A growing trend among computer-savvy sole practitioners is to open a "virtual law practice" or "virtual law office" (VLO), where most communications with clients happen through a secure online server system. This is sometimes confused with a "virtual office," which generally refers to renting an office mailing address without having a physical office at that location. Many VLO attorneys combine their online law practice with a virtual office address, further muddling the confusion in terminology.
Cloud Computing
The popularity of the VLO developed through the growth of cloud computing and server networks. Rather than maintain brick-and-mortar offices, many solo practice attorneys choose to practice law from home and communicate with clients online.
In a good a VLO system, encryption tools enable attorneys to share messages and documents securely with clients on a server accessible through the Internet, using security systems that operate much like online banking. This provides greater privacy and confidentiality than using unsecured email communications.
Bar Associations and VLOs
The VLO is a relatively new concept. Many state bar associations are struggling over whether a VLO satisfies the Rules of Professional Responsibility in their state. The primary concern is over the security of client data, but some states are also debating the question of whether an attorney should be required to have a physical office where all files are stored and where a client can stop by at any time. Many are still having trouble grasping the concept of the paperless law office, and are dragging their feet over understanding 21st century technology. The fear of the unauthorized practice of law in other states also comes up in some of the debates.
VLO Services
While there are many ways for attorneys to build virtual law offices on their own, there are two companies offering prepackaged virtual law offices through a SAAS(Software-As-A-Service)system. Virtual Law Office Technology, LLC, better known as VLOTech, was founded by attorney Stephanie Kimbro. The technology offered by VLOTech is based on the system Kimbro developed for her own law practice. VLOTech was acquired by TotalAttorneys in October of 2009.
The other company offering virtual law office software in a SAAS package is DirectLaw. DirectLaw provides fewer back office functions than VLOTech, but places more emphasis on the client experience and on creating more revenue sources for the law firm. Their system includes a document automation system allowing clients to enter information online to generate the forms needed for their cases.
Sole practitioners who want to form VLOs should look at the systems offered by these companies, as well as exploring VLOs they could build on their own with their own servers or through a company such as Rackspace. For those who want to still keep the image of a professional office location, look into virtual office services offered by companies like Regus, DaVinci Virtual Office Solutions, and Office Suites Plus
.Online Law Practice Management Systems
Closely related to the virtual law office is the use of online law practice software. This form of cloud computing allows attorneys to put management of their firm's activities online rather than on their own servers. Some of the online law practice management systems offer options that somewhat overlap with those offered by the virtual law office systems, though their primary focus remains on brick-and-mortar law practices. To learn more, read Online Law Practice Management Software.