Are you considering operating a remote law practice? Your decision could be great for your workplace.

According to Statista.com, 80% of employees worldwide would recommend remote work to a friend.

With evolving technology and changing circumstances in the workforce, working from home—or anywhere outside the office—is increasingly possible and maybe even preferable. 

But however popular remote work may be, you need to think long and hard about the pros, the cons, and how to build a culture in a remote work environment. 

Remote Work Benefits 

If you already have a virtual office, you might have noticed smaller invoices and happier employees.

The following are among the many positive effects of working from home: 

  • A reduction or elimination of costs related to running an office space,
  • Increased employee productivity, 
  • Access to a larger pool of employee talent, and
  • A positive impact on the environment.

Remote work could mean minimum input and maximum output for your practice. 

Remote Work Disadvantages

Remote work is not without its downsides. Sometimes the lack of clear boundaries between the office and home can cost your business.

The following are potential drawbacks of working outside of the office: 

  • Employees may be more distracted,
  • Less immediate access to employees during the workday,
  • Depending on potentially unreliable employee resources (e.g., wireless internet, telephone), and
  • A higher probability of employee burnout. 

While these negative aspects of remote work do pose threats to employee productivity and happiness, there are ways to combat them. 

Tips for Virtual Law Firms

Taking the following steps can help you avoid the pitfalls of remote work. 

Thoroughly Study the Rules in Your Jurisdiction for Conducting Legal Work on the Phone and Online

Before you take your employees out of the physical workspace, you need to understand your legal obligations and options when working in a virtual space.

Does your jurisdiction allow you to take sworn statements over the phone or online?

Does your court system regularly allow virtual hearings, or are remote proceedings only allowed in emergency situations?

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you determine how often your employees should be in the office and what equipment you might need to run a secure and ethical workplace. 

Make Sure You Have Control Over Technology that Can Protect Confidentiality

Confidentiality is one of the most important aspects of legal practice, and you must ensure allowing your employees to work remotely does not jeopardize client confidence.

Your employees’ personal wireless connections and antivirus protections might not be up to industry standards, so you need to find ways to eliminate any vulnerabilities employee home office resources could create.

For example, there are cloud-based case management services that can protect your firm from breaches, regardless of the equipment your employees use.

To solve issues with vulnerabilities, speak to legal IT professionals about your options. 

Plan Regular Meetings to Discuss Firm Needs

When working virtually, communication is paramount.

Before everyone leaves the office for home or another location, have a conversation with each employee about their resources and determine whether you need to provide them with technology.

You should also host a tutorial for your employees to review how to use your case management and communication technology.

Once your remote firm is up and running, schedule regular firm-wide meetings to make sure everyone understands when they will need to come to the office and what they need to have with them.

You can also use these meetings to gauge morale and formulate ways to set boundaries between home life and work life to prevent burnout.

Also, consider hosting remote get-togethers or lunches so employees can socialize and get to know each other.

Regular meetings can help you build a workplace culture even when employees are working remotely. 

Let Mesilla Legal Center Be Your Workspace

In a world where virtual work is possible and increasingly common, paying for a large, permanent office space can be a waste of money.

Our on-demand legal office spaces at Mesilla Legal Center can help you reduce your overhead and fulfill office space needs while running a remote firm.

We offer professional spaces furnished with wireless internet, video conferencing technology, and features for depositions.

Whenever you need a professional room to prepare for court, meet with employees, or resolve a dispute, you can reserve a space with us.

Call us at (575) 526-6917 or contact us online today to book space.

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