
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to being a remote lawyer, but there are plenty of sizes to choose from.
Living in the post-COVID quarantine era has brought the serious benefits of remote legal work into perspective.
If you have chosen or are considering working as a remote attorney, you are not alone. There are some things to take into consideration as you make the transition.
How to Work as a Remote Lawyer in 2024
Unlike a lot of digital work that wouldn’t even have existed decades ago, the legal profession is not decades, but centuries old.
Of course, the more established something is, the more difficult it can be to change.
Technology has made it possible for a lawyer working from home to have a successful career whether you are part of a legal team, have your own practice, or work as a freelance attorney.
Reliable Desktop/Laptop
When considering the things you need to work effectively in a remote environment, a large filing cabinet and a library of case law books do not need to be on the list.
Make sure you have a robust desktop or laptop computer that you are comfortable using. This will be your primary method of communication with your clients, colleagues, and others.
If you enjoy working outside your home office, it is important to have a laptop that you can take with you.
You don’t want your hard drive being the only thing tying you to your desk.
Internet Connection
This seems like a no-brainer, but if you have multiple people working or using the internet in your home, or you live in a remote area, it is important to be sure that your internet connection is up to par.
Nothing is less professional than an email that didn’t go through or a fuzzy video conference.
Digital Security
Confidentiality is crucial as a remote lawyer. Make sure that you have a secure client portal for meetings and documents.
Traditional platforms may be fine for short catch-up calls where nothing substantial is discussed.
For calls that involve important confidential information, it is best to use an encrypted program. This goes the same for email correspondence.
In-Person Meeting Place
Some clients are not going to adjust to virtual meetings as well as others. It is a good idea to have a place you can go to speak to clients and hold in-person meetings.
Collaborative workspaces like Mesilla Legal Center are a great resource for lawyers working from home.
Choose from a number of options ranging from daily workspaces to coming in for a few hours as needed.
This way, you can still provide the comforting security of a legal office without the residual overhead costs.
Document Storage
It is time to stop locking the filing cabinet. Securing documents digitally through a cloud-based storage system is the way to go, even if you are still at a traditional office.
Keep documents organized and easy to find by accessing them electronically. Consider scanning in hard copies that are not originally available through digital means.
Other Considerations for Working as a Remote Lawyer
As with any remote work, never underestimate the value of communication and setting expectations.
Let your clients know when you are available and when they can expect to hear from you. Make sure they have a reliable way to reach you.
Last, but certainly not least, do not forget to care for your own mental health. Remote work can be isolating. Set boundaries for yourself.
Schedule time to venture out into the world, whether that means taking a walk, working from a shared workspace, or just ensuring that you turn off the computer at a reasonable time.
Remote Attorneys Rely on Mesilla Legal Center
At Mesilla Legal Center, we understand the needs of remote lawyers. Our flexible options can give you the freedom of remote work while providing a physical space when you need it.
Call or contact us online to reserve your space today.