Office Space

With the advances in technology, a physical storefront is no longer a necessity when starting a practice. Many solo and small firms begin practicing either at home, through a virtual office, or in a shared office arrangement. A number of considerations play into the decision: What does your target market look like? Do you expect walk-ins? Do your prospective clientele prefer face-to-face meetings? Are they comfortable using technology? Can you find a location convenient for you and your clients? Do you prefer to work alone or among others? Do you plan to have staff? In office or virtual? Most importantly, consider the cost of your office arrangement and whether it will fit within your budget. (Recognize that office space typically consumes the vast portion of most attorney’s budgets.)

VIRTUAL LAW OFFICE SPACE

A virtual office requires technology, such as an online client portal and web conferencing software (see Start-up Kit: Technology) to interact with clients. If you need it, there are services that will provide a physical mailing address, provide reception service, and physical conference space. They will also collect and process mail for you.

HOME LAW OFFICE SPACE

The Home Office: Setting it Up, Making it Work, and Managing Work/Life Demands (Legal Toolkit Podcast)

PHYSICAL LAW OFFICE SPACE

Physical office space might take the form of a leased building or floor, or a single rented office. Many attorneys start out in shared office arrangements either with other solo attorneys or within the space of a small firm. These opportunities are primarily discovered through word of mouth. Bar associations, law school alumni boards, and other listservs for attorneys are helpful resources for finding space. For temporary meeting or work space, check with your local bar association. Some bar associations, as well as the Social Law Library, provide office space for member attorneys to work on a temporary basis.

There are significant advantages of a shared office with other attorneys, but also significant ethical issues of which you must be aware.

• Important Practical and Ethical Points in Sharing Space by Connie Rudnick, Esq.
• Space Sharers Beware! (BBO)

LISTINGS FOR SHARED SPACE AVAILABLE: If you’re looking for space in Massachusetts, we welcome you to contact us to inquire whether we have any active listings from local attorneys.

FURTHER READING

Virtual Law Practice (Stephanie Kimbro, American Bar Association)

OUR BLOG POSTS ON VIRTUAL PRACTICE