Introduction to a Virtual Law Office
A Virtual Office is a method of using the latest web technologies and software solutions to deliver services to the public over the Internet. A Virtual Office provides a solution for both the professional and the consumer because of its convenience and affordability.
What is a Virtual Law Office?
Virtual Law Office is an On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application with an integrated Client Portal. The application provides an attorney/paralegal access to the Back Office software used to run daily business operations, maintains control over the Client Portal, and allows a firm’s clients to use certain parts of the application via the secure Client Portal. It is used by attorneys/paralegals and their clients to discuss matters within a secure on-line environment, download/upload/share documents and information, and handle other business transactions related to the delivery of the legal services. Digitally secure environment with the end-to-end encryption enables an attorney/paralegal to effectively collaborate with their clients.
These do not apply to and are not considered a Virtual Law Office:
- Company Websites and E-mail Communications.
These types of applications are not to be confused with the attorney’s/paralegal’s company websites that have integrated e-mail forms for informal “Inquiries” or “Contact Us” pages. A mere communication by the use of an e-mail program cannot and should not be considered a “Virtual Law Office” – an e-mail is usually not encrypted and, therefore, is not a secure method of delivering personal and highly sensitive data.
- Rented Physical Office Space
Rented physical office space with a receptionist service shared with other attorneys/paralegals/professionals – an office space for the purpose of meeting with clients – is not a Virtual Law Office because the arrangements usually do not include technology to operate or provide an On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application which allows them to work with clients on the web.
- Non-Internet Technologies
Use of the VPNs, extranets, or other popular applications that enable attorneys/paralegals to access their office computers remotely is not a Virtual Law Office. Neither the firm’s clients nor attorneys/paralegals themselves are able to access an On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application to work and collaborate with clients on the web. The provided services are not being delivered via the Virtual Law Office which uses the technology to establish the attorney/client relationship. Virtual Law Office is a law practice that is bound by the jurisdiction of the state bar in which an attorney using the On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application is licensed to practice law.
These differences influence and affect the ethics and security issues related to the operation of the Virtual Law Office and the technology used to deliver it to the end users. Using and offering the Virtual Law Office services demands and requires, from an attorney/paralegal, a greater standard of care and attention to comply with the rules of professional responsibility and security which may not always apply to the process of running a business in the traditional brick-and-mortar way.
The On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application with an integrated Client Portal are the primary features of the Virtual Law Office that deliver legal services over the Internet. Both must be accessible via secure username/password integrated software applications. However, the interfaces and layouts for each of these applications might be completely different. This secure portal, specifically designed for the company’s clients, is one of the key points that comprises a Virtual Law Office and is different from any other web-based companies that offer various types of services.
Another use of the portal is to grant the user access to the opposing attorney. It will create a unique collaboration between two parties allowing secure communication and documents transfer within the Virtual Law Office environment.
For more information on the features and functions of the On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application visit our site @ www.attorneysbackoffice.com
