Buying Your First Practice? Read This First.

Legal tips, real talk, and a dose of tough love,  straight from dental attorney Levi Barlavi

Thinking about buying or starting your own practice?
Let’s make sure you’re not just signing a lease, you’re signing up for a future you actually want.

In this episode of the Hey Docs! podcast, Jill sits down with returning guest Levi Barlavi dental attorney, founder of Polished Legal, and one of the most trusted guides for doctors ready to step into ownership. With 15+ years of experience, a spouse in the dental world, and a no-B.S. approach to practice law, Levi brings the perspective most new owners actually need.

Because let’s be real: It’s not just contracts and checklists. It’s your career, your sanity, and your future on the line.

Start With Your Why (Yep, It Still Matters)

Before you tour a space or ask your lender how much you can borrow, ask yourself why you even want to own. Not the surface-level “be my own boss” stuff. We’re talking real clarity.

Levi has seen it too many times. Doctors who bought someone else’s dream and ended up stuck in a practice that didn’t fit their life. Jill echoes it: when you don’t know where you’re headed, you end up burned out, overwhelmed, or broke (sometimes all three). Ownership starts with vision.

You’re Not Just Building a Business—You’re Becoming a Boss

Levi jokes that he’s part attorney, part therapist. Honestly? Same. Because stepping into ownership brings up everything:  self-doubt, fear, identity crises.

From seasoned associates dragging their feet to new grads wondering if they’re “ready enough,” Levi breaks it down: your emotional readiness is just as important as your financial one. Ownership requires mindset shifts. So, don’t just prepare your paperwork,  prepare your mind.

Let’s Talk Risk: It’s Real, But It’s Not Reckless

Practice ownership sounds risky, right? Here’s the stat Levi loves to drop:
The default rate on dental practice loans is under 1%.

Translation?  With the right game plan (and the right people in your corner), this is one of the most stable investments you can make. But don’t go it alone. From shady leases to hidden liabilities, Levi walks through the legal landmines that can tank your deal before you even open the doors.

Your Inner Circle Could Make or Break You

If you take one thing away from this episode, let it be this:
Build your team before you build your practice.

That means an attorney who knows this space. A CPA who understands dental P&Ls. A lender who gets creative. A consultant (hi, that’s us!) who can help you connect the dots and avoid rookie mistakes. Good advisors don’t just keep you out of trouble—they help you find your fastest path forward.

Thinking Acquisition? Dig Way Deeper

Buying an existing practice might feel easier than a startup, but don’t let charm cloud your judgment. Levi’s advice? Ask the hard questions. Investigate the numbers. Interview the team. Don’t just inherit someone else’s problems with a fresh coat of paint.

You’re not just buying a practice. You’re buying its baggage.

Meet Polished Legal: Levi’s New Brand, Same Straight Talk

Levi’s practice just got a refresh, Polished Legal is the new name, but the mission’s the same: help doctors own their journey with confidence, clarity, and (yep) a bit more polish. National reach, approachable vibe, and real strategy for practice owners who want more than “good luck.”

Final Takeaways

Levi leaves us with this gem:
“Practice ownership is a leap, but it’s not a blind one.”

Do your homework. Know your why. Build your crew. And don’t let fear stop you from betting on yourself.

And if you’re ready to turn ideas into action, our team at JA&A is here to help you map the journey. Whether you're exploring a startup or sizing up an acquisition, we’ve got the strategy, tools, and support to help you own it—literally.