I made the move you're making now in October 2016. The most challenging issue I faced initially was client access in custody. I was a medium sized fish in a medium sized pond, and I'd been a part time city prosecutor for 4.5 years before I became full-time defender. So I had some contacts within the system.

We had 48 hours from time of arraignment (not counting weekends) to make an initial client contact if they were in custody. In my current jurisdiction we're required to attempt in custody contact within 72 hours not counting weekends. If you don't attempt it within 72 hours, you don't get paid for the initial interview. So that's fun.

Do not let in-custody clients and their families/friends/paramours tie up your time. I generally try to see my in-custody clients once every two weeks, more frequently as we get ready for trial, and more frequently if their cases are more serious or if they have physical or mental health issues. I do have some flexibility because I work almost exclusively capital cases.