The National Creditors Bar Association Law Practice Management Blog

Most lawyers think of ‘virtual law practice’ as an all-in sort of thing:   Either you’re completely virtual, or you’re not virtual at all.  Only, that’s not the case.  Even virtual law practices intending to be totally virtual don’t ever  really  get there.  For one thing, law firms (due in part to jurisdictional limitations) are almost always physical entities, in some sense, even if the physical entity is a home office and  the physical network is  a limited number of local referral sources.  So, at least in this day and age, it’s almost impossible to be  completely  virtual.   And, that notion changes the complexion of this entire conversation .    I f a virtual  law  practice doesn’t have to be  totally  virtual -- what percentage  does  it have to be virtual?  95%?  92%?  4 7 %?  3%?  The fact of the matter is that it is really hard to def...

A decade ago,  lawyers had just one option for office space: a traditional lease.   That’s a costly option,  of course,  and can be a barrier to entry, especially for young lawyers, looking to start new law firms.   It’s also a  scary,  long-term commitment, potentially for up to  f ive years, for  any  law firm.   Fortunately, there are now more office space options than you can shake a stick at.   Due, in large part, to the rise of cloud-based technology,  lawyers can now work at home , exclusively .  Modern consumers care less and less where attorneys work, and that means that lawyers don’t need an expensive downtown address, in the way that they used to need an expensive downtown address.  Instead of an office lease, you can get your mail in a big city  to acquire a big city address , and talk to your clients via video conferencing.   . . .  And, get them to sign documents...

If you’re a solo lawyer , it doesn’t make sense to invest in a phone system.   But, you don’t want your clients to have your personal phone number, either.  What if they start texting you?        So, what’s a thrifty solo lawyer to do?     Enter  Google Voice , which is the answer to your prayers  . . .  i f the answer to your prayers is finding a better way to answer your phone when your clients call.   Google Voice allows you to ‘mask’ your personal phone number, while still receiving calls at your personal phone.  It’s free; and, it takes less than a minute to setup.  All you have to do is create or sign into an existing Google account, select a phone number, and you’re good to go.  Then, publish your new Google number,  and  get calls at your smartphone,  without  ever reveal ing  your personal phone number.   If you’re a solo  attorney ...