How to Choose the Right Virtual Office for Your Law Practice
Have you ever considered a virtual office for your practice? Do you even know what a virtual office is, or how it can benefit an attorney?
If you're operating a small law practice at home or are currently paying expensive rent on unnecessary office space, a virtual office may be right for you.
A virtual office can be the ideal solution for an attorney looking for the convenience and expense of a home office, while also looking for the professional appearance of a true office. But with virtual office providers seemingly popping up overnight, how does an attorney choose the right one?
Here are some questions you should ask yourself when deciding on whether you need a virtual office and which virtual office may be the best fit for you.
- Why do you need a virtual office? This is the first question that you should ask. Common reasons for needing a virtual office may be to have somewhere to meet clients outside of your home, needing a business mailing address, and wanting to have a professional receptionist without having to pay for your own employee. Think about all the reasons you may need a virtual office, and make sure the virtual office package you are shopping for meets all these needs.
- How often do you meet with clients? For lawyers like criminal defense attorneys who will meet with clients a lot, you may want to consider renting conventional office space as opposed to a virtual office. A virtual office is usually more appropriate for attorneys who will only need to have occasional use of an office.
- Are conference rooms available? Many virtual offices provide conference rooms, typically for a fee. Figure out how many complimentary uses you get as part of your package, and how much it will cost to reserve additional time.
- Is there secretary/phone support? Again, almost everything is an add-on with virtual offices. If your priority is secretarial support, figure out how much it costs.
- Where is it located? The maxim in real estate is location, location, location. The same is true for offices -- even virtual law offices. Make sure the office is located close to public transportation or has available parking. You probably also want to check on who your neighbors are.
Virtual offices are a great tool for attorneys. But as with all new innovations, you have to know how to find and shop for the right one. Consider these tips when searching for a virtual office.
Follow us on Google+ by clicking here.
Related Resources:
- Become a 'Boutique Law Firm' to Cash in on the Status Appeal (FindLaw's Strategist)
- How Much Does it Cost to Start Your Own Law Firm? (FindLaw's Strategist)
- How to Stay Sane in Your Home Office (FindLaw's Strategist)
- How to Integrate a Virtual Law Office (FindLaw's Technologist)
