patent attorney in Sarasota-clients in Tampa/St Pete? (Clearwater: law, moving)

[blakesq]

Hi All,

My family and I are thinking of moving from the northeast to Sarasota. I have my own patent/trademark law practice that I will move also. However, I am concerned that Sarasota may not have enough patent/trademark business for me, and I am wondering if you all think that Tampa/St Pete potential clients would want to deal with a Sarasota patent attorney? Usually, I don't have to meet my clients in person to do their work for them, but I know many people like to meet the person they are doing business with before shelling over money. If it is a big problem, I could always get a virtual office in the Tampa area where I can meet with potential clients once a week. Thanks for any input!!

blakesq

[blakesq]

anyone? How about anyone with a profession in the Sarasota area, do you think it is difficult to get clients in the Tampa area? Thanks!

Originally Posted by blakesq

Hi All,

My family and I are thinking of moving from the northeast to Sarasota. I have my own patent/trademark law practice that I will move also. However, I am concerned that Sarasota may not have enough patent/trademark business for me, and I am wondering if you all think that Tampa/St Pete potential clients would want to deal with a Sarasota patent attorney? Usually, I don't have to meet my clients in person to do their work for them, but I know many people like to meet the person they are doing business with before shelling over money. If it is a big problem, I could always get a virtual office in the Tampa area where I can meet with potential clients once a week. Thanks for any input!!

blakesq

[BBI]

Originally Posted by blakesq

Hi All,

My family and I are thinking of moving from the northeast to Sarasota. I have my own patent/trademark law practice that I will move also. However, I am concerned that Sarasota may not have enough patent/trademark business for me, and I am wondering if you all think that Tampa/St Pete potential clients would want to deal with a Sarasota patent attorney? Usually, I don't have to meet my clients in person to do their work for them, but I know many people like to meet the person they are doing business with before shelling over money. If it is a big problem, I could always get a virtual office in the Tampa area where I can meet with potential clients once a week. Thanks for any input!!

blakesq

Who is your average client? I view the Sarasota market as very limited; very few businesses large enough to support strong commercial rates (and so very few significant law firms). If your client base is mostly mom and pops, you'll probably be fine. If you're looking for larger businesses, not many opportunities. and extending from Sarasota to Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater could be challenging. It's a full hour away and there's not much interaction between us in-house guys in the bay area and in-house guys in Sarasota. FWIW, I'd agree that face time with IP counsel is usually unimportant, and if we're meeting in person, it's at my office, not yours, so that's not a big deal either. Just tough to extend the network that far north when us clients aren't connected -- you could be doing great work and I'd never hear about you. I'd recommend you pick a city larger than Sarasota (which is what I'd suggest for most people who need a job, outside of a few industries, e.g., elder-anything, tourism, etc.).

[blakesq]

Thanks BBI. About 70% of my clientele are individuals with inventions. The remaining 30% are small to medium sized businesses. If a big client wanted to meet with me, I would have no problem making the hour drive to Tampa/ST PETE.

Originally Posted by BBI

Who is your average client? I view the Sarasota market as very limited; very few businesses large enough to support strong commercial rates (and so very few significant law firms). If your client base is mostly mom and pops, you'll probably be fine. If you're looking for larger businesses, not many opportunities. and extending from Sarasota to Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater could be challenging. It's a full hour away and there's not much interaction between us in-house guys in the bay area and in-house guys in Sarasota. FWIW, I'd agree that face time with IP counsel is usually unimportant, and if we're meeting in person, it's at my office, not yours, so that's not a big deal either. Just tough to extend the network that far north when us clients aren't connected -- you could be doing great work and I'd never hear about you. I'd recommend you pick a city larger than Sarasota (which is what I'd suggest for most people who need a job, outside of a few industries, e.g., elder-anything, tourism, etc.).