Virtual law practice isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. Rice Law, PLLC, a North Carolina firm, incorporated VLOTech nearly a year ago, and has used that technology to benefit traditional, full-service clients and to expand its offerings into new markets it could never have reached through traditional processes. Managing Partner Mark Spencer Williams shares the firm’s experience growing its practice through virtual technology.

 

 

 

Given that you already had a successful brick and mortar practice, what motivated you to incorporate VLOTech?

A virtual component had been planned to supplement existing services to brick and mortar clients since 2005. We had actually started working with a computer consulting firm in 2008 to make client files securely accessible to clients when we learned of VLOTech. We launched VLOTech in February 2009. At that time, the economy was taking its toll on family law attorneys in town. Clients were telling us they wanted to hire us but could not afford us. By launching the Virtual Law Office (VLO), we opened our geographic territory up from a Wilmington law firm serving surrounding counties to a Virtual Firm serving clients state-wide. We also found that we were able to unbundle services and help those affected by the downward economy who could not otherwise afford us.

How has VLOTech changed the way that you practice law?

We were high quality / high cost limited to full service in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick and Moore county. Now we also offer unbundled services state-wide at a fraction of the full service fee. We also use VLOTech to supplement communication and document delivery for full-service clients, enhancing their experience with the firm.

What do you see as the most significant benefit virtual technology offers your clients?

We are able to help clients we would not otherwise have been able to help due to cost structure. For example, much of the cost of preparing a separation agreement is in the cost of execution. By sharing responsibilities, the client can get it executed and we can simply draft the document.

What do you see as the primary benefits VLO offers your practice?

Clients see that we adapt to their needs as consumers and that we don't require them to fit into a one size fits all mold.

Virtual technology also makes it easier to interact with clients who live overseas in different time zones, and allows us to offer more pro bono public services without significant strain on the firm. And our participation demonstrates our technical prowess, sometimes resulting in the perception that we offer a level of service above that of non-VLO firms.

Have you found uses or benefits that you didn't anticipate when you started using VLOTech?

We now have more clients from other countries than we ever did prior to VLOTech.

What impact has the addition of virtual services had on your full-service practice?

 

About ½ of our virtual clients eventually become full-service clients. Some of our virtual clients come to us initially hoping to avoid litigation by seeking a marital separation agreement but find they need a full service law firm to help with litigation. Others seek help with a simple divorce or motion to modify custody/child support only to find themselves in the middle of a firefight over their head and they come back to us for full service. In all situations, they are already familiar with our firm and the relationship/trust that was created on-line becomes solidified with full service.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with attorneys considering virtual law practice?

 

You can’t just put out an electronic shingle and expect consumers to find you. I think to effectively market yourself you have to have a website that adequately describes your services and you have to participate in online forums, twitter, blogging, etc. to show that you can add value and have expertise, and then potential clients will come to you.