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Assessing Your Law Firm’s Furniture And Office Supply Needs
(Current as of August 2020)
Whether you’re leasing an office or working from home, you’ll need to outfit your law firm with furniture and office supplies. Here are a few basic items to consider when starting your firm.
Desk
The two most important factors to consider when choosing a desk are function and comfort. You’ll need a desk with enough space to accommodate your computer, monitor(s), and any books or documents you’re working with. You may also want to consider a desk with some cabinet space or shelving.
If you’re going with a traditional seated desk, L-shapes and U-shapes are great ways to maximize surface area. For ergonomics and comfort, adjustable sit-stand desks (or standing desk converters like the VariDesk Pro Plus) have also become increasingly popular.
Chair
You’ll likely spend hours upon hours in your office chair, so investing in a decent one is well worth it. They run the gamut in terms of pricing, from $100 to $1000 or more. Regardless of your budget, look for something ergonomic and adjustable, and definitely try before you buy.
Bookshelf
It’s easy to accumulate clutter around the office, so consider some sort of shelving to store books, redwelds, binders, or anything else you’re not actively using.
File Cabinet
You’ll need an organized way to hold physical documents (like signature pages) and other client files. Consider starting out with at least a basic vertical filing cabinet. You can then scale up your physical filing capacity as your need grows.
Office Supplies
Browse the office supplies section at Staples or Office Depot for items you think you’ll need. Some common basic law office supplies are: pens, pencils, highlighters, legal pads, stapler, staples, staple remover, paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, printer paper, redwelds, binders, three-hole punch, file folders, envelopes, post-its/sticky notes, colored post-it flags, and trash/recycling bins.
Lighting
A poorly lit workspace can negatively affect your productivity, mental health, and even your sleep schedule. The generally recommended light level for office space is 500 lux (lumens per square meter). There are free light meter apps for iPhone and Android that you can use to measure the light levels in your office.
Temperature Control
If your office space tends to run hot or cold, consider whether an office fan, A/C unit, or space heater will make for a more comfortable working environment.
OTHER ARTICLES ON THE LAW FIRM LAUNCHPAD:
Choosing A Business Entity Structure
Getting An Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Getting A Business Credit Card
Opening Law Firm Bank Accounts
Buying Legal Malpractice Insurance
Setting Up Internet, Phone, and Fax
Assessing Your Computer And Technology Hardware Needs
Assessing Your Software Solutions Needs
Fortifying Your Electronic Data Security
Setting Up Mailing And Shipping Accounts