Virtual law firm

A virtual law firm is a legal practice that does not have a bricks-and-mortar office, but operates from the homes or satellite offices of its lawyers, usually delivering services to clients at a distance using technological means of communication. Most have a central function responsible for the accounting and administrative side of the practice. Virtual law firms are formed and regulated in the same way as traditional law firms, but their lawyers may be self-employed consultants rather than partners or employees.

History

The first recorded virtual law firm was "Woolley & Co" set up in 1996 in England by Andrew Woolley. The term became more clearly defined in 2004 in an article written by Joe Kashi defining exactly what it meant to be a virtual law firm. Virtual law firms are also often referred to as “cloud-based law firms”. In 2002 FisherBroyles, LLP was formed. In 2005, two more virtual law firms were formed in the United States: Virtual Law Partners and Rimon P.C. Rimon was also the first international virtual law firm. The concept has since spread globally and is finding favour with clients seeking higher quality service, value, and mobility.