What to Consider When Setting Up Your Virtual Law Office
A computerized information retrieval system for medical record retrieval and retrieval of other pertinent documents is vital when setting up a virtual law office. There are other MOS Medical Record Review 8596 E. 101st Street, Suite H Tulsa, OK 74133
things to consider as well.
This is the virtual era that brings more flexibility to diverse business processes including legal processes. E-lawyering has become a popular concept now with lawyers starting solo practices deciding to use a virtual law office. Advanced technology and the knowledge to use it is one of the most important considerations when setting up a virtual law office. Development of a computerized information retrieval system for processes such as medical record retrieval and the retrieval of other important documents pertinent to the various cases the lawyer handles is necessary. A virtual law office helps you save on office rent that could be one of your biggest expenses. It also facilitates a better work-life balance because you can easily access all client and case information from any secure area at any time. You get to enjoy flexibility in work hours and can also offer services at reduced prices mainly because of the lower business costs involved. The major considerations when setting up your virtual law office are appropriate software, security measures, communication methods, and access procedures. You must have a clear vision regarding the types of legal services you are planning to provide, the way you will relate to your clients, and how much you expect to earn from your business. Some other aspects to consider are as follows: •
Keep your overhead as low as possible: When you are just starting out, it is necessary that you minimize expenses because it may be some time before you see money from your clients. Experts recommend that you should have enough savings to cover 6 – 12 months of personal and professional expenses before you even consider beginning a law firm. If you are planning a virtual office, you need less money to launch it because you don’t need traditional office space.
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Ensure that all files/correspondence remains secure: You can use a hosted software as a service (SaaS) application in which encryption is used for all information transfer. Remember that standard email correspondence is not encrypted, and so it is not recommended for use with the virtual law office. You must also make arrangements to set up a secure payment center to accept payment for your legal services online. Another concern is checking and confirming the identity of clients, for which there should be a good system.
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Easy and secure access to files and other data: Make sure that all files, invoices, billing, accounting tools, and other important data are securely located at the backend of the website. Provide secure access for clients to their files for checking progress on their case and for providing/updating information. Each client can create a password to access his/her own homepage.
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Establish a productive communication method:Use the client’s homepage as a correspondence board. You can leave information, notices, and instructions for the client and the client can ask questions or provide the required information by posting it on their secure page. In case you have a traditional law firm as well as a virtual office, you can have a cell phone with a second business line that will allow for a separation of work from the traditional office and that from the virtual law office.
When launching your own virtual law firm, talk to other solo practitioners to obtain more insight regarding running the firm. Learn about their daily schedules, their law firm marketing plan, nature of their business cycles, and what cautions they can offer regarding their area(s) of practice. As providers of medical review solutions for solo as well as group practitioners, we understand that running a virtual law office start-up should be like running any small business. There may be setbacks and things you may not know how to do, but with the right advice and guidance and the willingness to learn you can succeed.
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
(800) 670 2809