Setting Up Law Firm In Nigeria

I don't think starting up a law firm will be different setting up any professional services firm in Nigeria. Amount of capital? That will depend on what you're looking to do and at what scale you're looking to operate. It is not a problem a business plan and cash flow forecast will not do. I will expect your main start-up cost be business equipment and office running cost. I won't suggest hiring junior lawyers when you're starting out unless you're sure they'll be busy or they be bringing jobs with them (very unlikely unless they are partners). You'll probably need a secretary and/or a law clerk (for run around).

You need figures not stories. Here we go:

Start-up capital costs.

Office furniture – N500,000 (depends on your taste, the image you’re projecting and where you’re buying )
Office equipment (computers, copiers, printers, scanners, etc) – N1, 000,000 (this can be adapted to fit your resource constraints)
Premises rental -   (though your mum is providing this, but it is still an equity contribution)
   
Start-up expense
Company registration - N12, 000 (I think)

Recurrent expense (1 year)
Salaries (yourself (100k this might be modest) one secretary (40k/m) and one clerk (25k/m)) – N1, 980,000   
What else am I missing?

I think this will likely be your main equity requirements and also a rough guide of what you’ll need to make in a year to be viable. Your family and family friends and their friends can be your initial source of contact.

 Hello Boyson,

If you are seriously thinking of a partnership, maybe we should talk. i've been in practice here in Nigeria for three years now and am thinking of starting on my own (the reason i googled and was directed here). i was privileged to be working with one of the leading Law Firms in Nigeria. i have a couple of contacts we can liverage on, a growing library and a sizeable experience. most importantly, i have developed a business plan that covers all your inquiries. Please contact me on buisilyfe@yahoo.co.uk if you intend to do business.

Regards

@OP: Why you wan kum back broda?

@boyson, the only thing I want to tell you is that you can make it in Nigeria. You've seen how law is practised in Britain and you've lived in the country for a while. Don't be scared of the harsh Nigerian environment which you can conquer and master. You can always visit Britain and take holidays there. There is nowhere like home. We all have to pitch in and rebuild Nigeria. Cheers.

i agree completely with tensor, the least of your problems is ofice premises or furniture. The important thing , is how do you get briefs that would sustain you. It is important to consider that as this would determine if you would earn a living as it would make no sense to have a well furnished office without having clients. Mind you as a lawyer, i have come to realise that clients dont brief you becos of your sign board or how cosy your office is.