How to Start and Run a Law Firm Cultivating Allies -- Denver M&A Attorney Jonathan Langer
Jan 27, 2026
Jonathan Langer, founder and managing partner of Crestpoint Law and former Big Law M&A attorney, tells the story of leaving a large firm to build a boutique handling sophisticated deals for smaller businesses. He covers firm-building logistics, partner alignment and rebranding, networking and referral strategies, gradual practice expansion, and practical uses and limits of AI in transactional work.
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From Big Law To Growing A Local Firm
- Jonathan Langer left Big Law to join a solo practitioner so he could work with small-business clients he knew from growing up in Colorado.
- He helped turn that solo practice into a multi-partner firm by building basic firm infrastructure and bringing in more people.
Small Firms Can Compete On Complexity
- Small firms can deliver sophisticated M&A work because partners bring big-firm pedigree and focused reps on deals.
- Lower overhead lets Jonathan price competitively while standing toe-to-toe with larger firms on quality.
Use Your Network Before You Leap
- Tap your existing network and have many conversations before deciding your next move; referrals and a known contact opened doors for Jonathan.
- Evaluate multiple options and choose the fit that gives you clients and room to grow rather than rushing into a solo plunge.