Looking at the evolution of boutiques in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and various states, it seems that flourishing boutique firms were formed by lawyers with a relatively extensive history of practicing in a certain area. Most of these lawyers established themselves in a particular area over a period of time, and have earned significant local, regional, or even national reputations. It also helps to build a client base. No boutique, however exclusive or fancy the credentials of the lawyers, will survive without clientele. Success at the bar is built one case at a time, one client at a time, and one day at a time over many years.
Success involves a degree of competence that is displayed over and over again.
Repeated competence becomes a reputation. The combination of both consistent competency and a wide reputation results in a steadfast and reliable clientele who can pay the fees and keep the lights burning. If you have been able to support yourself relatively well at a larger firm you should be able to support yourself by opening your own boutique. In fact, decreasing overhead costs and shedding co-workers who don t carry their own weight will probably enable you to support yourself in a far better fashion than before. A boutique firm is a sole practitioner or a group of lawyers who have established themselves is an particular area or areas of practice, and who have chosen to work together in this relatively specialized area.