solicitation lists for services which I really will not need any time soon. So, I figured I would try y’all.

If you use or supply any of the types of services below, could you provide me with a estimate of how much you pay/charge on a monthly or annual basis (per hour/project/% of revenue, etc) for the services. The number does not have to be exact, just reasonable. If it makes a difference, my assumptions are a 3 – 4 person firm (me, a paid paralegal, a receptionist/admin asst, and maybe an unpaid intern); located in Loudoun County, hopefully Ashburn, and anticipated revenues of $200-$300K the first year.

The products and services about which I need information:
• Office furniture rental
• Copier rental
• Accounting/Bookkeeping services
• Marketing services
• Business/malpractice insurance
• Business telephone service, including internet
• Anything else you pay for that is easily overlooked

Thanks in advance for all your help. Also, if anyone thinks my assumptions are out of whack, please let me know.

You can email me directly at bamedoff@gmail.com

Thanks again.
Billie