Introduction to Virtual Law Practice

Overview

What is Virtual Law Practice? Delivering Legal Services Online Technology

SaaS Data Centers Benefits Legal SaaS vs. Piecemeal Apps

Understanding the Ethics Risks

What is virtual law practice? A virtual law office is a professional

law practice that is located online through a secure portal and is accessible to both the client and the attorney anywhere the parties may access the Internet.

Other terminology: VLO, virtual law firm, web-based law practice or online law practice.

What virtual law practice is not Virtual law practice is not :

an online website that sells legal documents without attorney review, such as LegalZoom and other web-based companies selling online legal forms

a law firm website with an email “contact us for a free quote” form for prospective clients

communication by email even if sent through a law firm’s website

a rented physical office that may be shared with other professionals along with a receptionist service

VPNs, extranets and other services, such as GoToPC and LogMeIn

a conglomeration of attorneys in remote locations pooling resources and communicating over the Internet

a law practice based in a virtual reality world, such as Second Life

Not all legal SaaS products providing web-based practice management tools create virtual law offices.

How Attorneys Use Virtual Law Offices Completely Web-based

Unbundled or limited legal services

Integrated into a traditional law office Unbundled and full-service

As a transition method to allow them to continue to practice law while meeting other personal and professional needs: To raise families To care for ill spouses or aging parents To ease into retirement After layoffs, to start a solo practice or work

while searching for another legal job

Why is Virtual Law Practice Important? For the Public

Greater access to justice Affordable and accessible legal services for lower and

moderate income individuals Pro-se litigants Pro bono opportunities

For the Legal Profession Better quality of life through work/life balance and

flexibility Technology streamlines and automates much of the

routine work allowing the attorney to focus on practicing law

Technology may help prevent malpractice through automated checks and processes

Lower overhead, less office waste, eco-friendly Expanded client base, increased competition

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Also commonly referred to as practicing law “in the cloud.”

The technology used to create and maintain the virtual law practice is handled through a secure, third-party hosted system.

Benefits of SaaS Security

Regular data backups Data stored on the server is encrypted using a 128 bit or greater Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) quality cipher algorithm

Time saving No in-house software installation Access to data anywhere the attorney may securely access the Internet Regular software updates and new features added without disturbing the workflow (and

typically at no extra cost)

Economic Lower overhead costs Less expensive than paying for software, storage, and server hardware and having to run it

internally with or without hiring an IT professional for the office Streamline your practice for greater efficiency Expand client base across jurisdiction Clients appreciate the convenience, efficiency and feeling “in control” over the status of

their legal matters

Eco-friendly

Better work/life balance

Risk of Using Piecemeal AppsSecurity Level

EncryptionSecure transmissionWho has access?

Ethics/malpractice concerns unique to attorneysConfidentialityPrivacy

Record keeping/consistency

Data return and retention policies

Offshore servers

Ethics ConcernsMany of the risks are similar to the ethics and malpractice risks

seen in a traditional law practice. However, here the risks may be decreased through the use of the checks and processes built into the technology.

UPL Issues unique to multi-jurisdictional virtual law firms Establishing the Online Attorney/Client Relationship

Defining the Scope of Representation Conflict of interest checks Confidentiality of Client Data Accepting online payments

It is the responsibility of the attorney operating a virtual law office to do the following: Make the determination on a case by case basis: Can I

competently handle this legal matter online or does it require in-person representation?

Understand the technology and the security risks

Future Innovation

Features of a virtual law practice will continue to expand beyond what currently may be imagined. The core function of a virtual law practice should

remain the same - the ability to securely deliver legal services and work with clients and other legal professionals online through an online portal.

The growth of online legal services is largely consumer-driven. The legal profession should step up to meet

this need or the public will continue to use methods that are not safe or in their best interest to acquire online legal services.

Contact Me

Email: slk@kimbrolaw.com

Twitter: @StephKimbro

VLO: www.kimbrolaw.com

Virtual Law Practice course at Solo Practice University: www.solopracticeuniversity.com

Blogs: www.VirtualLawPractice.orgwww.VLOTech.com