Comments on: Virtually Anywhere: How I Created a Virtual Law Office That Works

By: Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:32:27 +0000

Hi Gary,

Thank you for the kind words.

Yes, there are lots of examples of interesting niches. For example, a lawyer in Chicago that focuses on green business or a business lawyer who handles compliance issues for gas stations, drug stores and convenience stores. Another example is a lawyer that does estate planning for LGBT families. There are so many possibilities when it comes to narrowing your practice. This other article I wrote for SPU will probably help: http://solopracticeuniversity.com/2011/01/06/niche-slapped-how-i-chose-a-niche-area-of-law-to-practice/

By: Gary Marsh

Gary Marsh — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:36:36 +0000

Hi Rachel: First, thanks for the great content. This is the best advice I’ve seen anywhere about VLOs. My little 2-lawyer shop wants to transition into a VLO. I’ve been in practice for 32+ years now, and am looking to change it up and enjoy some of those long-term travel adventures you, too, are fond of. A question: Can you think, or have you heard, of other examples of specialization, like the N.Y.C. firm you mentioned with the employment/pregnancy practice? I’d really like to finally narrow down my general business practice. Thanks, and Happy Holidays! My best, Gary

By: Chanlee

Chanlee — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 05:27:48 +0000

Just curious…why did you choose Total Lawyer over other online law practice management solutions such as Rocket Matter, Clio, Time Matters, ProLaw, HoudiniESQ, Advologix, etc.?

By: Lee Stewart

Lee Stewart — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:53:25 +0000

I’m not sure if the VLO is the right business model for us, but am interested in learning more about how it works. You have certainly given me some ideas to consider.

By: Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:53:53 +0000

Hi Debra,

So glad I could help! I spent lots of time researching and figuring out before I actually launched my VLO so you are definitely not alone. Hope this helps move the process along for you. And let me know if you have questions as you get ready to launch.

By: Debra Vey Voda - Hamilton

Debra Vey Voda - Hamilton — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:14:27 +0000

Rachel,
Great content and advice.
I have been doing the same thing
however, as a member of the ReZoomer crowd it has taken me a bit longer. Your article and subsequent advice in answer to questions is spot on.
I was wondering about a virtual office presence.
I will get this piece complete by summers end.
Thank you for appealing to everyone, not just GenY

By: Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:34:46 +0000

Hi Malcolm,

That’s a great example of how to blend a virtual office with a litigation practice. One could also try to schedule their court dates in a cluster (one way to do this would be to file various papers in succession but you’d have to be careful not to unnecessary delay your client’s cases). I have heard of another attorney who has a US litigation practice but lives/works from overseas most of the year and has another lawyer in his practice attend court hearings which, of course, is agreed to by the client at the outset.

My point is that in various litigation-based practice areas, bankruptcy being one of them, a lawyer can find a way to be mostly virtual if desired.

Rachel

By: Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:27:31 +0000

Hi Valina,

Congrats on going virtual!

One thing Debra Bruce has said is that choosing a niche doesn’t mean you have to turn away other work that comes in. It just means your marketing efforts are focused on particular types of clients. I have received calls for all kinds of legal work which is very different from the work I do. You can choose to accept those cases or refer them out.

The niche really does allow you to attract your ideal clients and cases. Try it temporarily and see what happens. You can always change your website content back if it doesn’t seem to work (but it totally will work!).

Is there any particular types of people you want to serve in disability and employment cases? I know a firm in downtown NYC that focuses on employment law for pregnant women and I happen to know that their phones ring off the hook with more cases then they can accept. That’s one example of how you can narrow down employment law.

Hope that helps!

By: Stephanie Kimbro

Stephanie Kimbro — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:24:29 +0000

Hi Valina. I’ve worked with several attorneys to help them set up virtual law practices within traditional office structures where the practice was litigation-based. I also provide free one-hour consultations to SPU members to help them in planning the set-up and continued growth of their virtual law offices. I have several case studies featured on the virtual law practice course blog here on SPU. Please don’t hesitate to use these resources.

By: Malcolm Ruthven

Malcolm Ruthven — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:15:12 +0000

I’m a bankruptcy lawyer and that requires some physical client contact (or at least I require some) and also showing up at hearings. I use an “executive office” (Regus) for meeting clients and handle everything else online (web, email, PDFs, etc.) and by phone. I do the initial free consult by phone. For 90% (a guess) of the time, I can be anywhere (that’s connected).