EVENT DETAILS: Starting & Growing a Law Firm: Real-World Lessons from Lawyers
Real-World Lessons from Lawyers
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Central Time)
Location: ISBA Mutual Insurance Company office, 20 S Clark St #800, Chicago, IL 60603 + Virtual via Zoom
CLE Credit: 1 hour MCLE
Building a successful law firm requires more than legal expertise—it demands strategic planning, business acumen, and the courage to grow despite uncertainty. On October 22, 2025, ISBA Mutual will host an informative and empowering panel event titled “Starting & Growing a Law Firm: Real-World Lessons from Lawyers.” This session brings together Illinois attorneys who have successfully navigated the challenges of launching and expanding their firms.
Designed for attorneys at any stage of practice—whether planning to go solo, currently managing a small firm, or exploring expansion—this one-hour CLE will provide practical insights and actionable guidance drawn from the real experiences of practicing attorneys.
What to Expect
The panelists will discuss topics that go beyond theory and speak honestly about the realities of legal entrepreneurship, including:
- Transitioning from associate life to starting a law firm
- Setting up systems and operations to run efficiently
- Smart financial decisions during the startup phase
- Marketing strategies that actually generate clients
- Finding your niche and establishing your brand
- Building a team and scaling responsibly
- Lessons learned—the challenges, wins, and surprises
Attendees will gain not only business strategies but also valuable perspective on leadership, growth, and long-term sustainability as a law firm owner.
Event Speakers
The panel features attorneys who bring a range of backgrounds and firm experiences:
- Janice “Apple” Dantes – Principal Attorney, Pinay Law LLC
Founder of a growing Chicago-based firm focused on family law and estate planning, with a mission to make the legal system accessible to immigrant communities. - Ricardo Santiago – Principal, Santiago Law, LLC
Known for innovative legal service models and client-centered strategies, Ricardo built his firm by focusing on affordability and community connection. - J. Sumner Majer – Principal, J. Sumner Majer, LLC
A solo practitioner with deep experience in estate and probate law, Sumner offers insights on staying lean, profitable, and efficient as a solo attorney.
Together, they will share candid stories and real strategies they used to overcome obstacles and grow successful practices.
Why Attend
This program is ideal for:
- Attorneys preparing to launch a solo or boutique law firm
- New firm owners looking for structure and systems
- Small firm lawyers interested in expansion
- Legal professionals curious about business strategy
- Anyone seeking mentorship and peer guidance in the profession
Registration
The event is free for Illinois attorneys and offers 1 hour of MCLE credit.
Participants may choose to attend in person at ISBA Mutual’s Chicago office or online via Zoom.
Registration links are available on the ISBA Mutual Events page:
https://www.isbamutual.com/isba-mutual-events/starting-growing-law-firm-real-world-lessons-lawyers-10-22-2025
Space for the in-person session is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
This event is a valuable opportunity to learn from lawyers who have built their practices from the ground up. Whether you are thinking about starting a law firm or ready to take your current practice to the next level, you will leave with insight, inspiration, and practical tools to move forward.
