how to be a remote attorney

How to Work Remotely as a Lawyer: A Guide.

• 1. Communicate changes with clients, staff, and colleagues. If you’re opening a remote-first practice from the start, this point isn’t as relevant.
• 2. Get a strong internet connection.
• 3. Set up remote access to cases and documents.
• 4. Prepare a positive remote experience for clients.
• 5. Communicate with clients securely.

Full Answer

Can I work remotely as a lawyer?

Even if you’re only working remotely temporarily, your ability to be flexible and show that you’re still available to clients could very well lead you to connect with clients who’d otherwise have a difficult time getting the legal help they need. Furthermore, your clients may want a remote experience.

Do I need to meet clients in person when working remotely?

Depending on your practice area, you may still need to meet clients in person, even if you’re working remotely. For example, you may need to meet clients so they can sign their will.

How can firms work remotely successfully?

With a clear remote work policy, and a plan for tracking success and ensuring firm productivity, firms of any size can work remotely, successfully. The most important thing is to talk to everyone at your firm about the transition, and ensure you’re all on the same page about what’s expected.

What services do you need when you work remotely?

A service like Casemail is essential for making sure the mail gets out on time when you’re working remotely. If you need to file documents with the courts, and e-filing is an option in your area, consider investing in an e-filing service like Infotrack.

What does it mean to work remotely?

As mentioned earlier in this guide, working remotely means you’ll need a replacement for meeting clients in-person. You need to look sharp, but communications need to stay secure. Legaler and Jive both fit the bill.

What is virtual receptionist?

Whether you’re working irregular hours and don’t want to miss a call, or whether you’re simply trying to keep your remote working experience as smooth as possible, a virtual receptionist service can help ensure no call goes unanswered. There are plenty of options available, including Ruby and Smith.ai.

What is a VPN for law firms?

A remote-access virtual private network (more often referred to as a VPN) is exactly what it sounds like: It allows users (e.g., lawyers) to securely connect to a private network (e.g., one at a law firm) from a remote location. If your firm uses on-premise case management software, or if your files are stored locally on your firm’s network, you’ll need to set up a VPN in order to get access to key case details and documents. Follow these steps to set up a remote-access VPN.

How to dress for a remote conference call?

Dress like you’re going to work. A common trope of remote work is the worker who sits in pyjamas all day. However, this isn’t a great look for conference calls, and won’t make you feel great either. Instead, dress as you normally would.

Can clients call you if you don't have an office?

You may not be at the office, but your clients will still phone you! Even if you don’t have an office, it’s likely you’ll have at least some clients who want to get in contact via phone. For example, clients with limited access to technology might have an easier time phoning you than texting, emailing, or video chatting.

Is it important to open a law firm from the start?

If you’re opening a remote-first practice from the start, this point isn’t as relevant. But if you’re shifting from a more traditional law firm model to remote work—permanently or temporarily— it’s absolutely critical that you clearly communicate any changes and new policies.

Is working remotely a perk?

Working remotely as a lawyer or legal professional might seem like a perk. An unorthodox lifestyle choice. A nice idea, but an approach that’s too difficult for the demands of an age-old profession like law.

What are some jobs that can be done remotely?

Some jobs for remote lawyers include: Remote, full-time attorneys, of almost any type. Legal writers and underwriters. Part-time or full time freelancing positions. Remote, in-house lawyers. Almost all the jobs available for legal ...

What do remote employers want?

Since remote employers typically want someone who is proficient with computers and software, your LinkedIn profile and other social media will probably be scrutinized even more than a typical job. Make sure your online presence is professional and reflects who you are.

What to do if you have an online interview?

If you have an online interview via Zoom or another video conferencing platform, ensure that your connection is good. Having high-speed internet is crucial for remote positions, and if your connection is cutting out, it will reflect poorly on your ability to perform necessary tasks.

Can an attorney work remotely?

However, the recent changes that have allowed attorneys to work remotely has created an influx of job opportunities.

Do law offices reopen?

Now that law offices across the country have begun to reopen, often requiring in-person operating hours, there are a large number of legal professionals searching for remote jobs, either for a full-time position, or as a side hustle.

Do lawyers work remotely?

Many attorneys who work in person in an office also do some side work remotely to earn extra income. The flexibility of remote jobs means that lawyers can create a schedule that fits into their life, and not the other way around.

What Does a Remote Contract Attorney Do?

The job duties of a remote contract attorney involve working on legal responsibilities from home or another remote location. As a remote contract attorney, you work as a lawyer for law firms or an individual lawyer on a contract basis. You may meet with clients or communicate primarily by phone, email, or video conference.

How to Become a Remote Contract Attorney

The qualifications that you need to become a remote contract attorney include a law degree and a license to practice law. First, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in legal studies or a related field. Then, to obtain a law degree (J.D.), you need to attend law school for three more years.

Remote vs. in-person law firm work

Working remotely offers many benefits, as well as some challenges. Some attorneys may find that they prefer in-person work at their law firm, while others enjoy the flexibility and freedom of working remotely.

The benefits of working as a remote lawyer

There are numerous benefits for working remotely as a lawyer. Not only do you gain the ability to work wherever you want, whether you choose to deck out your home office, or find a quiet cafe, you also are able to bill more hours in the same amount of time, since you are cutting out your commute.

Is it possible to be successful as a remote lawyer?

Is it possible to be successful as a remote lawyer? Absolutely! There are many lawyers and legal professionals thriving in remote working environments. And if you want to fulfill multiple roles, working remotely gives you the ability to add variety to your day. Some jobs for remote lawyers include:

How to find remote attorney jobs

There are a number of websites that specialize in remote attorney jobs, as well as general job posting sites that have a high number of listings for remote work in a wide variety of legal fields. Nearly every specialty and desired number of working hours can be found online.

Tips for landing an interview for a remote attorney position

Since remote employers typically want someone who is proficient with computers and software, your LinkedIn profile and other social media will probably be scrutinized even more than a typical job. Make sure your online presence is professional and reflects who you are.

Nailing the interview: How to get the call back

Once you land an interview, small details add up to make the best first impression.

Get familiar with law practice management software

PracticePanther’s law practice management software allows legal professionals to work from anywhere, and saves hours every month on tracking hours, invoicing and billing, managing contracts, and more.

1. Axiom

Axiom provides legal services for General Counsel of several Fortune 100 companies, including Accenture, Amazon, Colgate-Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson, Time Warner, the New York Times, MasterCard, and the New York Stock Exchange.

2. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo is a fully remote technology company that provides search engine services without collecting or sharing any of its users’ personal information. DuckDuckGo protects more than 2.5 billion private online searches per month and remains committed to providing its users with “true privacy.”

3. Elevate Services

Elevate Services is a consulting firm that provides legal and business services, such as document reviews, HR support, procurement support, medical claims and litigation, marketing, and accounting.

4. Lexipol LLC

Lexipol provides risk management resources for public safety organizations, including resources for custody, fire, and law enforcement organizations, by delivering state-specific content through a cloud-based system.

5. RealtyMogul

RealtyMogul is the largest company in the country offering crowdfunding services for the real estate industry. The company’s team consists of professionals with experience in technology, finance, and real estate whose objective is to make it easy for investors to invest together.

6. Robert Half International

Founded in 1948, Robert Half International is a global professional staffing and consulting firm that is made up of eight divisions: Robert Half Executive Search, Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, Robert Half Legal, Robert Half Technology, OfficeTeam, The Creative Group, and Robert Half Management Resources.

7. Russell Tobin

Russell Tobin is one of the top staffing, recruiting, and advisory firms in the country, helping organizations connect with contract and direct-hire employees across a range of industries and skill sets.

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