My New Virtual Law Office: Let the (In?)sanity Begin

The paper files are almost all packed up for shipping to the digital storage company. The expensive phone system is for sale on Craigslist. The office furniture is also listed for sale. In fact, so is the office. No, I’m not going out of business. I’m moving. My new office address might as well be 123 Virtual Lane, Virtual Reality, Anywhere 00000. In 10 short days, my law practice will exist only in the virtual realm. I’m giddy about this change. Oh, wait, I’m scared to death…no, um, I’m giddy. Scared. Giddy. Ok, I’m both.

I’m giddy that I won’t be tied to the office almost every day because that’s where client files are, and that’s where the fax machine is, and that’s where the scanner is. But, I’m scared because I don’t know how clients will perceive the change. Is it possible for a “real” attorney to maintain and grow a virtual practice? Will clients 200 miles away retain me sight unseen?

I know this is the “Untethered Lawyer” blog, but come on…does this really work? I haven’t even announced the change to my existing clients. I’m hoping the “Out to Lunch” sign on the door tricks them and they’ll just go away and call and ask when I’m coming back from lunch.

I’m giddy because the virtual law office technology I’m licensing will automate much of the “administrivia” of running a solo law practice, and it has some really cool features. But, I’m scared because, let’s face it, I’m not exactly an “early adopter” tech user. Geez, I still carry around a paper calendar instead of using my blackberry. So, the thought of mastering the vlo technology brings some trepidation. And what about only using my cellphone? It does have a tendency to drop calls at the most inopportune time. How long will clients put up with that?

I’m giddy because it will now really be possible for me to be fully productive from my home in Atlanta, or with my mom in the Chicago area, or at my cousin’s house near Raleigh, North Carolina, in addition to the dreamy beach in Tahiti. But, I’m scared because what if I can’t find enough new clients or generate enough new business from existing clients to pay for all that pie-in-the-sky traveling? What if clients aren’t comfortable with my new avatar look on Virtual Lane? [And yes I realize I could have the same trouble attracting clients to my brick and mortar office if I don’t do the right business development, but somehow the issues seem magnified in the virtual realm].

So, I’m giddy and I’m scared—total insanity. But, in 10 days, I’m going out to lunch and I won’t be back. Please check on me in 90 days to see if I’m in a straight jacket or drafting contracts on the beach.

Traci D. Ellis is a veteran attorney with over 19 years of legal experience, both in private practice and as in house counsel for several Fortune 500 and privately held companies, including as Vice President & General Counsel. She now concentrates her practice in the areas of general business law, real estate law and wills and trusts. Visit Traci’s virtual law office at www.traciellislaw.com.

Photo courtesy of @chris.

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