CLE Program

The practice of law has evolved along with technology, although, perhaps not at the pace at which technology advances. There are several reasons for this, among them the fact that many attorneys are less than technologically savvy, and that attorneys are most often risk-averse. However, those attorneys that can appropriately and safely leverage new technology can use it effectively in order to engage clients in new and impressive ways, to become more efficient and to make more money.

The virtual practice of law involves, potentially, many things, from adoption of small technological advances, to the creation of entire systems, meant to leverage the Web for legal practice. One such overarching technology solution is the creation of a “virtual law office” (VLO), which is a method by which attorneys may practice exclusively online. Virtual law offices may be completely Web-based or integrated into the services of a traditional law firm. Given the mobility and ease of access of modern society, this practice type appears to be set for steady and future growth, based both on the needs of modern clients and on the desire of attorneys to provide modern solutions for clients. Topics include:

• What is virtual law practice?
• Choosing a VLO structure: Unbundling legal services online, integrating a VLO into a traditional law firm and review of case studies;
• Technology: SaaS, document assembly and automation, case and client management, backend offices;
• Marketing a VLO: Startup basics, ethics issues, using social media and other free marketing methods; and
• Future innovations in e-lawyering.

Discussion of ethics issues that may arise in virtual law practice will be divided into two segments:

1. The attorney’s duty to conduct due diligence when researching the third-party software provider (security, confidentiality, reviewing the SLA); and
2. Daily best practices to avoid malpractice.

Attorneys seeking to add a virtual law office to their existing law firm, open a completely Web-based law office or with an interest in developing technology initiatives within their practices should not miss this program.

Faculty:

Sponsoring Sections: