Those who’ve embarked on the Illinois law firm startup process know it’s equal parts excitement and uncertainty. On one hand, attorneys have the experience, a book of ideas (maybe a few clients ready to follow), and a strong sense of how they want to practice. At the same time, a dozen big questions compete for attention: Which business structure makes the most sense? How do you protect client funds and confidential data from day one? What should your first-year budget look like? How do you keep cash flowing while you build a pipeline? And (perhaps loudest of all), how do you set up simple systems that let you practice law without drowning in admin? ISBA Mutual takes a calm, practical view of launch.