Since pandemic lockdowns were first initiated in 2020, remote work has transformed virtually every industry. The legal profession is no exception.
But now that things have been business as usual for some time, should you continue to embrace remote work at your practice? Our opinion is a resounding yes! For practitioners of the law, effectively leveraging remote work can help you create a thriving practice with high levels of client satisfaction, flexibility, and efficiency.
Consider the following strategies for facilitating a remote or hybrid law practice. What, though, if you’re wondering how to get a remote job? You, too, can use this information to understand and identify law practices open to remote applicants.
Welcome the Technology
You’re no doubt accustomed to using various technologies in your practice. For example, you almost certainly use some if not all of the following:
- Cloud-based document management platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive, or NetDocuments for the secure storage and sharing of legal documents.
- Case management software such as PracticePanther, Clio, and MyCase.
- Video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
- E-signature tools such as Adobe Sign and DocuSign that permit clients to sign their documents electronically.
If you’re using these tools, you’re already set up to make remote or hybrid work a reality.
Determine Remote Positions
As a seemingly age-old profession, you might presume that your practice should operate as they have for generations—everyone coming into the office at a set time in the morning and leaving at a set time in the late afternoon.
But the demands of recent years have proven that, like many other fields new to the remote work game, legal professionals can work remotely.
To prepare your team for remote work, you will need to determine which positions are well-suited to remote and hybrid schedules. Some, such as marketing managers and researchers, can function well with just a laptop and an internet connection.
Other roles may require some time at the office. For example, various members of your team may still need to meet with clients in person. And, of course, court appearances will have to be considered.
Next, talk to your team members to determine their preferences. Some may relish the chance to work entirely from home, while others may desire the structure and companionship of the office at least some of the time.
Get Your Team Ready
If your team is unfamiliar with remote work, it may be good to transition into it slowly. For example, you might determine that everyone will work from home on Fridays, facilitating the perk of a long weekend once the day’s work is complete.
You may also need to offer training and support. Introduce your team to new technologies like videoconferencing and workflow management platforms before sending them home to figure it out on their own.
Support may also include making sure everyone has a suitable home office. Consider offering stipends for the purchase of computer equipment or office furniture.
Prepare Yourself for Remote Work
You, too, can enjoy the freedom of a remote or hybrid schedule. Prepare yourself by setting up a home office that is free of distractions. Practice meeting with clients via video conference or conducting other work from home.
You can also test your willingness to delegate to and trust your team. You may find that not being able to monitor your team as you would at the office is an emotional strain at first. Avoid the urge to micromanage or check in on them (by call, text, or email) when it is not necessary. In time, their work will speak for itself.
Leverage Remote Work to Scale
You can also use remote work as an easy and affordable way to scale your business. For example, imagine that you determine you need a dedicated social media and marketing manager, but you don’t need to take someone on full-time. You could hire a freelancer and pay for only the services you need. As your business grows, you may decide to take your remote worker on full-time or split their responsibilities with a second freelancer.
You can also scale your practice by hiring fully remote legal professionals. A Google search for “remote law jobs” returns hundreds of job listings from reputable firms seeking remote attornies, clerks, paralegals, and assistants.
Key Takeaways
Working remotely as a legal professional is not only possible—it can help you scale your practice affordably while enabling both you and your team to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
You can ease into your remote practice by training your team, offering needed support, and promoting hybrid schedules before going fully remote. As your practice grows, you can actively seek fully remote professionals who have not only the skills you need but also the experience to thrive in a remote environment.
The future of legal work can be remote—and we think that’s a good thing. Set up your home office and try it out today.