According to 2020 data from Statista, there are currently over 1.3 million lawyers in the United States.
These professionals are spread across the 435,000 businesses that make up the $300 billion legal industry. With nearly 60,000 firms nationwide, personal injury (PI) lawyers form a $37.6 billion market of their own.
Until recently, very few PI firms were run from home. Thanks to advances in technology, not to mention the coronavirus pandemic, virtual models are becoming increasingly popular. Going digital has several benefits. For instance, your expenses can fall considerably in the absence of office rent and equipment upkeep. Additional changes include:
- Cloud-based software replaces costly on-site servers
- Employees enjoy more flexibility
- Improvements in productivity and job satisfaction
- Time lost to commuting is freely available
Of course, there are potential drawbacks. Maintaining your work-life balance may require willpower. The transition can also be challenging if you’re coming from a traditional law office. But for the determined PI lawyer, the advantages of opening or switching to a virtual practice far outweigh the initial hurdles. Here are some guidelines to help you along.
Plan Ahead
While it may not always feel like one, your virtual firm is still a business, which means it needs a detailed business plan. This can be as comprehensive as you’re willing to make it. The more you think through the future of your PI firm, the smoother you’ll progress. Remember to cover the following aspects:
- Executive summary – key information
- Firm description – legal structure and services offered
- Market analysis – competitors and revenue projections
- Marketing strategy – advertising goals
- Financial plan – budget and projections
Adjust Your Address
When clients look for your PI firm online or ask to send mail, the last thing you want them to see is your home address. It’s not particularly conducive to credibility or professionalism. Fortunately, the solution is simple.
You can sign up for a virtual office that provides reception services. This way, clients leave mail and packages at the rented location before they get delivered to your door.
Promote Your Practice
If you’re starting a new practice, it’s vital that you establish an online presence.
A website makes it easy for prospects to find your firm, see your services, and eventually reach out. From content to design to search engine optimization, a lot goes into a successful site. The website for this Houston personal injury attorney can give you an idea of what you should be aiming for.
Don’t forget about social media and review platforms such as Google Maps and Avvo.
Establish Workflows
In a virtual firm, you forgo the quick conversations and small task assignments that characterize office interactions. The natural flow of information is more tempered over IM chats and conference calls, which is why it’s important to clearly define your administrative processes.
This ranges from your communication channels, project management tools, and productivity trackers; to the way you handle initial consultations and subsequent meetings.
There’s more to running a virtual PI firm than meets the eye, but it’s nothing insurmountable. Get started today and you’ll be further ahead tomorrow.
