Virtual Law Firms: A Definitive Guide

The legal profession is one of the oldest in the world. But even a field as steeped in history as ours cannot afford to watch the technological advances of the modern age pass it by.

The wider world got used to a more virtual way of life during the Covid-19 pandemic, and many aspects of this have stuck around in the form of remote working and higher customer expectations. On top of this, traditional brick-and-mortar law firms have always had the disadvantages of sky-high office rent and long commute times to contend with.

Enter virtual law firms - a new way of delivering legal services that comes with a host of benefits, from reducing costs to better client experiences.

This guide explores what virtual law firms are, how they work, and the benefits they offer to both clients and lawyers. If you’re looking to start your own practice, this guide will also give you a better understanding of the virtual law firm model.  

What is a virtual law firm?

Remote or virtual law firms operate entirely online, providing legal services to clients without the need for physical office space. 

Legal professionals work remotely using technology for law firms -  specialist tools that enable lawyers to communicate with clients, share files, and handle legal matters. 

Virtual law firms offer a wide range of legal services. From corporate law to family law, they can cater to clients anywhere in the world, as long as the firm holds licenses to practice law in the jurisdiction where the client requires legal services.

Main benefits of virtual law practice

Reducing costs

This first benefit is perhaps one of the most significant for law firms: physical costs. 

Traditional law firms have substantial overhead costs usually associated with maintaining a physical office. They include rent, utilities, and office supplies. Virtual law practices eliminate these expenses by operating entirely online.

Virtual law firms also do not need to hire support staff to manage the office. When managing remote work in law firms, they can use innovative, legal-specific software tools to handle administrative tasks.

By implementing technology, virtual law firms can communicate with clients and conduct legal research far more quickly. This increased efficiency and productivity translates into cost savings for the law firm and its clients.

Increased flexibility can also lead to noticeable cost savings. In terms of lawyers’ work schedules and locations, reducing personal expenses like commuting costs can make a big difference to the firm’s bottom line. 

Easier to start

Virtual law firms typically require less capital to start and can be set up more quickly than traditional law firms. 

There is no need to secure physical office space, purchase furniture and equipment, or hire support staff. This can save time and reduce administrative burden, allowing lawyers to focus on providing legal services to their clients immediately.

With far fewer overhead costs, virtual law firms can offer more competitive pricing for legal services. This can make legal representation more accessible to clients who may not have been able to afford it otherwise. This increased affordability expands the potential client base.

Virtual law firms allow lawyers to work from anywhere with an internet connection. They can work from home, in a co-working space, or while traveling. This flexibility can be particularly attractive to legal professionals with families or other commitments.

This provides access to a wider pool of talent and means you can offer legal services to clients from around the world - depending on where your lawyers are based. This means a broader client base and a greater revenue stream. 

Work-life balance

A virtual law firm can offer more flexibility with work schedules. This allows a virtual lawyer to balance their work with other personal or professional commitments.

A benefit of virtual law firms is the reduced stress associated with a more flexible work environment. Lawyers working in virtual law firms may feel less pressure to conform to traditional work schedules and office culture. This allows them to create a work environment that fits their needs and preferences better. 

The increased flexibility and reduced stress can contribute to a better work-life balance for lawyers, promoting greater job satisfaction and improved mental and physical health - not to mention a more sustainable and fulfilling career in the legal profession.

Better client experience

Customers and clients of any business already expect to be able to do everything online. Receiving legal advice should be no exception. Virtual law firms can offer legal services to clients from any location with an internet connection. This is especially appealing to people who live in remote areas where traditional law firms may not be on their doorstep.



Virtual law firms rely on technology to handle matters and communicate with clients. This means they can respond to client inquiries more quickly, helping to improve satisfaction and reduce issue resolution times. 



Integrating technology tailors communication channels to client preferences. These can include email, video conferencing, and chat. The ability to collaborate with clients by sharing documents securely in the cloud helps streamline the legal process. The result is that they are more comfortable, happier, and engaged.



A virtual law office tends to use legal practice management software. Specialist software provides clients with more transparent billing practices. These include elements like real-time billing updates and digital invoices. Clients can feel more in control of the legal process, reducing billing disputes.

Starting an online law firm: Things to consider

Formulate a solid business plan

Creating a business plan is vital for any new law firm, especially those that exclusively provide virtual legal services. To achieve this, consider your goals and what success will look like for you and your firm.



Next, examine the following business plan steps:

• Define your target market: Identify the type of online law services you will offer and the clients you will serve. Conduct market research to understand the demand for your services and the current market competition.
• Determine your legal structure: Decide on your firm's legal structure. This can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). Consult with a legal or financial advisor to determine the best option for your business.
• Develop your brand: Create a brand for your firm. This includes a logo, website, and marketing materials. Consider hiring a professional graphic designer or branding consultant to help you create a strong brand identity.
• Evolve your service offerings: Determine the pricing structure for each legal service. Consider offering packages or bundles of services to attract clients and increase revenue.
• Plan your marketing and advertising: To attract clients, you must develop a marketing and advertising strategy. This may include developing a website, social media presence, and email marketing campaigns. Make sure you follow legal and ethical rules for advertising legal services.
• Choose your payment processing: You will need to set up payment processing for your firm. This includes accepting credit card payments and processing payments securely. Consider using a payment processing service specifically designed for a law firm online.
• Confirm regulatory requirements: Learn the legal and regulatory requirements for starting an online law firm in your area. Aspects may include obtaining the appropriate licenses and permits, complying with ethics rules, and complying with data protection and privacy laws.
• Determine your staffing needs: Decide on the virtual attorney numbers and support staff you need to operate your firm. 
• Develop your financial plan: Consider your startup costs. These include technology, office space, and staffing costs. Develop a financial plan for the first year, including revenue projections, cash flow projections, and a profit and loss statement.





Choose the right legal technology

Developing your technology infrastructure is vital. Set up your technology to include a website, email, cloud storage, and cloud-based case management software. Remember to consider the cybersecurity and privacy implications of the technology you use. 

For example, be sure to invest in reliable and secure technology. Take steps to ensure the cybersecurity of your firm. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and data encryption protect your firm's and client's data.

Must-have software for a virtual law office

Legal practice management software

Legal practice management software is a must-have tool for virtual law offices. It allows lawyers to manage cases, track time, and streamline administrative tasks. 

Lawyers can store client information, manage deadlines and appointments, and track billable hours. These tools also provide financial reporting and analytics to help lawyers understand the financial health of their practice and make informed business decisions.

E-signature software

E-signature software enables lawyers to sign and manage electronic legal documents securely. They can send documents for signature to clients and other parties. 

In addition, e-signature software tracks document status and manages document versions. This saves time and reduces the need for printing, scanning, and mailing documents. It’s an environmentally-friendly and efficient option for legal document management.

Video conferencing software

Video conferencing software allows lawyers to meet with clients, colleagues, and other parties remotely. With video conferencing software, lawyers can conduct virtual meetings, depositions, and court hearings. 

Clients can receive high-quality legal services from any location. Video conferencing software also allows for screen sharing and document collaboration. This makes it easier to discuss legal matters and share information with others.

VoIP software

With VoIP software, lawyers can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Use a computer, mobile device, or IP phone for a cost-effective and efficient option for phone communication. And it eliminates the need for traditional phone lines and costly hardware.

Cloud storage

Using cloud storage enables lawyers to securely store client files, legal documents, and other important information. Accessible from any device, cloud storage also provides backup and disaster recovery options, ensuring that important data is always safe and accessible.

Best practices for managing a virtual law firm



• Using secure communication and collaboration tools. Choose video conferencing, secure email, and document-sharing platforms.

• Establishing clear policies and procedures for remote work. To include expectations for availability, communication, and performance.

• Fostering a strong company culture, including regular team meetings and virtual social events.

• Implementing legal practice management software to track time, manage cases, and streamline administrative tasks.

• Embracing flexible working arrangements. These include remote work and flexible scheduling to support work-life balance and attract top talent.

• Monitoring and managing team productivity and law firm KPIs. Achieve this with data-driven metrics to identify areas for improvement and track progress toward goals.

• Prioritizing client communication and collaboration using virtual tools and platforms. These tools deliver a high-quality client experience.

• Staying up-to-date on legal tech trends and developments - then adapting your business strategy and services accordingly.

Embrace innovation with a virtual law firm

Grant Walsh, co-founder and co-managing partner of Culhane Meadows, has spoken about the rise of virtual law firms. He said:



“The difference comes in how you build and maintain the culture within a distributed environment and, for us, the culture itself, which is deliberately distinct from that of a traditional firm. A big part of that is bringing in attorneys who want to do things in a new and more efficient way, as well as having the technology in place to allow partners to work seamlessly from anywhere.”



Due to the pandemic shifting lawyers’ priorities, it’s crucial to prioritize technology and virtual capabilities when establishing a virtual law firm. 

Remote work is the new norm, and building a strong sense of community and connection among virtual teams can be challenging. It's essential to establish a clear mission and values for the firm. Foster a culture of collaboration, communication, and mutual support. 

This can include regular team meetings, virtual social events, professional development, and mentorship opportunities. By prioritizing a solid company culture, virtual law firms can attract and retain top talent and build a positive reputation in the legal industry.